High resolution GLAS on the MCIDAS

Abstract

The GLAS physical inversion method for analysis of HIRS2/MSU data was implemented on the McIDAS. The method of analysis is identical to that used in processing global retrievals for six months of 1979, with the exception that the McIDAS retrievals are done on a higher spatial resolution, with one sounding attempted in every 4 x 4 array of HIRS2 spots, corresponding to roughly 80 x 80 km at nadir. This 4 x 4 array is further subdivided in 4 2 x 2 arrays with the sounding being performed utilizing all the spots in the single warmest 2 x 2 quadrant as sensed by the 11 micrometer window channel. Whether accurate retrievals can be performed on the high resolution grid without editing was determined. Different retrievals for a synoptic situation was compared and the guess dependence of the high resolution GLAS retrievals were examined. The orbit crossing the central United States at 1/21/79 09257 was studied. Radiosondes at 1200Z were used for comparison.