The Retrieval of Profiles of Particulate Extinction from Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) Data: Uncertainty and Error Sensitivity Analyses

Abstract Profiles of atmospheric cloud and aerosol extinction coefficients are retrieved on a global scale from measurements made by the lidar on board the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission since mid-June 2006. This paper presents an analysis of how the uncertainties in the inputs to the extinction retrieval algorithm propagate as the retrieval proceeds downward to lower levels of the atmosphere. The mathematical analyses, which are being used to calculate the uncertainties reported in the current (version 3) data release, are supported by figures illustrating the retrieval uncertainties in both simulated and actual data. Equations are also derived that describe the sensitivity of the extinction retrieval algorithm to errors in profile calibration and in the lidar ratios used in the retrievals. Biases that could potentially result from low signal-to-noise ratios in the data are also examined. Using simulated data, the propagation of bias errors resulting from errors in profile calibration and lidar ratios is illustrated.