Validation of MODIS-derived Aerosol Optical Thickness Using SKYNET Measurements over East Asia

Using six-year (2004-2009) SKYNET measurements, MODIS-derived AOTs were validated at five SKYNET sites (Seoul, Chiba, Etchujima, Fukuejima, and Hedomisaki), in addition to climatological analysis of MODIS-derived optical properties over the East Asian domain (20-50 degrees N, 90-150 degrees E). In so doing MODIS-SKYNET collocated AOT data were constructed if two measurements are taken within 25 km distance and within 30 minute time difference. From the comparison of two measurements, it is demonstrated that aerosol type insignificantly affects the accuracy of MODIS AOT. It is because the aerosol model combining predefined fine aerosol model and coarse aerosol model is used for the retrieval. However, positive bias between MODIS and SKYNET increases as fraction of the coarse aerosol model increases. In addition, MODIS AOT appears to be overestimated in case of lower aerosol loading while the overestimation tends to decrease with increased aerosol loading. Regression analysis between MODIS AOT and SKYNET AOT for 550 nm band yields 0.86, 0.16, and 0.61 of regression slope, intercept, and coefficient of determination, respectively. Those statistical results may draw a conclusion that MODIS AOTs over East Asia carry a reasonable accuracy compared to ground-based SKYNET measurements.