Arctic ice surface temperature retrieval from AVHRR thermal channels

Abstract

The relationship between AVHRR thermal radiances and the surface (skin) temperature of Arctic snow-covered sea ice is examined through forward calculations of the radiative transfer equation, providing an ice/snow surface temperature retrieval algorithm for the central Arctic Basin. Temperature and humidity profiles with cloud observations collected on an ice island during 1986-1987 are used. Coefficients that correct for atmospheric attenuation are given for three Arctic clear sky "seasons', as defined through statistical analysis of the daily profiles, for the NOAA 7, 9, and 11 satellites. -from Authors