Global Measurements of 4.3 um NLTE using AIRS

摘要

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), launched in May 2002, is the first of a new generation of high-spectral resolution temperature and humidity sounders for numerical weather prediction and climate change studies. The accuracy of the AIRS radiances, and the validity of the clear sky AIRS Forward Model, have already been demonstrated. This paper presents global daytime measurements by the instrument, showing the effects of NLTE in the 4.3μm CO2 band. Simulations using upper atmosphere NLTE temperatures are compared to actual AIRS measurements, for various solar angles.