High Spectral Resolution Measurements Research Articles

Measuring volcanic plume and ash properties from space

Abstract The remote sensing of volcanic ash plumes from space can provide a warning of an aviation hazard and knowledge on eruption processes and radiative effects. In this paper new algorithms are presented to provide volcanic plume properties from measurements by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS), the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) and the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). A challenge of remote sensing is to provide near-real-time methods to identify, and so warn of, the presence of volcanic ash. To achieve this, a singular vector decomposition method has been developed for the MIPAS instrument on board the Environmental Satellite. This method was applied to observations of the ash clouds from the eruptions of Nabro and the Puyehue–Cordón Caulle in 2011 and led to a sensitive volcanic signal flag which was capable of tracking changes in the volcanic signal spectra as the plume evolved. A second challenge for remote sensing is to identify the ash plume height. This is a critical parameter for the initialization of algorithms that numerically model the evolution and transport of a volcanic plume. As MIPAS is a limb sounder, the identification of ash also provides an estimate of height provided the plume is above about 6 km. This is complemented by a new algorithm, Stereo Ash Plume Height Retrieval Algorithm, that identifies plume height using the parallax between images provided by Along Track Scanning Radiometer-type instruments. The algorithm was tested on an image taken at 14:01 GMT on 6 June 2011 of the Puyehue–Cordón Caulle eruption plume and gave a height of 11.9±1.4 km, which agreed with the value derived from the location of the plume shadow (12.7±1.8 km). This plume height was similar to the height observed by MIPAS (12 ± 1.5 km) at 02:56 GMT on 6 June. The quantitative use of satellite imagery and the full exploitation of high-resolution spectral measurements of ash depends upon knowing the optical properties of the observed ash. Laboratory measurements of ash from the 1993 eruption of Mt Aso, Japan have been used to determine the refractive indices from 1 to 20 µm. These preliminary measurements have spectral features similar to ash values that have been used to date, albeit with slightly different positions and strengths of the absorption bands. The refractive indices have been used to retrieve ash properties (plume height, optical depth and ash effective radius) from AATSR and SEVIRI instruments using two versions of Oxford-RAL Retrieval of Aerosol and Cloud (ORAC) algorithm. For AATSR a new ash cloud type was used in ORAC for the analysis of the plume from the 2011 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. For the first c . 500 km of the plume ORAC gave values for plume height of 2.5–6.5 km, optical depth 1–2.5 and effective radius 3–7 µm, which are in agreement with other observations. A weakness of the algorithm occurs when underlying cloud invalidates the assumption of a single cloud layer. This is rectified in a modified version of ORAC applied to SEVIRI measurements. In this case an extra model of a cloud underlying the ash plume was included in the range of applied models. In cases where the plume overlay cloud, this new model worked well, showing good agreement with correlative Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization observations.

MISE: A multiwavelength imaging spectrograph using echelle grating for daytime optical aeronomy investigations

A high-spectral resolution multiwavelength imaging slit spectrograph using echelle grating (MISE) that is capable of measuring daytime optical emissions at multiple wavelengths simultaneously over a large (140°) field-of-view is presented. Optical emissions during daytime (either dayglow or daytime aurora) are buried in the strong daytime solar scattered background continuum and therefore very high spectral resolution measurements are required to obtain their contributions. MISE measures the emission intensities of OI 557.7nm, OI 630.0nm, and OI 777.4nm that originate in the upper atmosphere. The dispersion achieved by the spectrograph at these three spectral regions, respectively, is 0.004, 0.0049, and 0.0059nmpixel−1. By using an echelle grating as the dispersing element, multiple spectral regions of aeronomic interest are made to fall in the same diffraction angle range so that rotation of grating is avoided. This instrument is immune to ambient temperature fluctuations and vibrations and is suitable for long and continuous field operations. The spectral and intensity calibration of this instrument along with the data analysis methodology are discussed. Sample data of emission intensities from all the three wavelengths mentioned above for a couple of days obtained from Hyderabad (17°N, 80°E; 8.7°N Mag. Lat.) are presented which show a good similarity when compared with those of empirical and photochemical model results. The OI 557.7nm daytime emissions are measured sparsely from ground-based techniques and ground-based OI 777.4nm daytime emissions from ground are presented for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The variability is highlighted and the potential of such measurements to derive information on vertical coupling of atmospheric regions and wave dynamics during daytime are discussed.

Aerosol information content analysis of multi-angle high spectral resolution measurements and its benefit for high accuracy greenhouse gas retrievals

Abstract. New generations of space-borne spectrometers for the retrieval of atmospheric abundances of greenhouse gases require unprecedented accuracies as atmospheric variability of long-lived gases is very low. These instruments, such as GOSAT and OCO-2, typically use a high spectral resolution oxygen channel (O2 A-band) in addition to CO2 and CH4 channels to discriminate changes in the photon path-length distribution from actual trace gas amount changes. Inaccurate knowledge of the photon path-length distribution, determined by scatterers in the atmosphere, is the prime source of systematic biases in the retrieval. In this paper, we investigate the combined aerosol and greenhouse gas retrieval using multiple satellite viewing angles simultaneously. We find that this method, hitherto only applied in multi-angle imagery such as from POLDER or MISR, greatly enhances the ability to retrieve aerosol properties by 2–3 degrees of freedom. We find that the improved capability to retrieve aerosol parameters significantly reduces interference errors introduced into retrieved CO2 and CH4 total column averages. Instead of focussing solely on improvements in spectral and spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratios or sampling frequency, multiple angles reduce uncertainty in space based greenhouse gas retrievals more effectively and provide a new potential for dedicated aerosols retrievals.

Absolute high spectral resolution measurements of surface solar radiation for detection of water vapour continuum absorption

Solar-pointing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy offers the capability to measure both the fine scale and broadband spectral structure of atmospheric transmission simultaneously across wide spectral regions. It is therefore suited to the study of both water vapour monomer and continuum absorption behaviours. However, in order to properly address this issue, it is necessary to radiatively calibrate the FTIR instrument response. A solar-pointing high-resolution FTIR spectrometer was deployed as part of the 'Continuum Absorption by Visible and Infrared radiation and its Atmospheric Relevance' (CAVIAR) consortium project. This paper describes the radiative calibration process using an ultra-high-temperature blackbody and the consideration of the related influence factors. The result is a radiatively calibrated measurement of the solar irradiation at the ground across the IR region from 2000 to 10 000 cm(-1) with an uncertainty of between 3.3 and 5.9 per cent. This measurement is shown to be in good general agreement with a radiative-transfer model. The results from the CAVIAR field measurements are being used in ongoing studies of atmospheric absorbers, in particular the water vapour continuum.

Filling-in of near-infrared solar lines by terrestrial fluorescence and other geophysical effects: simulations and space-based observations from SCIAMACHY and GOSAT

Abstract. Global mapping of terrestrial vegetation fluorescence from space has recently been accomplished with high spectral resolution (ν/Δν > 35 000) measurements from the Japanese Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT). These data are of interest because they can potentially provide global information on the functional status of vegetation including light-use efficiency and global primary productivity that can be used for global carbon cycle modeling. Quantifying the impact of fluorescence on the O2-A band is important as this band is used for photon pathlength characterization in cloud- and aerosol-contaminated pixels for trace-gas retrievals including CO2. Here, we examine whether fluorescence information can be derived from space using potentially lower-cost hyperspectral instrumentation, i.e., more than an order of magnitude less spectral resolution (ν/Δν ~ 1600) than GOSAT, with a relatively simple algorithm. We discuss laboratory measurements of fluorescence near one of the few wide and deep solar Fraunhofer lines in the long-wave tail of the fluorescence emission region, the calcium (Ca) II line at 866 nm that is observable with a spectral resolution of ~0.5 nm. The filling-in of the Ca II line due to additive signals from various atmospheric and terrestrial effects, including fluorescence, is simulated. We then examine filling-in of this line using the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) satellite instrument. In order to interpret the satellite measurements, we developed a general approach to correct for various instrumental artifacts that produce false filling-in of solar lines in satellite measurements. The approach is applied to SCIAMACHY at the 866 nm Ca II line and to GOSAT at 758 and 770 nm on the shoulders of the O2-A feature where there are several strong solar Fraunhofer lines that are filled in primarily by vegetation fluorescence. Finally, we compare temporal and spatial variations of SCIAMACHY additive signals with those of GOSAT and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Although the derived additive signals from SCIAMACHY are extremely weak at 866 nm, their spatial and temporal variations are consistent with chlorophyll a fluorescence or another vegetation-related source. We also show that filling-in occurs at 866 nm over some barren areas, possibly originating from luminescent minerals in rock and soil.

HIGH SPECTRAL RESOLUTION MEASUREMENT OF THE SUNYAEV–ZEL'DOVICH EFFECT NULL WITH Z-Spec

The Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect spectrum crosses through a null where dT_CMB = 0 near nu_0 = 217 GHz. In a cluster of galaxies, nu_0 can be shifted from the canonical thermal SZ effect value by corrections to the SZ effect scattering due to the properties of the inter-cluster medium. We have measured the SZ effect in the hot galaxy cluster RX J1347.5-1145 with Z-Spec, an R ~ 300 grating spectrometer sensitive between 185 and 305 GHz. These data comprise a high spectral resolution measurement around the null of the SZ effect and clearly exhibit the transition from negative to positive dT_CMB over the Z-Spec band. The SZ null position is measured to be nu_0 = 225.8 \pm 2.5 (stat.) \pm 1.2 (sys.) GHz, which differs from the canonical null frequency by 3.0 sigma and is evidence for modifications to the canonical thermal SZ effect shape. Assuming the measured shift in nu_0 is due only to relativistic corrections to the SZ spectrum, we place the limit T_e = 17.1 \pm 5.3 keV from the zero-point measurement alone. By simulating the response of the instrument to the sky, we are able to generate likelihood functions in {y_0, T_e, v_pec} space. For v_pec = 0 km/s, we measure the best fitting SZ model to be y_0 = 4.6 (+0.6, -0.9) x 10^-4, T_e,0 = 15.2 (+12,-7.4) keV. When v_pec is allowed to vary, a most probable value of v_pec = +450 \pm 810 km/s is found.

Retrieval and global assessment of terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence from GOSAT space measurements

The recent advent of very high spectral resolution measurements by the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) on board the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) platform has made possible the retrieval of sun-induced terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence (Fs) on a global scale. The basis for this retrieval is the modeling of the in-filling of solar Fraunhofer lines by fluorescence. This contribution to the field of space-based carbon cycle science presents an alternative method for the retrieval of Fs from the Fraunhofer lines resolved by GOSAT-FTS measurements. The method is based on a linear forward model derived by a singular vector decomposition technique, which enables a fast and robust inversion of top-of-atmosphere radiance spectra. Retrievals are performed in two spectral micro-windows (∼2–3nm width) containing several strong Fraunhofer lines. The statistical nature of this approach allows to avoid potential retrieval errors associated with the modeling of the instrument line shape or with a given extraterrestrial solar irradiance data set. The method has been tested on 22 consecutive months of global GOSAT-FTS measurements. The fundamental basis of this Fs retrieval approach and the results from the analysis of the global Fs data set produced with it are described in this work. Among other findings, the data analysis has shown (i) a very good comparison of Fs intensity levels and spatial patterns with the state-of-the-art physically-based Fs retrieval approach described in Frankenberg et al. (2011a), (ii) the overall good agreement between Fs annual and seasonal patterns and other space-based vegetation parameters, (iii) the need for a biome-dependent scaling from Fs to gross primary production, and (iv) the apparent existence of strong directional effects in the Fs emission from forest canopies. These results reinforce the confidence in the feasibility of Fs retrievals with GOSAT-FTS and open several points for future research in this emerging field.

Analysis of broadband surface BRDFs derived from TOA SW CERES measurements for surfaces classified by the IGBP land cover

Most studies on the reflectance properties of the Earth's surface are addressed estimating the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of high spatial resolution and high spectral resolution satellite measurements. This article assesses the development of broadband (BB) BRDFs from radiances corresponding to large footprints classified according to the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) land-cover classification. Top-of-atmosphere (TOA) shortwave (SW) CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System) measurements are employed to invert the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) Rahman–Pinty–Verstraete (RPV) model for regions identified with the same IGBP type. The inversion of this non-linear parametric model is optimized to improve the computation efficiency and merged into a radiative transfer model to correct the surface radiances for the atmospheric effect. Analysis of the nature of the reflectance field simulated for several regions selected for every IGBP type determines whether the creation of general BRF models for surfaces defined by the same IGBP land cover is feasible. According to the results gathered in this study, the BB BRDFs for regions classified by the IGBP classification show values for the coefficient of variation (CV) between 3.5% and 44.1%. Consequently, the high differences achieved in the reflectance fields discourage the creation of BRDFs based on the IGBP land types.

Red Edge Shift and its Implication for Buried Ore Prospecting a Case Study of Shujigou Copper Mine, Liaoning, P.R.China

It is difficult for ore prospecting by conventional methods of geologic mapping and geophysical or geochemical methods in highly vegetated terrain. High resolution spectral measurement is an excellent tool. In this paper, the reflectance spectra of oak leaves and larch leaves in Shujigou Copper Mine, P.R. China, were measured by ASD Fieldspec®3 portable spectroradiometer and red edge positions are obtained by derivative method. The results indicate that the “blue shift” of foliage of both species is spatially well in accordance with the ore bodies, despite of the ore vein buried or not and the depth of ore-bury. The research provides the theoretical basis for the ore exploration in vegetated terrain by hyperspectral remote sensing method.

Comparison of line-by-line and band models of near-IR methane absorption applied to outer planet atmospheres

Recent improvements in high spectral resolution measurements of methane absorption at wavenumbers between 4800cm−1 and 7919cm−1 have greatly increased the number of lines with known lower state energies, the number of weak lines, and the number of lines observed at low temperatures (Campargue, A., Wang, L., Kassi, S., Mašát, M., Votava, O. [2010]. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Trans. 111, 1141–1151; Campargue, A., Wang, L., Liu, A.W., Hu, S.M., Kassi, S. [2010]. Chem. Phys. 373, 203–210; Mondelain, D., Kassi, S., Wang, L.C. [2011]. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 13, 7985–7996; Nikitin, A.V. et al. [2011a]. J. Mol. Spectrosc. 268, 93–106; Nikitin, A.V. et al. [2010]. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Trans. 111, 2211–2224; Wang, L., Kassi, S., Campargue, A. [2010]. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Trans. 111, 1130–1140; Wang, L., Kassi, S., Liu, A.W., Hu, S.M., Campargue, A. [2011]. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Trans. 112, 937–951), making it possible to fit near-IR spectra of Titan using line-by-line calculations instead of band models (Bailey, J., Ahlsved, L., Meadows, V.S. [2011]. Icarus 213, 218–232; de Bergh, C. et al. [2011]. Planet. Space Sci. doi:10.1016/j.pss.2011.05.003). Using these new results, we compiled an improved line list relative that used by Bailey et al. by updating several spectral regions with either calculated or more recently measured line parameters, revising lower state energy estimates for lines lacking them, and adding room temperature lines to make the list applicable over a wider range of temperatures. We compared current band models with line-by-line calculations using this new line list, both to assess the behavior of band models, and to identify remaining issues with line-by-line calculations when applied to outer planet atmospheres and over a wider range of wavelengths. Comparisons were made for a selection of uniform paths representing outer planet conditions and for representative non-uniform paths within the atmospheres of Uranus, Saturn, and Jupiter, as well as comparisons with 77K lab measurements of McKellar (McKellar, A.R.W. [1989]. Can. J. Phys. 67, 1027–1035). At room temperatures and pressures band models and new line-by-line calculations generally agree within 1.6–3% RMS between 1800cm−1 and 7919cm−1, but disagree more significantly near 3200–3500cm−1 and in the region where CH3D line data are missing between 5200cm−1 and 5600cm−1, and also at band edges near 3250cm−1 and 5600cm−1, where far wing line shapes may need improvement. For intermediate temperatures and methane paths, the Irwin et al. (Irwin, P.G.J., Sromovsky, L.A., Strong, E.K., Sihra, K., Bowles, N., Calcutt, S.B., Remedios, J.J. [2006]. Icarus 181, 309–319) band model agrees best with the line-by-line calculations at wavenumbers less than 5000cm−1. At low temperatures and long path lengths the band models diverge more seriously, with that of Karkoschka and Tomasko (Karkoschka, E., Tomasko, M. [2010]. Icarus 205, 309–319) providing the best agreement with line-by-line calculations. Model spectra computed from the band and line-by-line models were also compared with a Keck/NIRC2 H-band spectrum of Uranus (Sromovsky, L.A., Fry, P.M. [2008]. Icarus 193, 252–266), which could be fit well with either of the two band models, but the main aerosol layer required an optical depth five times smaller using the Irwin et al. band model than for either line-by-line calculations or the Karkoschka and Tomasko band model. By far the best fit to the Uranus H-band spectrum was obtained using line-by-line absorption calculations with a far wing line shape intermediate between that of Hartmann et al. (Hartmann, J.-M., Boulet, C., Brodbeck, C., van Thanh, N., Fouchet, T., Drossart, P. [2002]. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Trans. 72, 117–122) and that of de Bergh et al. (de Bergh, C. et al. [2011]. Planet. Space Sci. doi:10.1016/j.pss.2011.05.003).

Possibilities for determining temperature and emissivity of the land surface from data of satellite IR sounders with high spectral resolution (IRFS-2)

Numerical experiments on the simultaneous retrieval of the temperature and spectral emissivity of different land types are performed on the basis of inversion of the simulated high spectral resolution measurements by the IRFS-2 satellite IR sounder. The IRFS-2 data inversion method is based on using a priori information on the spectral behavior of emissivity of different land types and the multiple linear regression technique. The rms errors of determination of the underlying surface temperature using different solving operators are 0.26–0.71 K. The application of the developed IRFS-2 measurement inversion method makes it possible to estimate the land surface emissivity with an rms error not larger than 0.015.

Performance assessment of onboard and scene-based methods for Airborne Prism Experiment spectral characterization

Accurate spectral calibration of airborne and spaceborne imaging spectrometers is essential for proper preprocessing and scientific exploitation of high spectral resolution measurements of the land and atmosphere. A systematic performance assessment of onboard and scene-based methods for in-flight monitoring of instrument spectral calibration is presented for the first time in this paper. Onboard and ground imaging data were collected at several flight altitudes using the Airborne Prism Experiment (APEX) imaging spectrometer. APEX is equipped with an in-flight characterization (IFC) facility allowing the evaluation of radiometric, spectral, and geometric system properties, both in-flight and on-ground for the full field of view. Atmospheric and onboard filter spectral features present in at-sensor radiances are compared with the same features in reference transmittances convolved to varying instrument spectral configurations. A spectrum-matching algorithm, taking advantage of the high sensitivity of measurements around sharp spectral features toward spectrometer spectral performance, is used to retrieve channel center wavelength and bandwidth parameters. Results showed good agreement between spectral parameters estimated using onboard IFC and ground imaging data. The average difference between estimates obtained using the O(2) and H(2)O features and those obtained using the corresponding filter features amounted to about 0.3 nm (0.05 of a spectral pixel). A deviation from the nominal laboratory instrument spectral calibration and an altitude-dependent performance was additionally identified. The relatively good agreement between estimates obtained by the two approaches in similar spectral windows suggests they can be used in a complementary fashion: while the method relying on atmospheric features can be applied without the need for dedicated calibration acquisitions, the IFC allows assessment at user-selectable wavelength positions by custom filters as well as for the system on-ground.

Thermal IR radiative properties of mixed mineral dust and biomass aerosol during SAMUM-2

Ground-based high spectral resolution measurements of downwelling radiances from 800 to 1200 cm−1 were conducted between 20 January and 6 February 2008 within the scope of the SAMUM-2 field experiment. We infer the spectral signature of mixed biomass burning/mineral dust aerosols at the surface from these measurements and at top of the atmosphere from IASI observations. In a case study for a day characterized by the presence of high loads of both dust and biomass we attempt a closure with radiative transfer simulations assuming spherical particles. A detailed sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effect of uncertainties in the measurements ingested into the simulation on the simulated radiances. Distinct deviations between modelled and observed radiances are limited to a spectral region characterized by resonance bands in the refractive index. A comparison with results obtained during recent laboratory studies and field experiments reveals, that the deviations could be caused by the aerosol particles’ non-sphericity, although an unequivocal discrimination from measurement uncertainties is not possible. Based on radiative transfer simulations we estimate the aerosol’s direct radiative effect in the atmospheric window region to be 8 W m−2 at the surface and 1 W m−2 at top of the atmosphere.

Developments for vegetation fluorescence retrieval from spaceborne high‐resolution spectrometry in the O2‐A and O2‐B absorption bands

Solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence is a weak electromagnetic signal emitted in the red and far‐red spectral regions by vegetation chlorophyll under excitation by solar radiation. Chlorophyll fluorescence has been demonstrated to be a close proxy to vegetation physiological functioning. The basis for fluorescence retrieval from passive space measurements is the exploitation of the O2‐A and O2‐B atmospheric absorption features to isolate the fluorescence signal from the solar radiation reflected by the surface and the atmosphere. High spectral resolution measurements and a precise modeling of the atmospheric radiative transfer in the visible and near‐infrared regions are mandatory. Recent developments for fluorescence retrieval from passive high spectral resolution spaceborne measurements are presented in this work, which has been performed in preparation of the FLuorescence EXplorer (FLEX) mission, which is currently under development by the European Space Agency. A large data set of FLEX‐like measurements has been simulated for the purpose of methodology development and testing. Issues related to vegetation chlorophyll fluorescence retrieval from space, a description of the proposed methodology, initial results from simulated test cases, and general guidelines for the specification of fluorescence retrieval instruments are presented and discussed in this work.

Model calculations and measurements of the emission of a barium plasma in the spectral range of high-n Rydberg levels in a near Ni-like state

The Los Alamos suite of atomic codes is used to model several high-resolution spectral measurements from recent laser-produced plasma experiments involving barium fluoride targets. The spectral range of observation is from 7.8 to 9.5 Å and the observed lines correspond to 3–5, 3–6, 3–7 and 3–8 transitions of principal quantum number, for Ga-like through Co-like barium ions. The observed spectra are complicated because of many overlapping lines from the various ion stages in a small wavelength region. A MUTA model that includes many configurations is compared to a detailed level-to-level collisional-radiative model that includes fewer configurations. Spectra are calculated to show the sensitivity to plasma temperature, density and size. The contributions to the spectra for the individual ion stages are also presented. The model calculations are in reasonable agreement with experiment.

Clear and cloudy sky investigations using Raman lidar and airborne interferometric measures from the European AQUA Thermodynamic Experiment

A dataset of ground, airborne and satellite data was measured during the comprehensive 2004 EAQUATE (European AQUA Thermodynamic Experiment) Italian campaign. We have used ground based and airborne data to evaluate the consistency of Raman lidar temperature and humidity profiles with NAST-I (The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Airborne Sounder Testbed-Interferometer) spectral radiance measurements in clear conditions, and the consistency of total cloud optical depth measured by the Raman lidar with the same quantity retrieved from NAST-I measurements. Lidar measurement of temperature and humidity profiles can resolve short time changes in mixing ratio due to its high time resolution. Brightness temperature simulations of clear sky, performed using lidar-derived profiles, are within 1 K difference with respect to data when averages over 25 cm − 1 and emission from layers below 7 km are considered. High spectral resolution simulations agree with NAST-I measurements with a mean percentage difference less than 0.5% in the whole ν 2 water vapour band. The simulations in cloudy conditions are based on crystal properties obtained assuming either an appropriate mixture of crystal habits (that for the first time is tested against high spectral resolution measurements) or pristine solid columns. Lidar-derived cloud base and top altitudes and lidar temperature and humidity profiles are exploited, for the first time, as inputs in a recently developed infrared cloud properties retrieval procedure. Total cloud optical depths, retrieved from 800 to 980 cm − 1 NAST-I radiances, have values that, when converted to short-wave wavelengths, are in the range 0.05–2.2 and agree with lidar measurements to within experimental errors. A closer agreement is obtained with the mixture of habits. Simulated high resolution brightness temperatures based on retrieved cloud parameters (optical depths and effective dimensions) are compared with measured values in all the atmospheric windows covered by the NAST-I sensor. The agreement obtained in the 800–980 cm − 1 interval is generally better for the mixture of habits, but solid columns produce smaller residuals in the 2000–2150 and 2400–2600 cm − 1 spectral intervals. Uncertainties related to the surface properties (i.e. skin temperature) are recognized to be the main sources of error in the infrared retrieval of cloud properties and affect the comparison between forward simulations and NAST-I data in all the infrared window bands not used for the inverse problem.

Optical scattering processes observed at the Moon: Predictions for the LADEE Ultraviolet Spectrometer

The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft will orbit the Moon at an altitude of ≈50 km with a payload that includes the Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS) instrument, which will obtain high spectral resolution measurements at near-ultraviolet and visible wavelengths (≈231–826 nm). When LADEE/UVS observes the lunar limb from within the shadow of the Moon it is anticipated that it will detect a lunar horizon glow (LHG) due to sunlight scattered from submicron exospheric dust, as well as emission lines from exospheric gases (particularly sodium), in the presence of the bright coronal and zodiacal light (CZL) background. A modularized code has been developed at NMSU for simulations of scattered light sources as observed by orbiting instruments in lunar shadow. Predictions for the LADEE UVS and star tracker cameras indicate that LHG, sodium (Na) emission lines, and CZL can be distinguished based on spatial morphology and spectral characteristics, with LHG dominant at blue wavelengths (∼250–450 nm) and small tangent heights. If present, LHG should be readily detected by LADEE/UVS and distinguishable from other sources of optical scattering. Observations from UVS and the other instruments aboard LADEE will significantly advance our understanding of how the Moon interacts with the surrounding space environment; these new insights will be applicable to the many other airless bodies in the solar system.

On the use of principal component analysis to speed up radiative transfer calculations

Radiative transfer is computationally expensive. However, it is essential to many applications, in particular remote sensing retrievals. Principal component analysis of the optical depth and single scattering albedo profiles has been proposed as a possible method to help ease the computational burden. Here we show how the technique could be applied to a practical problem of CO 2 retrievals from high spectral resolution measurements of reflected sunlight in three near infrared bands. We obtain a speed improvement of more than 50 fold (compared to monochromatic computations), while reproducing the radiances to better than 0.1% accuracy.

An improved photon path length probability density function–based radiative transfer model for space‐based observation of greenhouse gases

We present an improved model to describe the photon path length probability density function (PPDF) that effectively accounts for both aerosol and thin cloud effects for rapid retrieval of greenhouse gas data from space‐based high spectral resolution measurements. The reasonably simple PPDF and effective transmittance parameterization permit vertical inhomogeneity of gas absorption and three plane‐parallel arbitrarily located layers to account for light‐scattering effects due to aerosol and clouds. The basic assumption to construct the PPDF model refers mainly to the presentation of PPDF in terms of weakly correlated aerosol and cloud path length components. The model was validated using Monte Carlo simulations of photon trajectories and tested for a representative set of atmospheric conditions in which both aerosol and clouds modified the path length significantly. This study also focused on the connection of PPDF parameters to atmospheric optical characteristics commonly utilized in the solution of radiative transfer equations. These characteristics were converted into PPDF parameters by PPDF retrieval from a very limited spectral range of simulated radiance including at least one gas absorption line. The results demonstrate that this method can be used effectively for rapid radiative transfer spectral calculations over a rather wide spectral range of radiance at given atmospheric optical characteristics. Another important application of such conversion is to account for a priori knowledge of atmospheric optical characteristics when retrieving amounts of gases within PPDF‐based or other methods, such as full physics algorithms that utilize the solutions of radiative transfer equations.

Inferring Convective Weather Characteristics with Geostationary High Spectral Resolution IR Window Measurements: A Look into the Future

Abstract A high spectral resolution geostationary sounder can make spectrally detailed measurements of the infrared spectrum at high temporal resolution, which provides unique information about the lower-tropospheric temperature and moisture structure. Within the infrared window region, many spectrally narrow, relatively weak water vapor absorption lines and one carbon dioxide absorption line exist. Frequent measurement of these absorption lines can provide critical information for monitoring the evolution of the lower-tropospheric thermodynamic state. This can improve short-term convective forecasts by monitoring regions of changing atmospheric stability. While providing valuable observations, the current geostationary sounders are spectrally broad and do not resolve the important spectrally narrow absorption lines needed to observe the planetary boundary layer. The usefulness of high spectral resolution measurements from polar-orbiting instruments has been shown in the literature, as has the usefulness of high temporal resolution measurements from geostationary instruments. Little attention has been given to the combination of high temporal along with high spectral resolution measurements. This paper demonstrates the potential utility of high temporal and high spectral resolution infrared radiances.