CLARREO IR Spectra: Achieving 0.1 K 3-sigma
Abstract
Infrared spectrally resolved radiances are a key component of the climate benchmark measurements to be made from the CLimate Absolute Radiance and REfractivity Observatory (CLARREO), a high priority Decadal Survey mission being developed under the NASA Langley Research Center. To minimize the time to detect and evaluate climate change mechanisms, a measurement accuracy that is lower than the natural variability (standard deviation of the annual global average) is required. Therefore, the goal is to cover most of the earth-emitted spectrum (3-50 microns) with an accuracy of 0.1 K 3-sigma in brightness temperature over the full range of earth scene brightness temperatures. This high accuracy will also allow CLARREO to be used for highly accurate cross-calibration of the high spectral resolution sounders in sun-synchronous orbit (AIRS on NASA Aqua, IASI on EUMETSAT MetOp, and CrIS on NPOESS). We present results and uncertainty analyses as evidence that this demanding level of accuracy is achievable through careful instrument design, application of existing calibration techniques, and application of on-orbit test and validation procedures. The use of direct on-orbit test and validation procedures is a new paradigm for CLARREO. Special flight instrumentation is being developed for applying tests now only available on the ground. It is crucial to prove the accuracy of the benchmark climate measurements directly on-orbit, because CLARREO is being designed to provide effective input to the process of setting societal policy for dealing with climate change. Its accuracy needs to be unassailable.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFMGC52A..06R
- Keywords:
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- 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE;
- 1640 GLOBAL CHANGE / Remote sensing;
- 1694 GLOBAL CHANGE / Instruments and techniques