The variable MAERO selects one of the predefined aerosol model or coupled with OPAC aerosol database, thus defining the aerosol optical properties (i.e., extinction, absorption and scattering). The available options are shown in the Table below:
Value(s) | Description |
---|---|
0 |
No aerosol |
1 |
Continental * Default value
|
2 |
Maritime * |
3 |
Urban * |
≥ 11 |
User's components
|
5 |
Desert * |
6 |
Biomass burning |
7 |
Stratospheric † |
-1 |
Opac Not yet implemented!
|
* Parameters and refractive indices based on (d'Almeida et al., 1991).
† Parameters and refractive indices based on (Russel et al., 1996).
This variable, therefore, has an impact on the simulation of the absorption-scattering processes caused by suspended particles in the sun-target-sensor optical path.
The amount of suspended particles is specified separately from the Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) key input variable.
D'Almeida, G.A., Koepke, P., & Shettle, E.P., (1991), "Atmospheric aerosols. Global climatology and radiative characteristics." A. Deepak Pub. - Studies in geophysical optics and remote sensing, pp. 48, 80, 102..