RETRIEVAL OF AEROSOL OPTICAL DEPTH OVER LAND USING 2-ANGLE VIEW SATELLITE RADIOMETRY DURING TARFOX

A new aerosol optical depth retrieval algorithm is presented that uses the two-angle view capability of the Along Track Scanning Radiometer 2 (ATSR-2). By combining the two-angle view and the spectral informati on this so-called dual view algorithm separates between aerosol and su rface contributions to the top of the atmosphere radiance. First valid ation of the dual view algorithm was performed during the Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment (TARFOX), which wa s conducted at the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States in July 199 6. The satellite retrieved spectral aerosol optical depth is in good a greement with the aerosol optical depth from ground-based Sun/sky radi ometers in three out of four cases. This shows the potential of aeroso l retrieval over land using two-angle view satellite radiometry.