Advanced signal processing techniques for the analysis of solar radiometer data in the presence of temporally varying aerosol optical depths

Solar radiometers, which are used for remote sensing of atmospheric aerosols and absorbing gases, have traditionally been calibrated by the Langley method. Temporally variable conditions, however, can significantly bias the zero-airmass intercepts obtained by this method. In this dissertation, a number of new signal processing techniques are developed to better characterize aerosol variability and use it to obtain improved intercepts under a broad range of conditions. The techniques include (1) an extension of Forgan's method, using correlation between optical depths at different wavelengths to model temporal variations; (2) spectral/fractal analysis and filtering to identify systematic atmospheric variations and distinguish them from noise; and (3) error correction using correlation between results from different data sets. These techniques, along with some preliminary adjustments and an algorithm for estimating ozone content, are incorporated into an iterative processing scheme that both calibrates the instrument and provides improved estimates of each optically significant atmospheric constituent. Finally, the characterization of aerosol variability is further enhanced by analyzing data taken with a customized radiometer that measures diffuse skylight as well as direct sunlight.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate College

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Erxleben, Wayne Henry, 1963-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Reagan, John A.

• Engineering, Electronics and Electrical.
• Physics, Atmospheric Science.
• Remote Sensing.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/282644

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/282644