Comparison of aerosol optical thickness with in situ visibility data over Cyprus
Journal
Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences
Date Issued
March 5, 2010
DOI
10.5194/nhess-10-421-2010
Abstract
The monitoring of aerosol concentrations comprises a high environmental priority, particularly in urban areas.
Remote sensing of atmospheric aerosol optical thickness (AOT) could be used to assess particulate matter levels at the
ground. However, such measurements often need further validation.
In this study, aerosol data retrieved from satellite and sun-photometer, on the one hand, and visibility data at various
locations in Cyprus, on the other hand, for the period from January to June 2009 are contrasted. The results obtained
by the direct comparison between MODIS and handheld sun-photometer AOT data exhibited a significant correlation (r=0.83); these results are in agreement with those
reported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The correlation between sun-photometer AOT and that estimated from visibility measurements was also significant (r=0.76). A direct and significant relationship between
MODIS AOT and AOT estimated from visibility values was also found for all the locations used (the correlation coefficient was found to vary from 0.80 to 0.84). It is concluded
that MODIS AOT data provide accurate information on the aerosol content in Cyprus, while in the absence of such
data, visibility measurements could be used as a secondary source of aerosol load information, in terms of aerosol optical
thickness, and provide useful information on a near-real time basis, whenever data are available.
Remote sensing of atmospheric aerosol optical thickness (AOT) could be used to assess particulate matter levels at the
ground. However, such measurements often need further validation.
In this study, aerosol data retrieved from satellite and sun-photometer, on the one hand, and visibility data at various
locations in Cyprus, on the other hand, for the period from January to June 2009 are contrasted. The results obtained
by the direct comparison between MODIS and handheld sun-photometer AOT data exhibited a significant correlation (r=0.83); these results are in agreement with those
reported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The correlation between sun-photometer AOT and that estimated from visibility measurements was also significant (r=0.76). A direct and significant relationship between
MODIS AOT and AOT estimated from visibility values was also found for all the locations used (the correlation coefficient was found to vary from 0.80 to 0.84). It is concluded
that MODIS AOT data provide accurate information on the aerosol content in Cyprus, while in the absence of such
data, visibility measurements could be used as a secondary source of aerosol load information, in terms of aerosol optical
thickness, and provide useful information on a near-real time basis, whenever data are available.
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