D. M. Winker

About

D. M. Winker is a leading figure in atmospheric science, renowned for pioneering the use of satellite lidar to study aerosols and clouds. As the Principal Investigator for the CALIPSO mission, Winker’s research centers on aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval, aerosol composition, and the complex interactions between aerosols and climate. A major contribution is the development and validation of CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) data, which provides unprecedented vertical profiles of aerosols globally. His highly cited 2013 paper, “CALIOP and AERONET aerosol optical depth comparisons: One size fits none” (197 citations), critically evaluates the challenges of comparing satellite and ground-based AOD measurements, highlighting the need for careful data interpretation. Another influential work (2009, 66 citations) focuses on retrieving aerosol composition over the Indo-Gangetic basin, a region where climate models struggle. This research directly improves our understanding of aerosol sources and their climatic effects. With over 10,000 total citations, Winker’s work has fundamentally shaped satellite remote sensing and climate modeling, making him a foundational figure in modern aerosol science.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   CALIOP and AERONET aerosol optical depth comparisons: One size fits none

   197 citations · 2013
2. 2
   Retrieving the composition and concentration of aerosols over the Indo‐Gangetic basin using CALIOP and AERONET data

   66 citations · 2009

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links