Cross-track infrared sounder (CrIS) spectral radiance calibration and evaluations

Abstract

The Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) is a high spectral resolution infrared sounder on the Suomi-NPP satellite. CrIS will compliment and extend similar data records begun by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on EOS-Aqua and by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) on METOP. Primary uses of CrIS include assimilation of the radiance data into NWP models for medium range weather forecasting, retrievals of vertical profiles and temperature and water vapor, and various climate studies. Following Suomi-NPP launch on 28 October 2011, the CrIS was powered on on 20 January 2012. As part of NOAA and NASA efforts, over the past several months CIMSS/SSEC researchers have played a key role in the early checkout of the sensor including fine tuning of various calibration coefficients and characterization of the sensor's performance. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.