Characterization and absolute calibration of an AERONET-OC radiometer

The Ocean Color component of the global Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC) utilizes CE-318 sun photometers modified for above-water radiometry from fixed structures such as oil rigs, lighthouses, and service platforms. Primarily, AERONET-OC measurements allow determination of the water-leaving radiance required for the validation of ocean color satellite data products. One instrument from the AERONET-OC network, identified as AERONET #080, was studied in this work. A laser-illuminated integrating sphere of known radiance enabled determination of the linearity with flux and absolute radiance responsivity at multiple wavelengths within seven of the AERONET #080 filter bands. We compared the results to calibrations from the AERONET facility at the Goddard Space Flight Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. These results agree within the estimated mean comparison uncertainty of 1.88 % (k=2). We also assessed these results using calibrated lamp-illuminated integrating spheres and observed a spectral dependence to the comparison results that is unexplained.