Spectral fine-structure in the polarisation of skylight

High-spectral resolution polarisation measurements of the clear daylight sk y reveal an unexpected rich spectral fine-structure in the polarisation sup erimposed on the more familiar broad-band continuum. This polarisation spec trum shows the spectral fingerprints of scattering and absorption processes which is illustrated with radiative transfer calculations. In particular, radiative transfer calculations suggest the potential of high-spectral reso lution polarimetry within absorption bands for remote sensing of aerosol ve rtical distribution, which is relevant to the Earth's radiation budget and ozone hole chemistry. In addition, the presence of spectral fine-structure in the polarisation of skylight also has relevance to radiance measurements performed with polarisation sensitive spectrometers, such as the space-bas ed GOME instrument.