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Remote sensing atmospheric boundary layer
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<p>Ground-based, flight-based, or satellite-based <a href="/facts/Remote_sensing/pj2crmGs">remote sensing</a> instruments can be used to measure properties of the <a href="/facts/Planetary_boundary_layer/7JavWIVf">planetary boundary layer</a>, including boundary layer height, aerosols and clouds. Satellite remote sensing of the atmosphere has the advantage of being able to provide global coverage of atmospheric planetary boundary layer properties while simultaneously providing relatively high temporal sampling rates. Advancements in satellite remote sensing have provided greater vertical resolution which enables higher accuracy for planetary boundary layer measurements. </p><p>The <a href="/facts/Radiative_forcing/VSLpzv66">radiative forcing</a> for marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds is imperative for understanding any global warming changes. Low-level clouds, including MBL clouds, have the largest net radiative forcing of all clouds. The albedo of these low level clouds is much higher than the albedo of the underlying ocean surface and correctly modeling these clouds is needed to limit the uncertainty in climate model predictions. The remote sensing of the planetary boundary layer, especially clouds and aerosols within the planetary boundary layer can help verify and improve climate models. </p>