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At least 379 records · Page 21

Sao Paulo Lightning Mapping Array (SP-LMA): Network Assessment and Analyses for Intercomparison Studies and GOES-R Proxy Activities

A 12 station Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) network was deployed during October 2011 in the vicinity of Sao Paulo, Brazil (SP-LMA) to contribute total lightning measurements to an international field campaign [CHUVA - Cloud processes of tHe main precipitation systems in Brazil: A contribUtion to cloud resolVing modeling and to the GPM (GlobAl Precipitation Measurement)]. The SP-LMA was operational from November 2011 through March 2012 during the Vale do Paraiba campaign. Sensor spacing was on the order of 15-30 km, with a network diameter on the order of 40-50km. The SP-LMA provides good 3-D lightning mapping out to 150 km from the network center, with 2-D coverage considerably farther. In addition to supporting CHUVA science/mission objectives, the SP-LMA is supporting the generation of unique proxy data for the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), on NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R: scheduled for a 2015 launch). These proxy data will be used to develop and validate operational algorithms so that they will be ready to use on "day1" following the GOES-R launch. As the CHUVA Vale do Paraiba campaign opportunity was formulated, a broad community-based interest developed for a comprehensive Lightning Location System (LLS) intercomparison and assessment study, leading to the participation and/or deployment of eight other ground-based networks and the space-based Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). The SP-LMA data is being intercompared with lightning observations from other deployed lightning networks to advance our understanding of the capabilities/contributions of each of these networks toward GLM proxy and validation activities. This paper addresses the network assessment including noise reduction criteria, detection efficiency estimates, and statistical and climatological (both temporal and spatially) analyses for intercomparison studies and GOES-R proxy activities.

Bailey, J. C.↗

Lunar Crater Ejecta: Physical Properties Revealed by Radar and Thermal Infrared Observations

We investigate the physical properties, and changes through time, of lunar impact ejecta using radar and thermal infrared data. We use data from two instruments on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) - the Diviner thermal radiometer and the Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) radar instrument - together with Earth-based radar observations. We use this multiwavelength intercomparison to constrain block sizes and to distinguish surface from buried rocks in proximal ejecta deposits. We find that radar-detectable rocks buried within the upper meter of regolith can remain undisturbed by surface processes such as micrometeorite bombardment for greater than 3 Gyr. We also investigate the thermophysical properties of radar-dark haloes, comprised of fine-grained, rock-poor ejecta distal to the blocky proximal ejecta. Using Diviner data, we confirm that the halo material is depleted in surface rocks, but show that it is otherwise thermophysically indistinct from background regolith. We also find that radar-dark haloes, like the blocky ejecta, remain visible in radar observations for craters with ages greater than 3 Ga, indicating that regolith overturn processes cannot replenish their block populations on that timescale.

Ghent, R. R.↗

Micro Weather Station

Improved in situ meteorological measurements in the troposphere and stratosphere are needed for studies of weather and climate, both as a primary data source and as validation for remote sensing instruments. Following the initial development and successful flight validation of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) hygrometer, the micro weather station program was directed toward the development of an integrated instrument, capable of accurate, in situ profiling of the troposphere, and small enough to fly on a radiosonde balloon for direct comparison with standard radiosondes. On April 23, 1998, working with Frank Schmidlin and Bob Olson of Wallops Island Flight Facility, we flew our instrument in a dual payload experiment, for validation and direct comparison with a Vaisala radiosonde. During that flight, the SAW dewpoint hygrometer measured frostpoint down to -76T at 44,000 feet. Using a laptop computer in radio contact with the balloon, we monitored data in real time, issued the cutdown command, and recovered the payload less than an hour after landing in White Sands Missile Range, 50 miles from the launch site in Hatch, New Mexico. Future flights will extend the intercomparison, and attempt to obtain in situ meteorological profiles from the surface through the tropopause. The SAW hygrometer was successfully deployed on the NASA DC8 as part of NASA's Third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) during August and September, 1998. This field campaign was devoted to the study of hurricane tracking and intensification using NASA-funded aircraft. In situ humidity data from the SAW hygrometer are currently being analyzed and compared with data from other instruments on the DC8 and ER2 aircraft. Additional information is contained in the original.

Hoenk, Michael E.↗

How Certain are We of the Uncertainties in Recent Ozone Profile Trend Assessments of Merged Limbo Ccultation Records? Challenges and Possible Ways Forward

Most recent assessments of long-term changes in the vertical distribution of ozone (by e.g. WMO and SI2N) rely on data sets that integrate observations by multiple instruments. Several merged satellite ozone profile records have been developed over the past few years; each considers a particular set of instruments and adopts a particular merging strategy. Their intercomparison by Tummon et al. revealed that the current merging schemes are not sufficiently refined to correct for all major differences between the limb/occultation records. This shortcoming introduces uncertainties that need to be known to obtain a sound interpretation of the different satellite-based trend studies. In practice however, producing realistic uncertainty estimates is an intricate task which depends on a sufficiently detailed understanding of the characteristics of each contributing data record and on the subsequent interplay and propagation of these through the merging scheme. Our presentation discusses these challenges in the context of limb/occultation ozone profile records, but they are equally relevant for other instruments and atmospheric measurements. We start by showing how the NDACC and GAW-affiliated ground-based networks of ozonesonde and lidar instruments allowed us to characterize fourteen limb/occultation ozone profile records, together providing a global view over the last three decades. Our prime focus will be on techniques to estimate long-term drift since our results suggest this is the main driver of the major trend differences between the merged data sets. The single-instrument drift estimates are then used for a tentative estimate of the systematic uncertainty in the profile trends from merged data records. We conclude by reflecting on possible further steps needed to improve the merging algorithms and to obtain a better characterization of the uncertainties involved.

Merging Algorithms↗

Downward shortwave surface irradiance from 17 sites for the FIRE/SRB Wisconsin experiment

A field experiment was conducted in Wisconsin during Oct. to Nov. 1986 for purposes of both intensive cirrus cloud measurments and SRB algorithm validation activities. The cirrus cloud measurements were part of the FIRE. Tables are presented which show data from 17 sites in the First ISCCP (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project) Regional Experiment/Surface Radiation Budget (FIRE/SRB) Wisconsin experiment region. A discussion of intercomparison results and calibration inconsistencies is also included.

Whitlock, Charles H.↗

The Balloon Intercomparison Campaigns - An introduction and overview

The Balloon Intercomparison Campaigns of 1982 and 1983 involved a comparison of measurements by 21 instruments from seven countries, assembled on four gondolas, assigned to collect data on the vertical profiles of HCl, HNO3, NO2, NO, O3, and many other stratospheric constituents. Most of these sensors supplied data on more than two constituents. This paper describes the instruments and the constituents measured by each of the sensor and the parameters of each balloon flight, together with some results.

Watson, R. T.↗

Comparison Of Measurments Of Atmospheric Water Vapor

Report presents experimental intercomparison among measurements by four spectrometric instruments for determining concentration of atmospheric water vapor. Three instruments ground-based and needed to provide independent data to calibrate and validate measurements taken by fourth instrument, which is airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS). Remote down-looking instruments like AVIRIS increases accuracy and coverage of water-vapor measurements.

Bruegge, Carol J.↗

Iron oxide bands in the visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra of primitive asteroids

High resolution reflectance spectra of primitive asteroids (C, P, and D class and associated subclasses) have commonly revealed an absorption feature centered at 0.7 microns attributed to an Fe(2+)-Fe(3+) charge transfer transition in iron oxides and/or oxidized iron in phyllosilicates. A smaller feature identified at 0.43 microns has been attributed to an Fe(3+) spin-forbidden transition in iron oxides. In the spectra of the two main-belt primitive asteroids 368 Haidea (D) and 877 Walkure (F), weak absorption features which were centered near the location of 0.60-0.65 microns and 0.80-0.90 microns prompted a search for features at these wavelengths and an attempt to identify their origin(s). The CCD reflectance spectra obtained between 1982-1992 were reviewed for similar absorption features located near these wavelengths. The spectra of asteroids in which these absorption features have been identified are shown. These spectra are plotted in order of increasing heliocentric distance. No division of the asteroids by class has been attempted here (although the absence of these features in the anhydrous S-class asteroids, many of which have presumably undergone full heating and differentiation should be noted). For this study, each spectrum was treated as a continuum with discrete absorption features superimposed on it. For each object, a linear least squares fit to the data points defined a simple linear continuum. The linear continuum was then divided into each spectrum, thus removing the sloped continuum and permitting the intercomparison of residual spectral features.

Jarvis, Kandy S.↗

Results of a Longer Term NDACC Measurements Comparison Campaign at Mauna Loa Observatory

Between November, 2015 and January, 2015, the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) operated a pair of lidar instruments at the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) facility at Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii (Latitude 19.5 degrees North, Longitude 155.5 degrees West, altitude 3.397 kilometers). Measurements were made during six different four week periods during this time period by both the NASA GSFC Stratospheric Ozone Lidar (STROZ) and the Aerosol and Temperature (ATL) lidar. Also making measurements were the JPL Stratospheric Ozone Lidar and the NOAA Aerosol and Water Vapor Lidar. All instruments participate and archive data with the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). Measurement comparisons were made among various instruments in accordance with the standard intercomparison protocols of the NDACC.

McGee, Thomas J.↗

Ozonesonde Quality Assurance: JOSIE-SHADOZ (2017) and SHALLOTS (2018)

Ozonesonde data constitute a mainstay of satellite calibration and are used for climatologies and analysis of trends, especially in the lower stratosphere where satellites are most uncertain. The electrochemical-concentration cell (ECC) ozonesonde has been deployed at ~100 stations worldwide since the 1960s, with changes over time in manufacture and procedures, including details of the cell chemical solution and data processing. As a consequence, there are biases among different stations and discontinuities in profile timeseries from individual site records. Since 1996 the Jülich [Germany] Ozone Sonde Intercomparison Experiment (JOSIE) has periodically tested ozonesondes in a simulation chamber designated the World Calibration Centre for Ozonesondes by WMO. In October- November 2017 a JOSIE campaign evaluated the sondes and procedures used in SHADOZ (Southern Hemisphere Additional Ozonesondes), a 14-station tropical and subtropical network. A distinctive feature of the 2017 JOSIE was that the tests were conducted by operators from eight SHADOZ stations; Nairobi, Natal, Irene, Costa Rica, Paramaribo, Reunion, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur. Experimental protocols and preliminary results for the SHADOZ sonde configurations, which represent most of those in use today, are described. SHADOZ stations that follow WMO-recommended protocols record total ozone within 3% of the JOSIE reference instrument. Instrument biases noted in prior JOSIE and field tests like BESOS (2004) were noted in JOSIE-2017, with maximum effect in the stratosphere. In June 2018 we organized a series of dual launches during the OWLETS II campaign in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area (SHALLOTS = SHADOZ-OWLETS ParaLLel Ozonesonde Test Study). Instrument and solution types were varied as in JOSIE-2017 and three radiosonde-ozonesonde variants were tested. An example of a parallel sampling in SHALLOTS, from a Greenbelt EnSCI-iMet sonde combination flown with the Wallops SPCLMS package, is illustrated in the Figure. The result was a range of biases but in general the instrument combination (EnSCI-iMet) deployed at 11 SHADOZ stations recorded ~5-10% less ozone in the stratosphere than the SPC ECC sonde flown with a Vaisala or LMS system. These 2017 and 2018 results and prior JOSIEs demonstrate that regular testing is essential to maintain best practices in ozonesonde operations and to ensure high-quality data for the ozone assessment communities.

Quality assurance↗

Strong Regional Influence of Climatic Forcing Datasets on Global Crop Model Ensembles

We present results from the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) Global Gridded Crop Model Intercomparison (GGCMI) Phase I, which aligned 14 global gridded crop models (GGCMs) and 11 climatic forcing datasets (CFDs) in order to understand how the selection of climate data affects simulated historical crop productivity of maize, wheat, rice and soybean. Results show that CFDs demonstrate mean biases and differences in the probability of extreme events, with larger uncertainty around extreme precipitation and in regions where observational data for climate and crop systems are scarce. Countries where simulations correlate highly with reported FAO national production anomalies tend to have high correlations across most CFDs, whose influence we isolate using multi-GGCM ensembles for each CFD. Correlations compare favorably with the climate signal detected in other studies, although production in many countries is not primarily climate-limited (particularly for rice). Bias-adjusted CFDs most often were among the highest model-observation correlations, although all CFDs produced the highest correlation in at least one top-producing country. Analysis of larger multi-CFD-multi-GGCM ensembles (up to 91 members) shows benefits over the use of smaller subset of models in some regions and farming systems, although bigger is not always better. Our analysis suggests that global assessments should prioritize ensembles based on multiple crop models over multiple CFDs as long as a top-performing CFD is utilized for the focus region.

Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement↗

Evaluation and analysis of SEASAT-A Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) Antenna Pattern Correction (APC) algorithm

An evaluation of the versions of the SEASAT-A SMMR antenna pattern correction (APC) algorithm is presented. Two efforts are focused upon in the APC evaluation: the intercomparison of the interim, box, cross, and nominal APC modes; and the development of software to facilitate the creation of matched spacecraft and surface truth data sets which are located together in time and space. The problems discovered in earlier versions of the APC, now corrected, are discussed.

Kitzis, J. L.↗

The International Ozone Intercomparison Program

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has endorsed a number of intercomparison project activities in recent years as a part of its Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project. The present investigation is concerned with an intercomparison of rocket borne measurement techniques in continuation of that overall effort. The objectives of this investigation were to compare the performance of rocket borne instruments, via a set of simultaneous intercomparisons of various rocket instruments under at least two sets of conditions. In order to accomplish the objectives and to aid in validating the historical data, six daytime sensors from each participant were flown. In addition, two of the participants (Australia and U.S.) provided nighttime sensor measurements. Attention is given to Wallops Flight Center instrumentation and launch support, the Triad Series, The Morning Series, and the Nighttime Series.

Gurkin, L. W.↗

Methodology for interpretation of SST retrievals using the AVHRR split window algorithm

Intercomparisons of sea surface temperature (SST) products derived from the operational NOAA-7 AVHRR-II algorithm and in situ observations are made. The 1982 data sets consist of ship survey data during the winter from the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), ship and buoy measurements during April and September in the Gulf of Mexico and shipboard observations during April off the N.W. Spanish coast. The analyses included single pixel comparisons and the warmest pixel technique for 2 x 2 pixel and 10 x 10 pixel areas. The reason for using multi-pixel areas was for avoiding cloud contaminated pixels in the vicinity of the field measurements. Care must be taken when applying the warmest pixel technique near oceanic fronts. The Gulf of Mexico results clearly indicate a persistent degradation in algorithm accuracy due to El Chichon aerosols. The MAB and Spanish data sets indicate that very accurate estimates can be achieved if care is taken to avoid clouds and oceanic fronts.

Barbieri, R. W.↗

Results from Two Years of Global Lightning Observation with the Optical Transient Detector

The Optical Transient Detector (OTD) is an instrument designed specifically to detect and locate lightning during either daytime or nighttime. A predecessor of the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), it has been in orbit for over two and half years. During this time global lightning activity has been observed on a quasi continuous basis. During this time an extensive effort has been under way to quantify and verify the OTD performance. OTD data has been compared with both the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and the Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) system at KSC. Results of these intercomparisons will be presented as well as estimates of OTD overall performance parameters. In addition, one year of OTD results will be presented showing the strong influence of the sun on global lightning activity. A month by month collage of global lightning maps will be used to demonstrate both the first order forcing and more subtle influences. Finally, initial results form the Lightning Imaging Sensor, an instrument on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) will be presented.

Christian, H. J.↗

Intercomparison of MODIS AQUA and VIIRS I-Band Fires and Emissions in an Agricultural Landscape - Implications for Air Pollution Research

Quantifying emissions from crop residue burning is crucial as it is a significant source of air pollution. In this study, we first compared the fire products from two different sensors, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 375 m active fire product (VNP14IMG) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 1 km fire product (MCD14ML) in an agricultural landscape, Punjab, India. We then performed an intercomparison of three different approaches for estimating total particulate matter (TPM) emissions which includes the fire radiative power (FRP) based approach using VIIRS and MODIS data, the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED) burnt area emissions and a bottom-up emissions approach involving agricultural census data. Results revealed that VIIRS detected fires were higher by a factor of 4.8 compared to MODIS Aqua and Terra sensors. Further, VIIRS detected fires were higher by a factor of 6.5 than Aqua. The mean monthly MODIS Aqua FRP was found to be higher than the VIIRS FRP; however, the sum of FRP from VIIRS was higher than MODIS data due to the large number of fires detected by the VIIRS. Besides, the VIIRS sum of FRP was 2.5 times more than the MODIS sum of FRP. MODIS and VIIRS monthly FRP data were found to be strongly correlated (r2 = 0.98). The bottom-up approach suggested TPM emissions in the range of 88.19-91.19 Gg compared to 42.0-61.71 Gg, 42.59-58.75 Gg and 93.98-111.72 Gg using the GFED, MODIS FRP, and VIIRS FRP based approaches, respectively. Of the different approaches, VIIRS FRP TPM emissions were highest. Since VIIRS data are only available since 2012 compared to MODIS Aqua data which have been available since May 2002, a prediction model combining MODIS and VIIRS FRP was derived to obtain potential TPM emissions from 2003-2016. The results suggested a range of 2.56-63.66 (Gg) TPM emissions per month, with the highest crop residue emissions during November of each year. Our results on TPM emissions for seasonality matched the ground-based data from the literature. As a mitigation option, stringent policy measures are recommended to curtail agricultural residue burning in the study area.

Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED)↗

Homogenization of Satellite Based Hyperspectral Infrared Sounder Data To Build Long Term Climate Record

Building long term climate record using data from multiple hyperspectral Infrared (IR)sounders requires the homogenization of different data record to ensure the consistency andcontinuity. Such a requirement comes from two perspectives: 1) the need to adjust theoverlapping measurements of different sounders to ensure the radiometric consistency in thespectral radiance domain; 2) the need for a rigorously defined scheme to ensure the radiometricconsistency being transferred to the essential climate variables derived from the radiance record.We develop a solution that uses a spectral fingerprinting scheme to derive anomalies of keyclimate variables from long term spectral radiance data record constructed using both AIRS andCrIS observations aboard AQUA, SNPP and JPSS satellites. The fingerprinting scheme usescommon radiative kernels for all sounder measurements and therefore effectively avoids thealgorithm introduced inconsistency in retrieved geophysical variables. Our approach uses aunified sampling scheme to match AIRS and CrIS observations in both spectral and spatial-temporal domain, facilitating the intercomparison of spectral radiances from different sensors(platforms). The optimized liner inversion scheme allows the direct quantification and thereforethe adjustment for the impact on the derived climate anomalies imposed by potential radiometricinconsistency between the overlapping measurements. Such a scheme also enables the low-latency data processing of long term hyperspectral sounder data records. This paper provides a detailed introduction of the spectral fingerprinting methodology.Also introduced here is the climate fingerprinting Sounder Product (ClimFiSP) developed basedon the fingerprinting methodology. ClimFiSP products include the space-time averagedproperties of key climate variables that are derived from the long-term, space-time averagedradiances from AQUA-AIRS, SNPP-CrIS, and JPSS1-CrIS. ClimFiSP will be available to usersthrough NASA'sGoddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Wan Wu↗

Intercomparison of Evapotranspiration Measurement Methods for Vegetable Crops in California

Recent drought events in California and legislation passed with the goal of increasing the sustainability of groundwater supplies have led to increased interest in tools to optimize irrigation schedules and increase on-farm water used efficiency. With more than 400 different crops produced in California, evapotranspiration-based irrigation scheduling is a promising and well-established approach. However, there is a need for accurate methods to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ET(sub c)) across the diverse range of crops grown, coupled with cost-effective methods for quantifying the accuracy of these tools. In this study, we evaluated remotely sensed estimates of ET(sub c) and associated crop water requirements from NASA's Satellite Irrigation Support (SIMS) system for two vegetable crops and measured crop evapotranspiration ET(sub c) using multiple methods, including weighing lysimeters, eddy covariance towers (EC), and surface renewal stations. We compared ET(sub c) data from these measurements with remotely sensed basal crop evapotranspiration (ET(sub cb)) data from SIMS as well as ET(sub c) data from a standard FAO-56 crop coefficient approach. Studies were conducted for sugar beets in Five Points, CA from 2014 to 2015 and studies are ongoing for fresh market tomatoes in Firebaugh, CA. We present results from these intercomparison studies and describe implications for future studies to quantify the accuracy of remotely sensed measures of ET(sub c). Highlights from results to date include strong correlations between ET measured with both surface renewal instrumentation and eddy covariance calculations using a 3D sonic anemometer and ET(sub c) data measured with the weighing lysimeter, with respective R2 values of 0.7964 (surface renewal) and 0.8034 (eddy covariance). This study provides insights into agreement between different approaches for monitoring evapotranspiration and provides another reference point for the community working to develop accurate and cost-effective tools that support growers in optimizing irrigation management.

Measurement↗