Y. J. Kaufman
Papers
1
Total Citations
579
H-Index
1
About
Y. J. Kaufman is a pioneering atmospheric scientist whose research has fundamentally shaped our understanding of aerosol–climate interactions and satellite remote sensing of land and atmosphere. His key contributions lie in developing atmospheric correction algorithms for satellite data, particularly for NASA’s MODIS instrument, enabling accurate retrieval of surface properties from space. His landmark 1997 paper on atmospheric correction of MODIS data over land, with over 579 citations, established the operational framework for deriving global surface reflectances—a critical step for studying vegetation, land cover, and climate. Kaufman’s work also advanced the characterization of aerosol optical depth and its radiative effects, directly linking satellite observations to climate modeling. With a career spanning decades at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, his research has been cited tens of thousands of times, reflecting its foundational impact on Earth system science. His achievements include leading the development of the MODIS aerosol product and contributing to major international assessments of aerosol forcing. For students and researchers, Kaufman’s legacy offers a masterclass in translating satellite data into actionable climate insights.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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