Errors in the retrieval of thin-cloud optical parameters obtained with a two-boundary algorithm
Year: 1998
Authors: Del Guasta M.
Autors Affiliation: Italian National Research Council, Istituto di Ricerca sulle Onde Elettromagnetiche, Via Panciatichi 64, Firenze, 50127, Italy
Abstract: The effect of various errors on the retrieval of optical depth, integrated backscatter, and extinction-tobackscatter ratio in optically thin clouds by use of a two-boundary algorithm is discussed. Uncertainties regarding aerosol loading at the cloud base and top lead to relevant errors that are often larger than those produced by signal noise. Formulas expressing the errors in the lidar-derived optical quantities dependent on optical depth and aerosol uncertainties at the base and top are derived for different fitting procedures. A method for the reduction of errors in the case of consecutive cloud measurements is explored, consisting of the fitting of the retrieved optical-depth-integrated backscatter data to obtain a correct extinction-to-backscatter ratio.
Journal/Review: APPLIED OPTICS
Volume: 37 (24) Pages from: 5522 to: 5540
KeyWords: Algorithms; Approximation theory; Atmospheric aerosols; Attenuation; Backscattering; Clouds; Curve fitting; Graph theory; Light propagation; Measurement errors; Optical radar; Spurious signal noise, Extinction to backscatter ratio; Klett method; Lidar equation; Molecular backscatter, Atmospheric opticsDOI: 10.1364/AO.37.005522Citations: 14data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-11-17References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)