Global measurements and modelling of 4.3 um NLTE using AIRS

S. De Souza-Machado, L. L. Strow, S. E. Hannon, M. Lopez-Puertas, B. Funke, D. P. Edwards

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

Abstract

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) has been operating since Sept. 2002 and is being used operationally by several weather centers. Routine retrieval processing is done by NASA. Daytime AIRS measurements in the 4.3um region show large (upto 12 K) brightness temperature shifts compared to nighttime observations. The daytime shifts result from the preferential absorption of solar radiance in the upper atmosphere by CO2 and other molecules. This energy is transferred to many of the 4 um CO2 bands, driving them into a state of Non-Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (NLTE). We present comparisons of observations against the results of a Fast Model we developed for the AIRS instrument, that includes this effect. This algorithm is fast enough to be used for retrievals, and will be especially useful for the 4.3um R branch head channels that are used for temperature sounding.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRemote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere XI
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventRemote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere XI - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: Sep 11 2006Sep 14 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6362
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceRemote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere XI
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period09/11/0609/14/06

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