A future "Global Atmospheric Composition Mission" (CACM) concept

Nathaniel Livesey, Michelle Santee, Paul Stek, Joe Waters, Pieternel Levelt, Pepijn Veefkind, Jack Kumer, Aidan Roche

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Resolution of important outstanding questions in air quality, climate change and ozone layer stability demands global observations of multiple chemical species with high horizontal and vertical resolution from the boundary layer to the stratopause. We present a mission concept that delivers the needed atmospheric composition observations, along with cloud ice and water vapor data needed for improvements in climate and weather forecasting models. The mission comprises ultraviolet and infrared nadir and microwave limb viewing instruments observing wide swaths each orbit. We review the scientific goals of the mission and the measurement capabilities this concept will deliver. We describe how precessing orbits offer significant improvements in temporal resolution and diurnal coverage compared to sun-synchronous orbits. Such improvements are needed to quantify the impact of critical "fast processes" such as deep convection on the composition and radiative properties of the upper troposphere, a region where water vapor and ozone are strong but poorly understood greenhouse gases. This concept can serve as the "Global Atmospheric Composition Mission" (GACM) recently recommended by the National Academy of Sciences decadal survey as one of 17 priority earth science missions for the coming decade.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2008 IEEE Aerospace Conference, AC
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Event2008 IEEE Aerospace Conference, AC - Big Sky, MT, United States
Duration: Mar 1 2008Mar 8 2008

Publication series

NameIEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings
ISSN (Print)1095-323X

Conference

Conference2008 IEEE Aerospace Conference, AC
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBig Sky, MT
Period03/1/0803/8/08

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