Improved algorithm for MODIS satellite retrievals of aerosol optical thickness over land in dusty atmosphere: Implications for air quality monitoring in China

Jun Wang; Xiaoguang Xu; Robert Spurr; Yuxuang Wang; Easan Drury

doi:10.1016/j.rse.2010.05.034

Back

Improved algorithm for MODIS satellite retrievals of aerosol optical thickness over land in dusty atmosphere: Implications for air quality monitoring in China

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Improved algorithm for MODIS satellite retrievals of aerosol optical thickness over land in dusty atmosphere: Implications for air quality monitoring in China

Jun Wang, Xiaoguang Xu, Robert Spurr, Yuxuang Wang and Easan Drury

Remote sensing of environment, Vol.114(11), pp.2575-2583

2010

DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2010.05.034

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2010.05.034View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

A new algorithm, using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite reflectance and aerosol single scattering properties simulated from a chemistry transport model (GEOS-Chem), is developed to retrieve aerosol optical thickness (AOT) over land in China during the spring dust season. The algorithm first uses a “dynamic lower envelope” approach to sample the MODIS dark-pixel reflectance data in low AOT conditions, to derive the local surface visible (0.65 μm)/near infrared (NIR, 2.1 μm) reflectance ratio. Joint retrievals of AOT at 0.65 μm and surface reflectance at 2.1 μm are then performed, based on the time, location, and spectral-dependent single scattering properties of the dusty atmosphere as simulated by the GEOS-Chem. A linearized vector radiative transfer model (VLIDORT) that simultaneously computes the top-of-atmosphere reflectance and its Jacobian with respect to AOT, is used in the forward component of the inversion of MODIS reflectance to AOT. Comparison of retrieved AOT results in April and May of 2008 with AERONET observations shows a strong correlation ( R = 0.83), with small bias (0.01), and small RMSE (0.17); the figures are a substantial improvement over corresponding values obtained with the MODIS Collection 5 AOT algorithm for the same study region and time period. The small bias is partially due to the consideration of dust effect at 2.1 μm channel, without which the bias is − 0.05. The surface PM 10 (particulate matter with diameter less than 10 μm) concentrations derived using this improved AOT retrieval show better agreement with ground observations than those derived from GEOS-Chem simulations alone, or those inferred from the MODIS Collection 5 AOT. This study underscores the value of using satellite reflectance to improve the air quality modeling and monitoring.

Particulate matter air quality

Remote sensing of aerosols

Air quality in China

Atmospheric correction in dusty condition

Details

Title: Subtitle: Improved algorithm for MODIS satellite retrievals of aerosol optical thickness over land in dusty atmosphere: Implications for air quality monitoring in China
Creators: Jun Wang - Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
Xiaoguang Xu - Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
Robert Spurr - RT Solutions Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
Yuxuang Wang - Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Easan Drury - Strategic Energy Analysis Center, National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, CO, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Remote sensing of environment, Vol.114(11), pp.2575-2583
DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2010.05.034
ISSN: 0034-4257
eISSN: 1879-0704
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Language: English
Date published: 2010
Academic Unit: Civil and Environmental Engineering; Iowa Technology Institute; Physics and Astronomy; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Record Identifier: 9984104805702771

Metrics

17 Record Views

83 Times Cited - Web of Science