Improved aerosol retrieval from MODIS over urban areas with regional tuning of surface models

Aerosol retrieval over urban areas is complicated by complex surface models which are not well modeled in the MODIS operational processing. To improve satellite retrieval of aerosols in urban areas, we use simultaneous AERONET radiometer and MODIS measurements in combination to refine surface albedo models. In particular, implementation of such a refined surface model for NYC and Mexico City is demonstrated with significantly improved AOD both in accuracy and spatial resolution.