Spatiotemporal variability of single-scattering albedo over Asia using ground- and satellite-based remote sensing

Aerosols in the atmosphere affect radiative forcing directly and indirectly. The single scattering albedo(SSA) of the aerosols describs it absorbs or scatters photons reaching the aerosol layers. Therefore, it is significant to observe SSA with the total burden (i.e., aerosol optical depth) to understand the role of aerosols in the atmosphere. Satellite-based remote sensing data provides global aerosol information. However, the accuracy of a few aerosol parameters (e.g., SSA) is not yet sufficient due to the lack of information in the measurements. Despite its limited spatial coverage, ground-based remote sensing measurements have provided reliable aerosol information as it is less affected by surface reflectance and can measure multiple angles. Previous studies developed combination retrieval techniques that use both ground and satellite measurements to complement the limitations of each method. In this study, we assessed the SSA products from ground and satellite instruments over Asia, where large amounts of aerosol persist throughout the year. We also introduce a combination technique using the EPIC and SMART-s measurements to provide reliable SSA data in the ultraviolet wavelengths.
This research was supported by Particulate Matter Management Specialized Graduate Program through the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute(KEITI) funded by the Ministry of Environment(MOE)