Calculating Antarctic stratospheric temperature from Special Sensor Microwave Imager and Sounder

摘要

This study demonstrates that the upper-atmosphere air sounding channels of the Special Sensor Microwave Imager and Sounder (SSMIS) can be used to estimate the stratospheric temperature. The constant viewing angle of the conical scanning sensor enables us to qualitatively analyze the stratospheric temperature without performing any retrieval or radiance assimilation. A snapshot of the SSMIS multi-channel brightness temperatures realistically characterizes the Antarctic stratospheric temperature, a key contributing factor to photochemical ozone depletion. Using a linear regression technique, we show that retrieved stratospheric temperatures are consistent with those from radiosondes. Finally, the direct SSMIS radiance assimilation within the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation system improves the analysis of stratospheric temperatures.