Oxygen A-Band Spectrometer

Numerous ongoing and planned efforts in remote sensing seek to understand the earth¿s climate and predict how it may change due to natural and anthropogenic influences. An important challenge in this regard is to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of clouds and aerosols, and to account for the effects of this structure on radiative transfer. However, current methods are not suitable for resolving cloud structures in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This project will develop a high resolution A-band instrument and retrieval algorithm that will enable better and more extensive determinations of cloud geometry. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The new instrument would be essential for reducing ambiguity in the retrieval of atmospheric properties and improving radiative parameterization in climate models.