Research Objectives:
The Antarctic Plateau is ideal for calibrating and validating infrared satellite instruments. The large continental ice sheet is one of the most homogeneous surfaces on Earth in terms of surface temperature and emissivity. Ground-based measurements of upwelling infrared radiation from the surface between 8 and 12 micrometers are very nearly equal to those measured by satellite instruments because of minimal atmospheric emission and absorption. Therefore, accurate measurements of spectral infrared radiance can provide valuable validation data for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS).
We will measure upwelling and downwelling spectral infrared radiance with the Polar Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Inferometer. Its viewing angle will be adjustable in both nadir and azimuth to match the AIRS viewing angle of the surface and atmosphere. Also, we will use the AIRS Mobile Observing System to map changes in surface radiation at spatial scales similar to the AIRS field of view. Then, in conjunction with the University of Nice and the University of New South Wales, we will use a Vaisala atmospheric sounding system to obtain temperature and humidity profiles. Finally, using a ground-based global positioning system unit, we will attempt to measure the extremely low values of total precipitable water (about 1 millimeter in the summer).
The data we gather will be extremely helpful in validating the measurements obtained from AIRS.
