Retrieval analysis of aerosol-size distribution with simulated extinction measurements at SAGE III wavelengths

Abstract

The retrieval of aerosol-size distribution from simulated aerosol-extinction-coefficient measurements of the new satellite instrument, the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) III, is investigated. A detailed discussion on the aerosol-size-distribution information content of the SAGE III aerosol-extinction-coefficient measurement is provided. Results of the investigation indicate that unimodal as well as bimodal log-normal size distributions can be inferred. In addition, it is shown that a shape-constraint-free size distribution can be derived from SAGE III aerosol measurements by use of the randomized minimization search technique and the optimal estimation theory.