Validation of technique to hyperspectrally characterize the lower atmosphere with limited surface observations

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the capability of AFIT/CDE's Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) model to accurately characterize the meteorological parameters and radiative transfer effects of the atmospheric boundary layer with only surface observations of temperature, pressure, and humidity. The LEEDR model is a fastcalculating, first principles, worldwide surface to 100 km, atmospheric propagation and characterization package. This package enables the creation of profiles of temperature, pressure, water vapor content, optical turbulence, atmospheric particulates and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line layer transmission, path and background radiance at wavelengths from the ultraviolet to radio frequencies. Physics-based cloud and precipitation characterizations are coupled with a probability of cloud free line of sight (CFLOS) algorithm for air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-air (or space) look angles. In general, LEEDR defines the well-mixed atmospheric boundary layer with a worldwide, probabilistic surface climatology based on season and time of day, and then computes the radiative transfer and propagation effects from the vertical profile of meteorological variables. However, the LEEDR user can also directly input surface observations. This research compares the LEEDR vertical profiles created from input surface observations to actual observations from balloon launches. Results are then compared to the LEEDR ExPERT climatological sounding for the same time of day and season. RMSE are calculated and it was found that closer for those profiles made from surface observations than those made from climatological data for the same season and time. Impacts of those differences are shown with a relevant tactical scenario in AFIT/CDE HELEEOS program.