Ground-based Remotely Sensed Water Vapor and Temperature Profiles In The Lower Troposphere: Progress and Prospects (invited Presentation)

Abstract

High-temporal-resolution thermodynamic profiles in the atmospheric boundary layer are critically needed for a range of operational and basic research applications (e.g., assimilation into numerical weather prediction models, quantifying the stability of the atmosphere for wind energy applications, and observing inhomogeneities in water vapor field that might be important for convective initiation). This presentation will focus on two ground-based technologies that are able to provide these measurements. One is the commercially available atmospheric radiance emitted interferometer (AERI); the AERI observes spectral infrared radiance (much like space-borne sounders like AIRS and IASI) from which temperature and humidity profiles can be retrieved in both clear and cloudy situations. The second is a micropulse water vapor differential absorption lidar (DIAL), which is an advanced 4th generation instrument designed for routine observation in networks. The diode-laser-based device measures water vapor profiles by observing how laser pulses transmitted through the atmosphere are attenuated. We will discuss the natural synergy between these two instruments, and value they would have as part of an operational observing network.