GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra

An algorithm for retrieval of vertical profiles from ground-based spectra in the near IR is described and tested. Known as GFIT2, the algorithm is primarily intended for CO<sub>2</sub>, and is used exclusively for CO<sub>2</sub> in this paper. Retrieval of CO<sub>2</...

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Main Authors: B. J. Connor, V. Sherlock, G. Toon, D. Wunch, P. O. Wennberg
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2016-08-01
Series:Atmospheric Measurement Techniques
Online Access:http://www.atmos-meas-tech.net/9/3513/2016/amt-9-3513-2016.pdf
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author B. J. Connor
V. Sherlock
G. Toon
D. Wunch
P. O. Wennberg
author_facet B. J. Connor
V. Sherlock
G. Toon
D. Wunch
P. O. Wennberg
author_sort B. J. Connor
collection DOAJ
description An algorithm for retrieval of vertical profiles from ground-based spectra in the near IR is described and tested. Known as GFIT2, the algorithm is primarily intended for CO<sub>2</sub>, and is used exclusively for CO<sub>2</sub> in this paper. Retrieval of CO<sub>2</sub> vertical profiles from ground-based spectra is theoretically possible, would be very beneficial for carbon cycle studies and the validation of satellite measurements, and has been the focus of much research in recent years. GFIT2 is tested by application both to synthetic spectra and to measurements at two Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) sites. We demonstrate that there are approximately 3° of freedom for the CO<sub>2</sub> profile, and the algorithm performs as expected on synthetic spectra. We show that the accuracy of retrievals of CO<sub>2</sub> from measurements in the 1.61<i>μ</i> (6220 cm<sup>−1</sup>) spectral band is limited by small uncertainties in calculation of the atmospheric spectrum. We investigate several techniques to minimize the effect of these uncertainties in calculation of the spectrum. These techniques are somewhat effective but to date have not been demonstrated to produce CO<sub>2</sub> profile retrievals with sufficient precision for applications to carbon dynamics. We finish by discussing ongoing research which may allow CO<sub>2</sub> profile retrievals with sufficient accuracy to significantly improve the scientific value of the measurements from that achieved with column retrievals.
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spelling doaj.art-a28c211be7ec4cd2964238d3f57f88812022-12-22T02:01:42ZengCopernicus PublicationsAtmospheric Measurement Techniques1867-13811867-85482016-08-01983513352510.5194/amt-9-3513-2016GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectraB. J. Connor0V. Sherlock1G. Toon2D. Wunch3P. O. Wennberg4BC Consulting Limited, Martinborough, New ZealandNational Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New ZealandJet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USACalifornia Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USACalifornia Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USAAn algorithm for retrieval of vertical profiles from ground-based spectra in the near IR is described and tested. Known as GFIT2, the algorithm is primarily intended for CO<sub>2</sub>, and is used exclusively for CO<sub>2</sub> in this paper. Retrieval of CO<sub>2</sub> vertical profiles from ground-based spectra is theoretically possible, would be very beneficial for carbon cycle studies and the validation of satellite measurements, and has been the focus of much research in recent years. GFIT2 is tested by application both to synthetic spectra and to measurements at two Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) sites. We demonstrate that there are approximately 3° of freedom for the CO<sub>2</sub> profile, and the algorithm performs as expected on synthetic spectra. We show that the accuracy of retrievals of CO<sub>2</sub> from measurements in the 1.61<i>μ</i> (6220 cm<sup>−1</sup>) spectral band is limited by small uncertainties in calculation of the atmospheric spectrum. We investigate several techniques to minimize the effect of these uncertainties in calculation of the spectrum. These techniques are somewhat effective but to date have not been demonstrated to produce CO<sub>2</sub> profile retrievals with sufficient precision for applications to carbon dynamics. We finish by discussing ongoing research which may allow CO<sub>2</sub> profile retrievals with sufficient accuracy to significantly improve the scientific value of the measurements from that achieved with column retrievals.http://www.atmos-meas-tech.net/9/3513/2016/amt-9-3513-2016.pdf
spellingShingle B. J. Connor
V. Sherlock
G. Toon
D. Wunch
P. O. Wennberg
GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra
Atmospheric Measurement Techniques
title GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra
title_full GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra
title_fullStr GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra
title_full_unstemmed GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra
title_short GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR spectra
title_sort gfit2 an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near ir spectra
url http://www.atmos-meas-tech.net/9/3513/2016/amt-9-3513-2016.pdf
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