Spectroscopic techniques conceptualized with the remote sensing of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases

Abstract

This article reviews the spectroscopic principles related to three established satellite-based systems for global greenhouse gas monitoring, namely Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY), Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) and Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) series. It reveals that the worldwide endeavor of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas measurements have not only alerted mankind about the climate hazards but also have enriched basic physical science, especially spectroscopy that need more elucidation. This review points out that the technology of remote sensing of trace gases has achieved several radically new dimensions in science research, such as the shift from in situ chemical analysis to distant spectroscopic measurements and development of space-borne hyperspectral observation systems. It has implemented fundamentally new spectroscopic techniques, namely double-pendulum interferometer and imaging spectroscopy, and executed novel statistical procedures for assessing atmospheric radiative absorption. New avenues are opened, such as implementing differential optical absorption spectroscopy from space and assessing solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence at global level. In brief, this review highlights several new spectroscopic applications of the known physical principles that were conceptualized in course of developing the remote sensing systems for atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases.