Estimation of Vertical Distributions of Water Vapor and Aerosols from Spaceborne Observations of Scattered Sunlight
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS. The scientific aims of this project are to investigate, develop, and apply methods based solidly on scattering physics and inverse theory to estimate vertical distributions of water vapor and aerosol properties from hyperspectral observations of scattered sunlight. We seek especially to advance methods for the lower troposphere, where water vapor and aerosols are concentrated and affect naval systems most strongly. We are working on (distinct) methods applicable over the ocean and over coast land. OBJECTIVES. Our immediate objectives are: (1) to quantify the invertibility of hyperspectral (e.g., NEMO/COIS) data over land for water vapor profile information, based on the temperature (and therefore altitude) dependence of water vapor absorption lines, and to test inversion schemes using existing (airborne) data as warranted; and (2) to develop a method to estimate lower tropospheric water vapor profile parameters over the ocean based on hyperspectral observation and clear-air aerosol scattering.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA636471
Entities
People
- Dale P. Winebrenner
- John Sylvester
Organizations
- University of Washington