Global variability of midtropospheric carbon dioxide as measured by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder

Thomas S. Pagano; Edward T. Olsen; Hai Nguyen; Alexander Ruzmaikin; Xun Jiang; Lori Perkins

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.8.084984

16 June 2014 Global variability of midtropospheric carbon dioxide as measured by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder

Thomas S. Pagano, Edward T. Olsen, Hai Nguyen, Alexander Ruzmaikin, Xun Jiang, Lori Perkins

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 8, Issue 1, 084984 (June 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.8.084984

Abstract

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS Aqua spacecraft provides accurate and consistent measurements of midtropospheric carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) with global monthly coverage. The data are widely used for studies of vertical transport of CO ₂ due to large-scale dynamics (e.g., ENSO, MJO, and the Walker Circulation). The purpose of this paper is to characterize the response of CO₂ in the midtroposphere, at the altitudes where AIRS is most sensitive, to geophysical changes at the surface across the globe. Our findings confirm that surface factors, as well as weather and climate patterns, impact the global variability of midtropospheric CO ₂ as observed by AIRS. Despite a phase lag and a reduction in the seasonal amplitude observed in AIRS CO ₂ relative to surface CO ₂ measurements in the Northern Hemisphere, a significant correlation is observed between regional variability of CO _2[/sub] from AIRS and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived Gross Primary Productivity at the surface, primarily in the high-latitude boreal forests during the peak of the growing season (July). A video of global AIRS CO₂ and MODIS vegetation index clearly shows the seasonal drawdown of CO₂ from the midtroposphere over highly vegetated areas in the northern latitudes. In the Southern Hemisphere, we see higher amplitude in the seasonal cycle, with the phase leading that of the surface. Both are indicative of interhemispheric transport.

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Thomas S. Pagano, Edward T. Olsen, Hai Nguyen, Alexander Ruzmaikin, Xun Jiang, and Lori Perkins "Global variability of midtropospheric carbon dioxide as measured by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 8(1), 084984 (16 June 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.8.084984

Published: 16 June 2014

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