Aerosol optical depth over Europe -Retrieval from ATSR-2 data for the year 2000

Aerosol properties are retrieved from ATSR-2 data (ERS-2 satellite) by utilizing the dual view for application over land and the single view for application over water. These two algorithms have been merged into a fast and efficient algorithm that allows for near real-time processing and which is suitable for operational use. It includes corrections for surface and atmospheric effects including fully automated cloud screening procedures. The algorithm can be applied to retrieve aerosol optical depth (AOD), Ångström parameter and aerosol types. The application to data for the year 2000 over Europe is presented. The retrieved AOD over land compares favorably with collocated sun-photometer data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET)