P13C-3823:
Characterization of Properties of Earth Atmosphere from Multi-Angular Polarimetric Observations of Polder/Parasol Using GRASP Algorithm

Monday, 15 December 2014
Oleg Dubovik1, Pavel Litvinov1, Tatyana Lapyonok1, Fabrice Ducos1, David Fuertes1, Xin Huang1, Benjamin Torres1, Michael Aspetsberger2 and Christian Federspiel2, (1)University of Lille 1, Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, (2)Catalysts GmbH, High Performance Computing, Linz, Austria
Abstract:
The POLDER imager on board of the PARASOL micro-satellite is the only satellite polarimeter provided ~ 9 years extensive record of detailed polarmertic observations of Earth atmosphere from space. POLDER / PARASOL registers spectral polarimetric characteristics of the reflected atmospheric radiation at up to 16 viewing directions over each observed pixel. Such observations have very high sensitivity to the variability of the properties of atmosphere and underlying surface and can not be adequately interpreted using look-up-table retrieval algorithms developed for analyzing mono-viewing intensity only observations traditionally used in atmospheric remote sensing. Therefore, a new enhanced retrieval algorithm GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties) has been developed and applied for processing of PARASOL data. GRASP relies on highly optimized statistical fitting of observations and derives large number of unknowns for each observed pixel. The algorithm uses elaborated model of the atmosphere and fully accounts for all multiple interactions of scattered solar light with aerosol, gases and the underlying surface. All calculations are implemented during inversion and no look-up tables are used. The algorithm is very flexible in utilization of various types of a priori constraints on the retrieved characteristics and in parameterization of surface – atmosphere system. It is also optimized for high performance calculations.

The results of the PARASOL data processing will be presented with the emphasis on the discussion of transferability and adaptability of the developed retrieval concept for processing polarimetric observations of other planets. For example, flexibility and possible alternative in modeling properties of aerosol polydisperse mixtures, particle composition and shape, reflectance of surface, etc. will be discussed.