Christopher Cattrall
Papers
1
Total Citations
347
H-Index
1
About
Christopher Cattrall is a leading figure in atmospheric aerosol research, whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how different aerosol types influence climate and remote sensing. His primary research areas include aerosol optical properties, lidar remote sensing, and the characterization of global aerosol variability. Cattrall’s most impactful contribution is his seminal 2005 study, which provided the first comprehensive, observationally-based derivation of spectral lidar ratios (extinction-to-backscatter) for key aerosol species—including dust, biomass burning, and urban pollution—using data from 26 Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites worldwide. This work, cited over 347 times, established critical benchmarks for interpreting spaceborne and ground-based lidar measurements, directly enabling more accurate retrievals of aerosol vertical profiles and radiative forcing. By quantifying how these ratios vary with wavelength and aerosol type, Cattrall’s research has become a foundational reference for the lidar community, influencing algorithms for missions like CALIPSO and EarthCARE. His achievements lie in bridging the gap between in-situ aerosol monitoring and remote sensing, providing the essential parameterizations that allow scientists to translate lidar signals into meaningful aerosol classifications and climate-relevant data.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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