Significant advances in the AIRS Science Team Version-6 retrieval algorithm

摘要

The Goddard DISC generated products derived from AIRS/AMSU-A observations, starting from September 2002 whenthe AIRS instrument became stable, using the AIRS Science Team Version-5 retrieval algorithm. The AIRS ScienceTeam Version-6 retrieval algorithm became operational at the Goddard DISC in late 2012. This paper describes some ofthe significant improvements in retrieval methodology contained in the Version-6 retrieval algorithm, compared to thatused in Version-5. In particular, the Science Team made major changes with regard to the algorithms used to 1) derivesurface skin temperature and surface spectral emissivity; 2) generate the initial state used to start the cloud clearing andretrieval procedures; and 3) determine Quality Control. This paper describes these advances found in the AIRS Version-6 retrieval algorithm and demonstrates the improvements of some AIRS Version-6 products compared to those obtainedusing Version-5.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.