Anatomy of the uncertainty of satellite vicarious calibration using radiosondes: concepts and preliminary results for microwave radiometric observations

Abstract

Calibration of satellite observations is crucial to ensure the quality of retrieved products essential for meteorological and climate applications. Calibration is obtained and monitored through a cascade of stages, including post-launch vicarious calibration/validation activities through comparison with independent reference measurements. Here, the vicarious calibration method using radiative transfer simulations based on reference radiosondes is considered in the framework of the calibration/validation activities for the Microwave Imager (MWI) and the Ice Cloud Imager (ICI) to be launched with the Second Generation of EUMETSAT Polar System. This paper presents an overview of the uncertainty characterization of the vicarious calibration of MWI and ICI using radiosondes as performed within the EUMETSAT-funded VICIRS study.