Editorial

3 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue “High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol–Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate”

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(13), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12132166 - 07 Jul 2020

Viewed by 1710

Abstract

This Special Issue contains twelve publications that, through different remote sensing techniques, investigate how the atmospheric aerosol layers and their radiative effects influence cloud formation, precipitation and air-quality. The investigations are carried out analyzing observations obtained from high-resolution optical devices deployed on different [...] Read more.

This Special Issue contains twelve publications that, through different remote sensing techniques, investigate how the atmospheric aerosol layers and their radiative effects influence cloud formation, precipitation and air-quality. The investigations are carried out analyzing observations obtained from high-resolution optical devices deployed on different platforms as satellite and ground-based observational sites. In this editorial, the published contributions are taken in review to highlight their innovative contribution and research main findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

Research

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17 pages, 5211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Lidar Ratio for Major Aerosol Types over Western North Pacific Based on Long-Term MPLNET Data

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(17), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12172769 - 26 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2859

Abstract

East Asia is the most complex region in the world for aerosol studies, as it encounters a lot of varieties of aerosols, and aerosol classification can be a challenge in this region. In the present study, we focused on the relationship between aerosol [...] Read more.

East Asia is the most complex region in the world for aerosol studies, as it encounters a lot of varieties of aerosols, and aerosol classification can be a challenge in this region. In the present study, we focused on the relationship between aerosol types and aerosol optical properties. We analyzed the long-term (2005–2012) data of vertical profiles of aerosol extinction coefficients, lidar ratio (S_p), and other aerosol optical properties obtained from a NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network and Aerosol Robotic Network site in northern Taiwan, which frequently receives Asian continental outflows. Based on aerosol extinction vertical profiles, the profiles were classified into two types: type 1 (single-layer structure) and type 2 (two-layer structure). Fall season (October–November) was the prevailing season for the Type 1, whereas type 2 mainly happened in spring (March–April). In type 1, air masses normally originated from three regional sectors, i.e., Asia continental (AC), Pacific Ocean (PO), and Southeast Asia (SA). The mean S_p values were 39 ± 17 sr, 30 ± 12 sr, and 38 ± 18 sr for the AC, PO, and SA sectors, respectively. The S_p results suggested that aerosols from the AC sector contained dust and anthropogenic particles, and aerosols from the PO sector were most likely sea salts. We further combined the EPA dust event database and backward trajectory analysis for type 2. Results showed that S_p was 41 ± 14 sr and 53 ± 21 sr for dust storm and biomass-burning events, respectively. The S_p for biomass-burning events in type 2 showed two peaks patterns. The first peak occurred within range of 30–50 sr corresponding to urban pollutant, and the second peak occurred within range of 60–80 sr in relation to biomass burning. Finally, our study summarized the S_p values for four major aerosol types over northern Taiwan, viz., urban (42 ± 18 sr), dust (34 ± 6 sr), biomass-burning (69 ± 12 sr), and oceanic (30 ± 12 sr). Our findings provide useful references for aerosol classification and air pollution identification over the western North Pacific. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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16 pages, 4769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Observation of Turbulent Mixing Characteristics in the Typical Daytime Cloud-Topped Boundary Layer over Hong Kong in 2019

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(9), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12091533 - 11 May 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3780

Abstract

Turbulent mixing is critical in affecting urban climate and air pollution. Nevertheless, our understanding of it, especially in a cloud-topped boundary layer (CTBL), remains limited. High-temporal resolution observations provide sufficient information of vertical velocity profiles, which is essential for turbulence studies in the [...] Read more.

Turbulent mixing is critical in affecting urban climate and air pollution. Nevertheless, our understanding of it, especially in a cloud-topped boundary layer (CTBL), remains limited. High-temporal resolution observations provide sufficient information of vertical velocity profiles, which is essential for turbulence studies in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). We conducted Doppler Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) measurements in 2019 using the 3-Dimensional Real-time Atmospheric Monitoring System (3DREAMS) to reveal the characteristics of typical daytime turbulent mixing processes in CTBL over Hong Kong. We assessed the contribution of cloud radiative cooling on turbulent mixing and determined the altitudinal dependence of the contribution of surface heating and vertical wind shear to turbulent mixing. Our results show that more downdrafts and updrafts in spring and autumn were observed and positively associated with seasonal cloud fraction. These results reveal that cloud radiative cooling was the main source of downdraft, which was also confirmed by our detailed case study of vertical velocity. Compared to winter and autumn, cloud base heights were lower in spring and summer. Cloud radiative cooling contributed ~32% to turbulent mixing even near the surface, although the contribution was relatively weaker compared to surface heating and vertical wind shear. Surface heating and vertical wind shear together contributed to ~45% of turbulent mixing near the surface, but wind shear can affect up to ~1100 m while surface heating can only reach ~450 m. Despite the fact that more research is still needed to further understand the processes, our findings provide useful references for local weather forecast and air quality studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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20 pages, 7581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a 3D Real-Time Atmospheric Monitoring System (3DREAMS) Using Doppler LiDARs and Applications for Long-Term Analysis and Hot-and-Polluted Episodes

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Steve Hung Lam YIM

Remote Sens. 2020, 12(6), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12061036 - 24 Mar 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3683

Abstract

Heatwaves and air pollution are serious environmental problems that adversely affect human health. While related studies have typically employed ground-level data, the long-term and episodic characteristics of meteorology and air quality at higher altitudes have yet to be fully understood. This study developed [...] Read more.

Heatwaves and air pollution are serious environmental problems that adversely affect human health. While related studies have typically employed ground-level data, the long-term and episodic characteristics of meteorology and air quality at higher altitudes have yet to be fully understood. This study developed a 3-Dimensional Real-timE Atmospheric Monitoring System (3DREAMS) to measure and analyze the vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed and direction, vertical wind velocity as well as aerosol backscatter. The system was applied to Hong Kong, a highly dense city with complex topography, during each season and including hot-and-polluted episodes (HPEs) in 2019. The results reveal that the high spatial wind variability and wind characteristics in the lower atmosphere in Hong Kong can extend upwards by up to 0.66 km, thus highlighting the importance of mountains for the wind environment in the city. Both upslope and downslope winds were observed at one site, whereas downward air motions predominated at another site. The high temperature and high concentration of fine particulate matter during HPEs were caused by a significant reduction in both horizontal and vertical wind speeds that established conditions favorable for heat and air pollutant accumulation, and by the prevailing westerly wind promoting transboundary air pollution. The findings of this study are anticipated to provide valuable insight for weather forecasting and air quality studies. The 3DREAMS will be further developed to monitor upper atmosphere wind and air quality over the Greater Bay Area of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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14 pages, 10562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Determination of Aerosol Distribution by a No-Blind-Zone Scanning Lidar

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(4), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12040626 - 13 Feb 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

A homemade portable no-blind zone laser detection and ranging (lidar) system was designed to map the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of aerosols based on a dual-field-of-view (FOV) receiver system. This innovative lidar prototype has a space resolution of 7.5 m and a time resolution [...] Read more.

A homemade portable no-blind zone laser detection and ranging (lidar) system was designed to map the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of aerosols based on a dual-field-of-view (FOV) receiver system. This innovative lidar prototype has a space resolution of 7.5 m and a time resolution of 30 s. A blind zone of zero meters, and a transition zone of approximately 60 m were realized with careful optical alignments, and were rather meaningful to the lower atmosphere observation. With a scanning platform, the lidar system was used to locate the industrial pollution sources at ground level. The primary parameters of the transmitter, receivers, and detectors are described in this paper. Acquiring a whole return signal of this lidar system represents the key step to the retrieval of aerosol distribution with applying a linear joining method to the two FOV signals. The vertical profiles of aerosols were retrieved by the traditional Fernald method and verified by real-time observations. To effectively and reliably retrieve the horizontal distributions of aerosols, a composition of the Fernald method and the slope method were applied. In this way, a priori assumptions of even atmospheric conditions and the already-known reference point in the lidar equation were avoided. No-blind-zone vertical in-situ observation of aerosol illustrated a detailed evolution from almost 0 m to higher altitudes. No-blind-zone detection provided tiny structures of pollution distribution in lower atmosphere, which is closely related to human health. Horizontal field scanning experiments were also conducted in the Shandong Province. The results showed a high accuracy of aerosol mass movement by this lidar system. An effective quantitative way to locate pollution sources distribution was paved with the portable lidar system after validation by the mass concentration of suspended particulate matter from a ground air quality station. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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17 pages, 6967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Wind Shear Modulates Particulate Matter Pollutions: A Perspective from Radar Wind Profiler Observations in Beijing, China

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12030546 - 07 Feb 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6239

Abstract

Vertical wind shear (VWS) is one of the key meteorological factors in modulating ground-level particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM_2.5). Due to the lack of high-resolution vertical wind measurements, how the VWS affects ground-level PM [...] Read more.

Vertical wind shear (VWS) is one of the key meteorological factors in modulating ground-level particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM_2.5). Due to the lack of high-resolution vertical wind measurements, how the VWS affects ground-level PM_2.5 remains highly debated. Here we employed the wind profiling observations from the fine-time-resolution radar wind profiler (RWP), together with hourly ground-level PM_2.5 measurements, to explore the wind features in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and their association with aerosols in Beijing for the period from December 1, 2018, to February 28, 2019. Overall, southerly wind anomalies almost dominated throughout the whole PBL or even beyond the PBL under polluted conditions during the course of a day, as totally opposed to the northerly wind anomalies in the PBL under clean conditions. Besides, the ground-level PM_2.5 pollution exhibited a strong dependence on the VWS. A much weaker VWS was observed in the lower part of the PBL under polluted conditions, compared with that under clean conditions, which could be due to the strong ground-level PM_2.5 accumulation induced by weak vertical mixing in the PBL. Notably, weak northbound transboundary PM_2.5 pollution mainly appeared within the PBL, where relatively small VWS dominated. Above the PBL, strong northerlies winds also favored the long-range transport of aerosols, which in turn deteriorated the air quality in Beijing as well. This was well corroborated by the synoptic-scale circulation and backward trajectory analysis. Therefore, we argued here that not only the wind speed in the vertical but the VWS were important for the investigation of aerosol pollution formation mechanism in Beijing. Also, our findings offer wider insights into the role of VWS from RWP in modulating the variation of PM_2.5, which deserves explicit consideration in the forecast of air quality in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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21 pages, 6353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role and Mechanisms of Black Carbon Affecting Water Vapor Transport to Tibet

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12020231 - 09 Jan 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3017

Abstract

Although some studies reported the impact of black carbon (BC) on the climate over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), the contribution and mechanisms of BC affecting the water vapor transport to Tibet are not fully understood yet. Here, utilizing the satellite observations and reanalysis [...] Read more.

Although some studies reported the impact of black carbon (BC) on the climate over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), the contribution and mechanisms of BC affecting the water vapor transport to Tibet are not fully understood yet. Here, utilizing the satellite observations and reanalysis data, the effects of BC on the climate over the TP and water vapor transport to the Tibet were investigated by the Community Earth System Model (CESM 2.1.0). Due to the addition of BC, a positive net heat forcing (average is 0.39 W/m²) is exerted at the surface, which induces a pronounced warming effect over the TP and consequently intensifies the East Asian Summer monsoon (EASM). However, significant cooling effects in northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran are induced due to the BC and related feedbacks, which reduces significantly the meridional land–sea thermal contrast and finally weakens the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM). Consequently, the water vapor transport to the south border is decreased due to addition of BC. Moreover, through affecting the atmospheric circulation, the BC could induce an increase in the imported water vapor from the west and east borders of the TP, and an increase outflowing away from the north border of the TP. Overall, due to the BC, the annual mean net importing water vapor over TP is around 271 Gt, which could enhance the precipitation over the TP. The results show that the mean increase in the precipitation over TP is about 0.56 mm/day. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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16 pages, 6088 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Overview of the New Version 3 NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) Automatic Precipitation Detection Algorithm

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Remote Sens. 2020, 12(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12010071 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4367

Abstract

Precipitation modifies atmospheric column thermodynamics through the process of evaporation and serves as a proxy for latent heat modulation. For this reason, a correct precipitation parameterization (especially for low-intensity precipitation) within global scale models is crucial. In addition to improving our modeling of [...] Read more.

Precipitation modifies atmospheric column thermodynamics through the process of evaporation and serves as a proxy for latent heat modulation. For this reason, a correct precipitation parameterization (especially for low-intensity precipitation) within global scale models is crucial. In addition to improving our modeling of the hydrological cycle, this will reduce the associated uncertainty of global climate models in correctly forecasting future scenarios, and will enable the application of mitigation strategies. In this manuscript we present a proof of concept algorithm to automatically detect precipitation from lidar measurements obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Micropulse lidar network (MPLNET). The algorithm, once tested and validated against other remote sensing instruments, will be operationally implemented into the network to deliver a near real time (latency <1.5 h) rain masking variable that will be publicly available on MPLNET website as part of the new Version 3 data products. The methodology, based on an image processing technique, detects only light precipitation events (defined by intensity and duration) such as light rain, drizzle, and virga. During heavy rain events, the lidar signal is completely extinguished after a few meters in the precipitation or it is unusable because of water accumulated on the receiver optics. Results from the algorithm, in addition to filling a gap in light rain, drizzle, and virga detection by radars, are of particular interest for the scientific community as they help to fully characterize the aerosol cycle, from emission to deposition, as precipitation is a crucial meteorological phenomenon accelerating atmospheric aerosol removal through the scavenging effect. Algorithm results will also help the understanding of long term aerosol–cloud interactions, exploiting the multi-year database from several MPLNET permanent observational sites across the globe. The algorithm is also applicable to other lidar and/or ceilometer network infrastructures in the framework of the Global Aerosol Watch (GAW) aerosol lidar observation network (GALION). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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27 pages, 9279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerosol Optical Radiation Properties in Kunming (the Low–Latitude Plateau of China) and Their Relationship to the Monsoon Circulation Index

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Remote Sens. 2019, 11(24), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11242911 - 05 Dec 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2963

Abstract

Based on the Langley method and the EuroSkyRad (ESR) pack retrieval scheme, we carried out the retrieval of the aerosol properties for the CE–318 sunphotometer observation data from March 2012 to February 2014 in Kunming, China, and we explored the possible mechanisms of [...] Read more.

Based on the Langley method and the EuroSkyRad (ESR) pack retrieval scheme, we carried out the retrieval of the aerosol properties for the CE–318 sunphotometer observation data from March 2012 to February 2014 in Kunming, China, and we explored the possible mechanisms of the seasonal variations. The seasonal variation of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) was unimodal and reached a maximum in summer. The retrieval analysis of the Angstrom exponent (α) showed the aerosol types were continental, biomass burning (BB), and urban/industrial (UI); the content of the desert dust (DD) was low, and it may have contained a sea–salt (SS) aerosol due to the influence of the summer monsoon. All the aerosol particle spectra in different seasons showed a bimodal structure. The maximum and submaximal values were located near 0.2 μm and 4 μm, respectively, and the concentration of the aerosol volume was the highest in summer. In summer, aerosol particles have a strong scattering power but a weak absorption power; this pattern is the opposite in winter. The synergistic effect of the East Asian monsoon and the South Asian monsoon seasonal oscillations can have an important impact on the variation of the aerosol properties. The oscillation variation characteristic of the total vertical columnar water vapor (CWV) and the monsoon index was completely consistent. The aerosol types and sources in the Yunnan–Kweichow Plateau and the optical radiation properties were closely related to the monsoon circulation activities during different seasons and were different from other regions in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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15 pages, 10739 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

New Global View of Above-Cloud Absorbing Aerosol Distribution Based on CALIPSO Measurements

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Remote Sens. 2019, 11(20), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11202396 - 16 Oct 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2536

Abstract

Above-low-level-cloud aerosols (ACAs) have gradually gained more interest in recent years; however, the combined aerosol–cloud radiation effects are not well understood. The uncertainty about the radiative effects of aerosols above cloud mainly stems from the lack of comprehensive and accurate retrieval of aerosols [...] Read more.

Above-low-level-cloud aerosols (ACAs) have gradually gained more interest in recent years; however, the combined aerosol–cloud radiation effects are not well understood. The uncertainty about the radiative effects of aerosols above cloud mainly stems from the lack of comprehensive and accurate retrieval of aerosols and clouds for ACA scenes. In this study, an improved ACA identification and retrieval methodology was developed to provide a new global view of the ACA distribution by combining three-channel CALIOP (The Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) observations. The new method can reliably identify and retrieve both thin and dense ACA layers, providing consistent results between the day- and night-time retrieval of ACAs. Then, new four-year (2007 to 2010) global ACA datasets were built, and new seasonal mean views of global ACA occurrence, optical depth, and geometrical thickness were presented and analyzed. Further discussion on the relative position of ACAs to low clouds showed that the mean distance between the ACA layer and the low cloud deck over the tropical Atlantic region is less than 0.2 km. This indicates that the ACAs over this region are more likely to be mixed with low-level clouds, thereby possibly influencing the cloud microphysics over this region, contrary to findings reported from previous studies. The results not only help us better understand global aerosol transportation and aerosol–cloud interactions but also provide useful information for model evaluation and improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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14 pages, 5365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Structures of Dust Aerosols over East Asia Based on CALIPSO Retrievals

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Remote Sens. 2019, 11(6), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11060701 - 23 Mar 2019

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4105

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The spatiotemporal and especially the vertical distributions of dust aerosols play crucial roles in the climatic effect of dust aerosol. In the present study, the spatial-temporal distribution of dust aerosols over East Asia was investigated using Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations [...] Read more.

The spatiotemporal and especially the vertical distributions of dust aerosols play crucial roles in the climatic effect of dust aerosol. In the present study, the spatial-temporal distribution of dust aerosols over East Asia was investigated using Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) retrievals (01/2007–12/2011) from the perspective of the frequency of dust occurrence (FDO), dust top layer height (TH) and profile of aerosol subtypes. The results showed that a typical dust belt was generated from the dust source regions (the Taklimakan and Gobi Deserts), in the latitude range of 25°N~45°N and reaching eastern China, Japan and Korea and, eventually, the Pacific Ocean. High dust frequencies were found over the dust source regions, with a seasonal sequence from high to low as follows: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Vertically, FDOs peaked at about 2 km over the dust source regions. In contrast, FDOs decreased with altitude over the downwind regions. On the dust belt from dust source regions to downwind regions, the dust top height (TH) was getting higher and higher. The dust TH varied in the range of 1.9–3.1 km above surface elevation (a.s.e.), with high values over the dust source regions and low values in the downwind areas, and a seasonally descending sequence of summer, spring, autumn and winter in accord with the seasonal variation of the boundary layer height. The annual AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) was generally characterized by two high and two low AOD centers over East Asia. The percent contribution of the Dust Aerosol Optical Depth to the total AOD showed a seasonal variation from high to low as follows: spring, winter, autumn and summer. The vertical profile of the extinction coefficient revealed the predominance of pure dust particles in the dust source regions and a mixture of dust particles and pollutants in the downwind regions. The dust extinction coefficients over the Taklimakan Desert had a seasonal pattern from high to low as follows: spring, winter, summer and autumn. The results of the present study offered an understanding of the horizontal and vertical structures of dust aerosols over East Asia and can be used to evaluate the performance aerosol transport models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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15 pages, 3824 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Features of the Cloud Base Height and Determining the Threshold of Relative Humidity over Southeast China

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Remote Sens. 2019, 11(24), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11242900 - 05 Dec 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2583

Abstract

Clouds play a critical role in adjusting the global radiation budget and hydrological cycle; however, obtaining accurate information on the cloud base height (CBH) is still challenging. In this study, based on Lidar and aircraft soundings, we investigated the features of the CBH [...] Read more.

Clouds play a critical role in adjusting the global radiation budget and hydrological cycle; however, obtaining accurate information on the cloud base height (CBH) is still challenging. In this study, based on Lidar and aircraft soundings, we investigated the features of the CBH and determined the thresholds of the environmental relative humidity (RH) corresponding to the observed CBHs over Southeast China from October 2017 to September 2018. During the observational period, the CBHs detected by Lidar/aircraft were commonly higher in cold months and lower in warm months; in the latter, 75.91% of the CBHs were below 2000 m. Overall, the RHs at the cloud base were mainly distributed between 70 and 90% for the clouds lower than 1000 m, in which the most concentrated RH was approximately 80%. In addition, for the clouds with a cloud base higher than 1000 m, the RH thresholds decreased dramatically with increasing CBH, where the RH thresholds at cloud bases higher than 2000 m could be lower than 60%. On average, the RH thresholds for determining the CBHs were the highest (72.39%) and lowest (63.56%) in the summer and winter, respectively, over Southeast China. Therefore, to determine the CBH, a specific threshold of RH is needed. Although the time period covered by the collected CBH data from Lidar/aircraft is short, the above analyses can provide some verification and evidence for using the RH threshold to determine the CBH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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16 pages, 3067 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Evaluation of Terra-MODIS C6 and C6.1 Aerosol Products against Beijing, XiangHe, and Xinglong AERONET Sites in China during 2004-2014

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Remote Sens. 2019, 11(5), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11050486 - 27 Feb 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4364

Abstract

In this study, Terra-MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Collections 6 and 6.1 (C6 & C6.1) aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals with the recommended high-quality flag (QF = 3) were retrieved from Dark-Target (DT), Deep-Blue (DB) and merged DT and DB (DTB) level–2 AOD [...] Read more.

In this study, Terra-MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Collections 6 and 6.1 (C6 & C6.1) aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals with the recommended high-quality flag (QF = 3) were retrieved from Dark-Target (DT), Deep-Blue (DB) and merged DT and DB (DTB) level–2 AOD products for verification against Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Version 3 Level 2.0 AOD data obtained from 2004–2014 for three sites located in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region. These are: Beijing, located over mixed bright urban surfaces, XiangHe located over suburban surfaces, and Xinglong located over hilly and vegetated surfaces. The AOD retrievals were also validated over different land-cover types defined by static monthly NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values obtained from the Terra-MODIS level-3 product (MOD13A3). These include non-vegetated surfaces (NVS, NDVI < 0.2), partially vegetated surfaces (PVS, 0.2 ≤ NDVI ≤ 0.3), moderately vegetated surfaces (MVS, 0.3 < NDVI < 0.5) and densely vegetated surfaces (DVS, NDVI ≥ 0.5). Results show that the DT, DB, and DTB-collocated retrievals achieve a high correlation coefficient of ~ 0.90–0.97, 0.89–0.95, and 0.86–0.95, respectively, with AERONET AOD. The DT C6 and C6.1 collocated retrievals were comparable at XiangHe and Xinglong, whereas at Beijing, the percentage of collocated retrievals within the expected error (↔EE) increased from 21.4% to 35.5%, the root mean square error (RMSE) decreased from 0.37 to 0.24, and the relative percent mean error (RPME) decreased from 49% to 27%. These results suggest significant relative improvement in the DT C6.1 product. The percentage of DB-collocated AOD retrievals ↔EE was greater than 70% at Beijing and Xinglong, whereas less than 66% was observed at XiangHe. Similar to DT AOD, DTB AOD retrievals performed well at XiangHe and Xinglong compared with Beijing. Regionally, DB C6 and C6.1-collocated retrievals performed better than DT and DTB in terms of good quality retrievals and relatively small errors. For diverse vegetated surfaces, DT-collocated retrievals reported small errors and good quality retrievals only for NVS and DVS, whereas larger errors were reported for PVS. MVS. DB contains good quality AOD retrievals over PVS, MVS, and DVS compared with NVS. DTB C6.1 collocated retrievals were better than C6 over NVS, PVS, and DVS. C6.1 is substantially improved overall, compared with C6 at local and regional scales, and over diverse vegetated surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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11 pages, 2771 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Vertically Resolved Precipitation Intensity Retrieved through a Synergy between the Ground-Based NASA MPLNET Lidar Network Measurements, Surface Disdrometer Datasets and an Analytical Model Solution

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Remote Sens. 2018, 10(7), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs10071102 - 11 Jul 2018

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4733

Abstract

In this paper, we illustrate a new, simple and complementary ground-based methodology to retrieve the vertically resolved atmospheric precipitation intensity through a synergy between measurements from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Micropulse Lidar network (MPLNET), an analytical model solution and ground-based [...] Read more.

In this paper, we illustrate a new, simple and complementary ground-based methodology to retrieve the vertically resolved atmospheric precipitation intensity through a synergy between measurements from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Micropulse Lidar network (MPLNET), an analytical model solution and ground-based disdrometer measurements. The presented results are obtained at two mid-latitude MPLNET permanent observational sites, located respectively at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USA, and at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. The methodology is suitable to be applied to existing and/or future lidar/ceilometer networks with the main objective of either providing near real-time (3 h latency) rainfall intensity measurements and/or to validate satellite missions, especially for critical light precipitation (<3 mm h

^{- 1}

). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate)

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Special Issue "High Resolution Active Optical Remote Sensing Observations of Aerosols, Clouds and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions and Their Implication to Climate"

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