Advances in Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Aerosols and Their Radiative Effects

Dear Colleagues,

The scattering and absorption of incoming solar radiation by natural and anthropogenic aerosols are important radiative processes that affect the energy balance of the Earth–atmosphere system. As a result of the discovery of the high sensitivity to aerosol absorption in the near UV spectral region, recent satellite aerosol retrieval algorithms have evolved into UV-to-NIR multi-wavelength applications capable of simultaneously deriving spectral aerosol optical depth and single-scattering albedo, along with aerosol layer height (DSCOVR-EPIC, S5P-TROPOMI, PACE-OCI). Spaceborne lidar observations from the CALIPSO-CALIOP sensor (2005-2023), and the currently operational ICESAT-2 mission provide information on aerosol vertical distribution.

Generally, aerosol retrieval algorithms improved as new theoretical developments allow for obtaining a better understanding of instrument capabilities. The aim of this Special Issue is documenting retrieval algorithm upgrades or the description of new algorithmic approaches applied to satellite-borne instrumentation deployed over the last twenty-five years, using spectral measurements of backscattered near-UV radiation (OMI and TROPOMI), visible and near-infrared radiation (MODIS and VIIRS), multi-angle spectral measurements (MiSR) and polarization observations (POLDER). Papers on retrieval algorithmic approaches applied to both low and geostationary orbital configurations (i.e., GEMS and TEMPO) and to lidar observations are encouraged.

For this Special Issue of Remote Sensing, we invite papers on the use of surface-based and space-borne observations by current and upcoming missions for the retrieval of aerosol properties. We invite submissions on different aspects of aerosol remote sensing including, new sensor capabilities,  surface characterization and retrieval algorithm development and improvement. Papers on analyses of long-term records and the estimation of aerosol radiative effects are strongly encouraged.

Dr. Omar Torres
Dr. Hiren Jethva
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• radiative effects
• aerosol properties
• polarization
• retrieval algorithm
• long-term record
• satellite
• cloud screening
• surface reflectance