Polarimetric investigation of oceanic aerosol over the West Pacific

The optical characteristics of atmospheric aerosols over the West Pacific were measured using the portable spectropolarimeter FPA2000 at wavelengths of 0.559, 0.662 and 0.811 /spl mu/m on a research cruise in November and December 1992. Simultaneous observations of solar attenuation are conducted using a solar photometer. In particular, optical thickness, size distribution, and refractive index of maritime aerosols are derived. These parameters may change on regional and temporal scales. These wavelengths correspond to those of the optical sensor onboard the Earth observation satellite (JERS-1).<>