Radiometric Comparison of 1.6-μm CO2 Absorption Band of Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) TANSO-FTS with Suomi-NPP VIIRS SWIR Band

Abstract

AbstractAn atmospheric CO2 increase has become a progressively important global concern in recent past decades. Since the 1950s, the Keeling curve has documented the atmospheric CO2 increase as well as seasonal variations, which also intrigued scientists to develop new methods for global CO2 measurements from satellites. One of the dedicated satellite missions is the CO2 measurement in the 1.6-μm shortwave infrared spectra by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) Thermal and Near Infrared Sensor for Carbon Observations–Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) instrument. While this spectral region has unique advantages in detecting lower-trophosphere CO2, there are many challenges because it relies on accurate measurements of reflected solar radiance from Earth’s surface. Therefore, the calibration of the TANSO-FTS CO2 has a direct impact on the CO2 retrievals and its long-term trends. Coincidently, the Suomi-NPP Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 1.6-μm band spectrally overlaps with the TANSO-FTS CO2 band, and both satellites are in orbit with periodical simultaneous nadir overpass measurements. This study performs an intercomparison of VIIRS and the TANSO-FTS CO2 band in an effort to evaluate and improve the radiometric consistency. Understanding the differences provides feedback on how well the GOSAT TANSO-FTS is performing over time, which is critical to ensure a well-calibrated, stable, and bias-free CO2 product.