Accuracy analysis of PPDF-based method to parameterize aerosol scattering effect.

We introduce the path length probability density function (PPDF) method, which is based on an equivalence theorem and parameterizes the aerosol scattering effect by adding four factors to the atmospheric transmittance model. Using simulated observations in the O-A band, we examined the utility of the PPDF-based method to account for the aerosol scattering effect. First, observations were simulated using a forward model under different aerosol conditions; PPDF factors were then retrieved using an optimal estimation method; PPDF factors were used to reconstruct the observations; and finally, simulated true observations and reconstructions were compared. Analysis of the difference between the true observations and reconstructions confirmed the utility of the PPDF-based method. Additionally, the O band was demonstrated to be an efficient observing band for assisting the remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases in the near-infrared band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]