Verification of Aerosol Optical Depth Retrievals using Cloud Shadows Retrieved from Satellite Imagery

Abstract

A technique for deriving aerosol optical depths by measuring the radiance inside and outside of shaded regions is expanded to include shadows from clouds. Previous research focused on utilizing QuickBird satellite imagery. The 2.4 meter resolution of QuickBird allowed for sampling to focus on building-generated shadows. Research was done on several different surface types, including dirt, grass, sand, and pavement. The research presented in this thesis focuses on the challenges presented by attempting this technique with three other types of imagery Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS), IKONOS, and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). The lower resolution of MODIS and ASTER does not lend itself to focusing on building shadows, but rather cloud shadows. Results from sampling cloud-generated shadows show this method has promise, much like previous studies and opens up aerosol optical depth determination using this technique to a wide variety of imagery as well as additional sensor platforms.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA480027

Entities

People

  • Perry C. Sweat

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Barometric Pressure
  • California
  • Case Studies
  • Climate Change
  • Detectors
  • Environment
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Measurement
  • Meteorology
  • Optical Properties
  • Radiometers
  • Remote Sensing
  • Satellite Imaging
  • Short-Wavelength Infrared Radiation
  • Southwest Asia

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Computer Vision.

Technology Areas

  • Space