Back to Search Start Over

Comparison of the AIRS, IASI, and CrIS Infrared Sounders Using Simultaneous Nadir Overpasses: Novel Methods Applied to Data From 1 October 2019 to 1 October 2020.

Authors :
Loveless, M.
Knuteson, R.
Revercomb, H.
Borg, L.
DeSlover, D.
Martin, G.
Taylor, J.
Iturbide‐Sanchez, F.
Tobin, D.
Source :
Earth & Space Science. Jul2023, Vol. 10 Issue 7, p1-21. 21p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

High spectral resolution infrared sounders are an integral component of the global observing system and are used in a broad range of applications. This is enabled by their high accuracies which are ensured by rigorous calibration/validation activities. One of these activities is the post‐launch intercomparison with other high spectral resolution infrared sounders using simultaneous nadir overpasses (SNOs). This paper introduces a novel application of the previously developed SNO methodology by including time difference histogram symmetrization and a spatial sampling uncertainty. Where possible, radiometric measurement uncertainties are included and propagated through the statistics. Comparisons of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), METOP‐A/B/C Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), and Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) from 1 October 2019, to 1 October 2020, are analyzed. Results show AIRS and IASI differences as well as CrIS and AIRS differences are generally less than 0.4 K across the spectrum, and CrIS and IASI differences are generally less than 0.25 K. Comparison of the Suomi National Polar‐Orbiting Partnership and NOAA‐20 CrIS instruments via IASI and AIRS shows differences are generally less than 0.1 K across all bands and that the two CrIS instruments statistically agree within their radiometric uncertainties except for the narrow 2,370 cm−1 region where artifacts due to brightness temperature conversion are prone to occur. Plain Language Summary: One of the primary sources of information used to monitor Earth's weather patterns are satellite based meteorological instruments that measure radiation in the infrared region with high spectral resolution. Agencies worldwide use data from these types of instruments to provide input into weather prediction models. The long term data sets are also very valuable for multi‐decadal climate studies. To ensure the value of these data, the instruments need to be properly calibrated using external references. This paper details and expands upon the previously established methodology of one commonly used calibration technique—called SNOs. This method compares nadir‐viewing data from different instruments measuring radiation coming from the same mass of atmosphere in time and space. Introduced in this paper are two additions to the methodology: (a) a symmetrization of the time differences between when the instruments measure the specific air mass, and (b) an uncertainty estimate on the comparison based on the spatial coincidence of the measurements. Results from this methodology demonstration show how well the current suite of satellite‐based instrumentation measuring infrared radiation at high spectral resolution agree with each other. Key Points: Simultaneous nadir overpass comparisons include time difference symmetrization, spatial sampling uncertainty, and Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) radiometric uncertaintyDifferences between Suomi National Polar‐Orbiting Partnership (SNPP) CrIS and NOAA‐20 CrIS are generally less than 0.1 K and within combined radiometric measurement uncertaintiesDifferences between Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and CrIS or AIRS and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) generally less than 0.4 K, differences between CrIS and IASI generally less than 0.25 K [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23335084
Volume :
10
Issue :
7
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Earth & Space Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
167372090
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1029/2023EA002878