Retrieval of NO2 vertical columns under cloudy conditions: A sensitivity study based on SCIATRAN calculations

The accuracy of the retrieved NO2 vertical columns using satellite observations under cloudy conditions have been studied using the radiative transfer code SCIATRAN. It was found that the tropospheric nitrogen dioxide columns can be retrieved in the case of thin clouds, if their optical properties and the altitude are retrieved from independent observations. The dependence of the retrieval error on the accuracy of the information on cloud top height and cloud optical thickness is studied.