This dissertation has presented results from the analysis of CPFM spectroradiometer measurements directed towards the retrieval of aerosol profiles and properties and trace-gases. Most of the measurements used were made during the recent POLARIS campaign (April-September 1997) where the ER-2 was based in Fairbanks, Alaska and many of the flights examined were over the Arctic.
Before continuing with specific conclusions, a number of general remarks can be made. First and foremost, the radiances and irradiances as measured by the Composition and Photodissociative Flux Measurement (CPFM) instrument can, and have, been used to extract a large number of important geophysical quantities. This is due mainly to the different fields sampled and the spectral range (300-775 nm) of the instrument. In addition, the ER-2 campaign concept can obtain a large amount of data, both in quantity and diversity, on a specific region of the atmosphere.
To aid in the retrieval and analysis of the CPFM measurements, a radiative transfer model which includes polarization has been developed. It is capable of simulating multiple scattering and absorption in a realistic Rayleigh and Mie plane-parallel atmosphere under cloud free conditions. Spherical geometry has been applied to correct the direct solar beam and scattered radiances. Extensive comparisons carried out against tabulated results of other plane-parallel radiative transfer codes which include polarization indicate good agreement.