Development of a Global Validation Package for Satellite Oceanic Aerosol Optical Thickness Retrieval Based on AERONET Observations and Its Application to NOAA/NESDIS Operational Aerosol Retrievals

In this paper, a global validation package for satellite aerosol optical thickness retrieval using the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations as ground truth is described. To standardize the validation procedure, the optimum time-space match-up window, the ensemble statistical analysis method, the best selection of AERONET channels, and the numerical scheme used to interpolate/extrapolate these observations to satellite channels have been identified through sensitivity studies. The package is shown to be a unique tool for more objective validation and intercomparison of satellite aerosol retrievals, helping to satisfy an increasingly important requirement of the satellite aerosol remote sensing community. Results of applying the package to the second-generation operational aerosol observational data (AEROBS) from the NOAA-14 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) in 1998 and to the same year aerosol observation data [Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System-Single Scanner Foodprint version 4 (CERES-SSF4)] from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) are presented as examples of global validation. The usefulness of the package for identifying improvements to the aerosol optical thickness retrieval algorithm is also demonstrated.