A quasi-linear inversion algorithm to estimate optical depth's of "FINE" and "COARSE" aerosols from MERIS/ECMWF-data

Abstract

The information content of MERIS with regard to aerosol parameters is discussed. It is shown, that combining MERIS-data with ancillary data from ECMWF will allow not only to estimate the total optical depth of atmospheric aerosols but also to extract two main aerosol contributions , named “FINE” and “COARSE” aerosols in accordance with the classification of Whitby /1 /. An algorithm is presented to estimate the two optical depth’s from MERIS/ECMWF data. It is shown, that the algorithm can be used for measurements above type one water but by a straight forward modification also above type two waters like the Baltic Sea.