Retrieval of aerosol parameters from the oxygen absorption band of Hyperion hyperspectral image validated with spectroradiometry

This work presents a method for assessing spatial distribution of aerosol effect using the sharp absorption band of atmospheric oxygen (O2-A) around 760 nm of radiation. The measured radiance spectrum acts as the information source and no other reference like the extraterrestrial radiation is needed for calibration. A simple mathematical model is presented for the aerosol optical depth that is validated with spectroradiometric data and Hyperion hyperspectral image analysis for urban aerosols. Comparing the extent of radiation absorption due to aerosol with that due to cloud cover and seasonal variations it is concluded that the present method is suitable for comparing the aerosol effect at different places under the same atmospheric condition.