Airborne measurements of the optical stratification of aerosols in turbid atmospheres

A spectral scanning radiometer and corresponding algorithm of analysis were developed to evaluate optical stratification of aerosols from airborne measurements. Several flights were carried out to measure direct and circumsolar radiations simultaneously by a Swerlingen Merlin IV and a Cessna 206 aircraft. Results of the data analysis showed that our scheme can evaluate the optical depth of aerosols at any flight level from the ground to 400 mb, the highest flight level, with relative error of <10%. Vertical distribution and latitude–height cross sections of the optical thickness of aerosols and volume spectra of stratospheric aerosols were investigated.