Temperature Retrieval from Cloud-Top through Lower Thermosphere Using Broadband Solar Occultation

摘要

Accurate temperature and pressure profiles are the key to high quality retrievals from solar occultation measurements. For best results these profiles should be retrieved from measurements that have an identical field-of-view and are simultaneous, with companion measurements. We explore three general methods, corresponding implementation strategies and their major error sources. These methods include: 1) one or more channels sensing CO_2 extinction, 2) a single channel using the oxygen A band, and 3) use of refraction angle measurements to infer temperature from density derivatives (limited to the stratosphere). It is shown that extraordinary results can be achieved if high precision solar tracking, and solar pointing knowledge, are accomplished.