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Improving Forecast Skill by Assimilation of Quality Controlled AIRS Version 5 Temperature SoundingsThe AIRS Science Team Version 5 retrieval algorithm has been finalized and is now operational at the Goddard DAAC in the processing (and reprocessing) of all AIRS data. The AIRS Science Team Version 5 retrieval algorithm contains two significant improvements over Version 4: 1) Improved physics allows for use of AIRS observations in the entire 4.3 micron CO2 absorption band in the retrieval of temperature profile T(p) during both day and night. Tropospheric sounding 15 micron CO2 observations are now used primarily in the generation of cloud cleared radiances R(sub i). This approach allows for the generation of accurate values of R(sub i) and T(p) under most cloud conditions. 2) Another very significant improvement in Version 5 is the ability to generate accurate case-by-case, level-by-level error estimates for the atmospheric temperature profile, as well as for channel-by-channel error estimates for R(sub i). These error estimates are used for Quality Control of the retrieved products. We have conducted forecast impact experiments assimilating AIRS temperature profiles with different levels of Quality Control using the NASA GEOS-5 data assimilation system. Assimilation of Quality Controlled T(p) resulted in significantly improved forecast skill compared to that obtained from analyses obtained when all data used operationally by NCEP, except for AIRS data, is assimilated. We also conducted an experiment assimilating AIRS radiances uncontaminated by clouds, as done operationally by ECMWF and NCEP. Forecast resulting from assimilated AIRS radiances were of poorer quality than those obtained assimilating AIRS temperatures.
Document ID
20090027713
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Susskind, Joel
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Reale, Oreste
(Maryland Univ. Baltimore County MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: Infrared Spaceborn Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVII, SPIE International Symposium
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 2, 2009
End Date: August 6, 2009
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: MAP/04-0180-0070
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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