The variable AOT (dimension-less) sets the column-integrated value of the vertical aerosol extinction coefficient at 550 nm, from the user-definded altitude (GNDALT) to TOA (top of atmosphere). AOT at other wavelengths are scaled accordingly based on the spectral behavior of the selected aerosol model in IHAZE. Typical worldwide and annual aerosol optical thickness values for satellite observations range from 0.05 to 0.4, with extreme values of 0 (no aerosols) to 1 and typical mean values around 0.12 (default value).
This variable controls the strength of the absorption and scattering effects caused by aerosols.