David M. Winker

About

David M. Winker is a leading figure in satellite-based aerosol remote sensing, whose work has fundamentally shaped how we observe and classify atmospheric particles from space. His research centers on developing and validating global aerosol models and retrieval algorithms, with a particular focus on improving the accuracy of satellite data over both land and ocean. Winker’s most influential contribution is the development of global aerosol models using cluster analysis of AERONET measurements (438 citations), a foundational study that classified atmospheric aerosols worldwide and provided critical inputs for satellite inversion algorithms. He also played a key role in investigating the puzzling enhanced aerosol optical depth over the mid-to-high latitude Southern Oceans (84 citations), helping to resolve discrepancies between passive and active satellite sensors. His work on the SOAR algorithm for VIIRS over-water retrievals (81 citations) has been instrumental in building a consistent global aerosol data record. Additionally, Winker developed aerosol models specifically for the CALIPSO lidar inversion algorithms (32 citations), enabling more accurate spaceborne lidar observations. His research has been essential for improving climate models and understanding aerosol impacts on Earth’s radiation budget.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Development of global aerosol models using cluster analysis of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) measurements

   438 citations · 2005
2. 2
   Investigating enhanced Aqua MODIS aerosol optical depth retrievals over the mid‐to‐high latitude Southern Oceans through intercomparison with co‐located CALIOP, MAN, and AERONET data sets

   84 citations · 2013
3. 3
   Validation of SOAR VIIRS Over‐Water Aerosol Retrievals and Context Within the Global Satellite Aerosol Data Record

   81 citations · 2018
4. 4
   Aerosol models for the CALIPSO lidar inversion algorithms

   32 citations · 2004

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links