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At least 73 records · Page 4

Uncertainty Quantification of GEOS-5 L-band Radiative Transfer Model Parameters Using Bayesian Inference and SMOS Observations

Uncertainties in L-band (1.4 GHz) radiative transfer modeling (RTM) affect the simulation of brightness temperatures (Tb) over land and the inversion of satellite-observed Tb into soil moisture retrievals. In particular, accurate estimates of the microwave soil roughness, vegetation opacity and scattering albedo for large-scale applications are difficult to obtain from field studies and often lack an uncertainty estimate. Here, a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation method is used to determine satellite-scale estimates of RTM parameters and their posterior uncertainty by minimizing the misfit between long-term averages and standard deviations of simulated and observed Tb at a range of incidence angles, at horizontal and vertical polarization, and for morning and evening overpasses. Tb simulations are generated with the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) and confronted with Tb observations from the Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission. The MCMC algorithm suggests that the relative uncertainty of the RTM parameter estimates is typically less than 25 of the maximum a posteriori density (MAP) parameter value. Furthermore, the actual root-mean-square-differences in long-term Tb averages and standard deviations are found consistent with the respective estimated total simulation and observation error standard deviations of m3.1K and s2.4K. It is also shown that the MAP parameter values estimated through MCMC simulation are in close agreement with those obtained with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO).

MCMC↗

Validation of Aquarius Measurements Using Radiative Transfer Models at L-Band

Aquarius/SAC-D was launched in June 2011 by NASA and CONAE (Argentine space agency). Aquarius includes three L-band (1.4 GHz) radiometers dedicated to measuring sea surface salinity. We report detailed comparisons of Aquarius measurements with radiative transfer model predictions. These comparisons were used as part ofthe initial assessment of Aquarius data. In particular, they were used successfully to estimate the radiometer calibration bias and stability. Further comparisons are being performed to assess the performance of models in the retrieval algorithm for correcting the effect of sources of geophysical "noise" (e.g. the galactic background, atmospheric attenuation and reflected signal from the Sun). Such corrections are critical in bringing the error in retrieved salinity down to the required 0.2 practical salinity unit (psu) on monthly global maps at 150 km by 150 km resolution. The forward models making up the Aquarius simulator have been very useful for preparatory studies in the years leading to Aquarius' launch. The simulator includes various components to compute effects ofthe following processes on the measured signal: 1) emission from Earth surfaces (ocean, land, ice), 2) atmospheric emission and absorption, 3) emission from the Sun, Moon and celestial Sky (directly through the antenna sidelobes or after reflection/scattering at the Earth surface), 4) Faraday rotation, and 5) convolution of the scene by the antenna gain patterns. Since the Aquarius radiometers tum-on in late July 2011, the simulator has been used to perform a first order validation of the data. This included checking the order of magnitude ofthe signal over ocean, land and ice surfaces, checking the relative amplitude of signal at different polarizations, and checking the variation with incidence angle. The comparisons were also used to assess calibration bias and monitor instruments calibration drift. The simulator is also being used in the salinity retrieval. For example, initial assessments of the salinity retrieved from Aquarius data showed degradation in accuracy at locations where glint from the galactic sky background was important. This was traced to an inaccurate correction for the Sky glint. We present comparisons of the simulator prediction to the Aquarius data in order to assess the performances of the models of various physical processes impacting the measurements, such as the effect of sea surface roughness, the impact of the celestial Sky and the Sun emission scattered at the rough ocean surface. We discuss what components of the simulator appear reliable and which ones need improvements. Improved knowledge on the radiative transfer models at L-band will not only lead to better salinity retrieved from Aquarius data, it will also allow be beneficial for SMOS or the upcoming SMAP mission.

Dinnat, E.↗

A Radiative Transfer Model for Microwave Emission from Soils

The radiative transfer equation for an absorbing medium is used to develop a model for microwave emission from soils. The model calculates the microwave emission intensity in terms of the brightness temperature as a function of the soil moisture and temperature. The consistency of the model is verified by a comparative study of the present model with other microwave emission models. The effect of surface roughness on the brightness temperature is studied by modifying the Fresnel reflection coefficient and by including the surface depolarization effect. The quantitative effect of the surface roughness is studied and it is demonstrated that the brightness temperatures observed for a natural agricultural terrain can be explained through the inclusion of the roughness effect. The surface roughness effect is further analyzed to obtain formulae which are useful in the analysis of the brightness temperatures, particularly, to obtain soil moisture information from the brightness. temperatures. The sensitivity of the brightness temperature to the soil temperature variations is studied both qualitatively and quantitatively. A simple formula is obtained to calculate the soil temperature dependence of the brightness temperature in terms of the surface and the deep soil temperatures. An algorithm to normalize the brightness temperatures so as to compare microwave observations under different soil temperature conditions is also discussed. A program listing of the model is given in the appendix.

Choudhury, B. J.↗

A Physics-Based Antarctic Melt Detection Technique: Combining Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2, Radiative-Transfer Modeling, and Firn Modeling

Surface melt on ice shelves has been linked to hydrofracture and subsequent ice shelf breakup. Since the 1990s, scientists have been using microwave radiometers to detect melt on ice shelves and ice sheets by applying various statistical thresholding techniques to identify significant increases in brightness temperature that are associated with melt. In this study, instead of using a fixed threshold, we force the Snow Radiative Transfer model (SMRT) with outputs from the Community Firn Model (CFM) to create a dynamic, physics-based threshold for melt. In the process, we also combine our method with statistical thresholding techniques and produce microwave grain size information in the process. We run this “Hybrid Method” across the Larsen C ice shelf as well as thirteen sites on the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Melt and non-melt days from the Hybrid Method and three statistical thresholding techniques match with surface energy balance within 94±1%; the effect of melt on the passive microwave is mostly binary and thus largely detectable by statistical thresholding techniques as well as physics-based techniques. Rather than always replacing statistical thresholding techniques with the Hybrid Method, we recommend using the Hybrid Method in studies where melt volume or grain size is of interest. In this study, we show that the Hybrid Method can be used to (a) model dry snow brightness temperatures of Antarctic snow and (b) derive a measure of grain size; therefore, it is an important step forwards towards using firn and radiative transfer modeling to quantify melt rather than to simply detect melt days.

Marissa E Dattler↗

A radiative transfer model for solar induced fluorescence using spectral invariants theory

Solar Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) shows promise as an approach for estimating gross primary production (GPP) remotely. However, sun-target-sensor geometry and within-canopy absorption of SIF can alter the relationship between measured SIF and GPP, because sensors can only retrieve some unknown fraction of the total emitted SIF. Radiative transfer models that allow for variation in canopy structure and sensor angles are therefore needed to properly interpret SIF measurements. Spectral invariants allow decoupling of the wavelength-independent canopy structure and the wavelength-dependent leaf and soil spectrum in the radiative transfer process. Here we develop a simple analytical Fluorescence Radiative Transfer model based on Escape and Recollision probability (FluorRTER) to investigate the impact of canopy structure and sun-target-sensor geometry on SIF emissions. SIF simulations using the FluorRTER model agreed well the one-dimensional Soil-Canopy Observation of Photochemistry and Energy balance (SCOPE) model and the three-dimensional Fluorescence model with Weighted Photon Spread (FluorWPS) model. The fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and clumping effect have a large influence the SIF emission of 3D discontinuous canopies. For a moderate solar zenith angle (30°) and a clumped canopy (FVC?=?0.6), the difference between the directional observed SIF of a 3D discontinuous canopy and a 1D homogeneous canopy was as large as 43.2% and 38.4% for Photosystem I?+?II fluorescence at 685?nm and at 740?nm, respectively. By bridging the gap between observed SIF and total emitted SIF over 3D heterogeneous vegetation canopies, the FluorRTER model can assist with the angular normalization of SIF measurements and enable the more robust interpretation of how variations in SIF from directional and hemispherical in-situ, airborne and satellite observations relate to leaf and whole-canopy physiological processes.

Zeng, Yelu↗

Discrete anisotropic radiative transfer modelling of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence: Structural impacts in geometrically explicit vegetation canopies

Solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) is a subtle but informative optical signal of vegetation photosynthesis. Remotely sensed SIF integrates environmental, physiological and structural changes that alter photosynthesis at leaf, plant and canopy scales. Radiative transfer models are ideally suited to investigate the complex sources of variability in the SIF signal to guide the interpretation of SIF retrievals from airborne and space-borne platforms. Here, we coupled the Fluspect-Cx model of leaf optical properties and chlorophyll-a fluorescence with the Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (DART) model to upscale SIF from individual leaves to three-dimensional (3D) structurally explicit canopies. For one-dimensional homogeneous (turbid-like) canopies, DART-SIF was nearly identical to SIF simulated in two existing models, SCOPE and mSCOPE (RMSE <0.221 W./sq.m.μm.sr). DART simulations in geometrically explicit 3D canopies offered four important insights regarding the influence of vegetation structure on the multi-angular top-of-canopy SIF signal. First, changes in the 3D canopy architecture of maize crops, represented by leaf density (leaf area index), and plant clumping (canopy closure) had a larger impact on SIF than the modelled photosynthetic efficiency distinction between sun-adapted and shade-adapted foliage. Second, clumping of leaves at the crop and stand levels was identified as one of the key driving factors of multi-angular anisotropy of red and far-red SIF (686 and 740 nm) for both maize and eucalyptus canopies. Third, non-photosynthetic woody material had a significant impact on top-of-canopy SIF in modelled 3D forest stands. Wood shadowing decreased the photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by green leaves, and consequently the SIF emissions, by 10% in sparse and 17% in dense eucalyptus stands. The wood obstruction (blocking) effect, quantified as a relative difference of SIF escape probabilities from canopies with and without wood in the nadir viewing direction, decreased far-red SIF by 4–6% but it had a smaller and sometimes positive influence (by less than 2%) on red SIF. Fourth, DART 3D radiative budget profiles revealed that the majority of the SIF signal from a dense eucalyptus stand originated from the top 25% of the simulated canopy. Interestingly, the introduction of bark-covered woody elements did not alter the simulated balance and omnidirectional escape factor of red SIF in this upper canopy part but did raise significantly both of them in case of far-red SIF. These results demonstrate the importance of 3D radiative transfer and radiative budget simulations for investigating SIF interactions in structurally complex plant canopies and for a better understanding of spatiotemporal and multi-angular remote sensing SIF observations.

Zbyněk Malenovský↗

Radiance and Jacobian Intercomparison of Radiative Transfer Models Applied to HIRS and AMSU Channels

The goals of this study are the evaluation of current fast radiative transfer models (RTMs) and line-by-line (LBL) models. The intercomparison focuses on the modeling of 11 representative sounding channels routinely used at numerical weather prediction centers: 7 HIRS (High-resolution Infrared Sounder) and 4 AMSU (Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit) channels. Interest in this topic was evidenced by the participation of 24 scientists from 16 institutions. An ensemble of 42 diverse atmospheres was used and results compiled for 19 infrared models and 10 microwave models, including several LBL RTMs. For the first time, not only radiances, but also Jacobians (of temperature, water vapor and ozone) were compared to various LBL models for many channels. In the infrared, LBL models typically agree to within 0.05-0.15 K (standard deviation) in terms of top-of-the-atmosphere brightness temperature (BT). Individual differences up to 0.5 K still exist, systematic in some channels, and linked to the type of atmosphere in others. The best fast models emulate LBL BTs to within 0.25 K, but no model achieves this desirable level of success for all channels. The ozone modeling is particularly challenging, In the microwave, fast models generally do quite well against the LBL model to which they were tuned. However significant differences were noted among LBL models, Extending the intercomparison to the Jacobians proved very useful in detecting subtle and more obvious modeling errors. In addition, total and single gas optical depths were calculated, which provided additional insight on the nature of differences. Recommendations for future intercomparisons are suggested.

Garand, L.↗

Radiance and Jacobian Intercomparison of Radiative Transfer Models Applied to HIRS and AMSU Channels

The goals of this study are the evaluation of current fast radiative transfer models (RTMs) and line-by-line (LBL) models. The intercomparison focuses on the modeling of 11 representative sounding channels routinely used at numerical weather prediction centers: seven HIRS (High-resolution Infrared Sounder) and four AMSU (Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit) channels. Interest in this topic was evidenced by the participation of 24 scientists from 16 institutions. An ensemble of 42 diverse atmospheres was used and results compiled for 19 infrared models and 10 microwave models, including several LBL RTMs. For the first time, not only radiances, but also Jacobians (of temperature, water vapor, and ozone) were compared to various LBL models for many channels. In the infrared, LBL models typically agree to within 0.05-0.15 K (standard deviation) in terms of top-of-the-atmosphere brightness temperature (BT). Individual differences up to 0.5 K still exist, systematic in some channels, and linked to the type of atmosphere in others. The best fast models emulate LBL BTs to within 0.25 K, but no model achieves this desirable level of success for all channels. The ozone modeling is particularly challenging. In the microwave, fast models generally do quite well against the LBL model to which they were tuned. However significant differences were noted among LBL models. Extending the intercomparison to the Jacobians proved very useful in detecting subtle and more obvious modeling errors. In addition, total and single gas optical depths were calculated, which provided additional insight on the nature of differences. Recommendations for future intercomparisons are suggested.

Garand, L.↗

Developing Fast and Accurate Radiative Transfer Models to Meet the Needs of Modern Satellite Remote Sensing Applications

Modern hyperspectral satellite remote sensors provide highly accurate measurements the Earth’s Top-of-Atmosphere (TOA) radiance, reflectance, or polarized spectra with hundreds to thousands of spectral channels and with millions of observations per day. The large data volume and high spectral dimensionality of the data pose challenges for retrieval algorithms. To process the satellite Level-1 data (e.g. calibrated TOA spectra) into Level-2 products (e.g. atmospheric and surface properties) using physical-based retrieval algorithms, accurate and fast Radiative Transfer Models (RTMs) are needed. RTMs are usually the limiting factor in determining the speed of a level-2 algorithm. For example, more than one million Line-by-Line (LBL) radiative transfer (RT) calculations are needed in order to properly capture the spectral contributions of important atmospheric molecules for an IR hyperspectral sensor with a spectral coverage from 3.5 m to 15 m or a solar hyperspectral sensor with spectral coverage from 0.25 m to 2.5 m. In this presentation, we will discuss advantages and disadvantages of different ways (e.g. correlated k and effective transmittance) to accelerate the speed of a fast RTM. We finally describe a Principal Component-based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM), which can calculate TOA radiance or reflectance spectra from 50 cm-1 to 40,000 cm-1 (200 m to 0.25 m). It has demonstrated very good accuracy relative to reference LBL RTMs and saves orders of magnitude in computational time. The PCRTM has been used in many satellite remote sensing applications. Examples include forward modeling in Level-2 and Level-3 retrieval algorithms, high fidelity satellite instrument simulators and instrument performance trade studies, spectral and radiometric accuracy characterizations of satellite Level-1 data, tools for inter-satellite calibrations, tools for satellite RTM lookup table generations, and tools for generating physically based training datasets for Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms.

climate data record↗

Development of Radiative Transfer Models and Retrieval Algorithms for Satellite Remote Sensors

Hyperspectral IR sounders such as AIRS on Aqua, CrIS on S-NPP, NOAA20 and JPSS-2, IASI on Metop A, B, and C provide high-quality atmospheric temperature, water, vapor, and greenhouse gas vertical profiles. Additionally, they provide atmospheric cloud properties, surface emissivity, and surface skin temperatures. We have developed two algorithms which can consistently derive these products from multiple IR sounders. The first one is a Single Field-of-view Sounder Atmospheric Product (SIFSAP) algorithm and the second one is a Climate Fingerprinting Sounder Product (ClimFiSP) algorithm. The SiFSAP algorithm performs one retrieval for each FOV using an all-sky optimal estimation approach. The core of the SiFSAP algorithm is an accurate and fast Principal Component-based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM), which can calculate hyperspectral radiance spectra under both clear and cloudy conditions. The PCRTM was developed in the past decade using consistent reference line-by-line radiative transfer model and spectroscopy for hyperspectral sounders such as AIRS, CrIS, IASI, NAST-I, and S-HIS. The ClimFiSP algorithm, which performs retrievals from spatiotemporally averaged L1 hyperspectral radiances directly, will be orders of magnitude faster than traditional method. he ClimFiSP algorithm uses consistent radiative kernels and a robust spectral fingerprinting method. It provides accurate data climate data fusion products from multiple satellite sensors. Both SiFSAP and ClimFiSP will be available at NASA GES DISC data center for public access.

Xu Liu↗

Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosol Data Sets and Application of Radiative Transfer Models to Compute Aerosol Effects

This report is the final report for "Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosol Data Sets and Application of Radiative Transfer Models to Compute Aerosol Effects". It is a bibliographic compilation of 29 peer-reviewed publications (published, in press or submitted) produced under this Cooperative Agreement and 30 first-authored conference presentations. The tasks outlined in the various proposals are listed below with a brief comment as to the research performed. Copies of title/abstract pages of peer-reviewed publications are attached.

Schmid, Beat↗

Radiative Transfer Modeling

Our research efforts addressed theoretical work in radiative transfer which focused the following five major items: (1) Development of three dimensional radiative transfer methods; (2) Improvement to and maintenance of radiative transfer codes; (3) Creating new data-sets to define absorption by atmos.gases; (4) Model tests and validations with data from field experiments; and (5) Model application to study climatic impact of, aerosol/clouds.

Source record↗

Use of arm measurements to improve radiative transfer models used in climate models

The demands of accurate predictions of radiative transfer for climate applications are well-documented. While much effort is being devoted to evaluating the accuracy of the GCM radiative transfer schemes, the problem of developing accurate, computationally efficient schemes for climate models still remains. This paper discusses our efforts in developing accurate and fast computational methods for global and regional climate models.

Bergstrom, Robert W.↗

A Fast Vector Radiative Transfer Model for the Atmosphere-Ocean Coupled System

To infer atmospheric and oceanic constituent properties from polarimetric observations, an efficient and accurate retrieval algorithm is desirable. In-line radiative transfer calculations are indispensable if a large state vector, including both atmospheric profiles and surface properties, is used to improve retrieval accuracy. However, in-line radiative transfer calculations are usually not computationally efficient for remote sensing applications. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop an accurate and fast vector radiative transfer model (RTM) to fully utilize satellite polarimetric observations. This paper reports on a fast vector RTM, referred to as TAMU-VRTM, in support of polarimetric remote sensing, which is capable of simulating the Stokes vector values observed at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface by fully considering absorption, scattering, and emission in the atmosphere and ocean. Gaseous absorption is parameterized with respect to gas concentration, temperature, and pressure, by using a regression method applicable to an inhomogeneous atmospheric path. An efficient two-component approach combining the small angle approximation and the adding-doubling method is utilized to solve the vector radiative transfer equation (RTE). The thermal emission component of the RTE solution is obtained by an efficient doubling process. The air-sea interface is treated as a wind-ruffled rough surface in the model to mimic a realistic ocean surface. Several oceanic optical property models are introduced to model ocean inherent optical properties. To demonstrate the applicability of the TAMUVRTM, simulations are compared with satellite observations, and results from other vector radiative transfer methods including benchmarks.

radiative transfer in coupled atmosphere-ocean sys↗

Martian Radiative Transfer Modeling Using the Optimal Spectral Sampling Method

The large volume of existing and planned infrared observations of Mars have prompted the development of a new martian radiative transfer model that could be used in the retrievals of atmospheric and surface properties. The model is based on the Optimal Spectral Sampling (OSS) method [1]. The method is a fast and accurate monochromatic technique applicable to a wide range of remote sensing platforms (from microwave to UV) and was originally developed for the real-time processing of infrared and microwave data acquired by instruments aboard the satellites forming part of the next-generation global weather satellite system NPOESS (National Polarorbiting Operational Satellite System) [2]. As part of our on-going research related to the radiative properties of the martian polar caps, we have begun the development of a martian OSS model with the goal of using it to perform self-consistent atmospheric corrections necessary to retrieve caps emissivity from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) spectra. While the caps will provide the initial focus area for applying the new model, it is hoped that the model will be of interest to the wider Mars remote sensing community.

Eluszkiewicz, J.↗

Galaxy Morphology From the UV to the FIR: An Intercomparison of Recent Observations From Space With New Radiative Transfer Models

We will present the latest multiwavelength observations of spiral galaxies made from space and from the ground covering the electromagnetic spectrum from the far ultraviolet (ASTRO-2 UIT observations) through the optical, and out to the far infrared (IRAS). Comparisons with recent theoretical models for the radiative transfer of stellar light through a three-dimensional dusty galaxy will be presented.

Galaxy Morphology↗

A computation of the stratospheric diabatic circulation using an accurate radiative transfer model

The global diabatic circulation is computed for the months of January, April, July and October over the altitude region 100 to 0.1 mb using an accurate troposphere-stratosphere radiative transfer model, SBUV and SME ozone data, and NMC temperatures. There is high correlation between the level of wave activity and the local departure of the atmosphere from radiative equilibrium. An excess in the globally averaged net stratospheric heating from 40 to 50 km is computed for all months, and a deficit from 50 to 60 km is computed during solstice. A 20 percent uniform reduction in ozone from 40 to 50 km, or a temperature perturbation with an increase of 5 K at 1 mb, will bring the atmosphere into global radiative equilibrium without significant impact on the diabatic circulation. In the transitional months of April and October, the net heating in the fall hemispheres are very similar, while substantial differences exist between the spring hemispheres.

Rosenfield, Joan E.↗

Evaluation of Aqua MODIS Thermal Emissive Bands Stability through Radiative Transfer Modeling

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua has been inoperation providing continuous global observations for science research and applications since2002. The long-term stability of thermal emissive bands (TEBs) of Aqua MODIS was monitoredthrough inter-comparisons with measurements by hyperspectral or multi-spectral infraredsensors or through vicarious monitoring over cold targets such as Dome-C and deep convectiveclouds. The radiative transfer modeling (RTM)-based simulation models are developed to per-form the long-term monitoring of the stability of Aqua MODIS TEBs. Long-term EuropeanCentre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts global atmospheric reanalysis data are used asinputs to the RTM simulation. By confining ocean in low to middle latitudes as the area ofinterest, the long-term stabilities of Aqua MODIS TEBs are monitored through observationminus background (O-B) brightness temperature (BT) bias between MODIS measurements andsimulations from the RTM. In general, the RTM-based O-B analysis shows that the long-termstability of Aqua MODIS TEBs are maintained well. It is shown that Aqua MODIS surfacebands are all radiometrically stable with yearly BT bias drifts <0.005 K∕yearfor B20, B22,and B23 and∼0.01 K∕yearfor B31 and B32. The carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption channelsof Aqua MODIS, e.g., B33 to B36, are stable with a BT bias drift <0.005 K∕year. It is also foundthat after accounting for the long-term growth of greenhouse gasN2O, the O-B bias trends forB24 and B25 are quite stable with yearly BT bias drifts around 0.0002 and0.0055 K∕year,respectively. The stabilities of the moisture-sensitive channels B27 to B29 and the ozone channelB30 of Aqua MODIS are also evaluated and the remnant small variations in the O-B bias trend-ing of these channels are further discussed. The RTM-based inter-comparison of MODIS TEBmeasurements with global atmospheric and climate re-analysis data provides validation of thelong-term radiometric stability of Aqua MODIS TEBs. The analysis in this paper also demon-strates that the comparison of well-calibrated MODIS TEB measurements with RTM simulationhelps quantify the long-term impacts of global greenhouse gas concentration growth on the BTdecreases in the MODIS greenhouse gas-sensitive channels.

MODIS↗