Detection of marine aerosol particles in coastal zones using satellite imagery

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Abstract
Regions of brightness variations are common in visible and near-infrared satellites images from clear coastal regions. The variations have been hypothesized to be caused by aerosol particles in the marine boundary layer. The hypothesis was tested using in situ particle measurements collected near the time of satellite overpasses. Boundary-layer particle concentrations related to the brightness variations: high concentrations existed in bright regions and vice versa. This result indicates that, in regions over the ocean free of clouds, sunglint and whitecaps, the visible and near-infrared sensors aboard certain orbiting meteorological satellites can detect variations in the concentrations of haze particles in the marine boundary layer.