GSICS Satellite Intercalibration Products

Abstract:

Monitoring satellite instrument measurements (Top of Atmosphere radiances) while they are orbiting by comparing them with in-orbit stable references has emerged as a key component of ensuring quality (the stability and accuracy) of their measurements and correcting any biases that emerge during the mission.

In 2006 the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the CGMS together initiated the Gobal Space Based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS,gsics.wmo.int) with the aim of monitoring the quality of measurement from satellite instruments launched by member including NASA, NOAA, EUMETSAT, ISRO CMA KMA CNES. In recent years, GSICS, via collaboration among member agencies across nations has successfully monitored instrument records for both GEO (GOES, SEVIRI, MTSAT) and LEO (AVHRR) based instruments by comparing them to in-orbit references such as IASI, AIRS and MODIS. The cross comparison products undergo stringent quality checks and standarizations and a scientific review of the theoretical bases and are assigned a GSICS maturity level. The accepted products are distributed freely as GSICS correction products. These products have wide applications.

The goal of the presentation is to introduce GSICS cross calibration products and demonstrate their applications in developing products such as Fundamental Climate Data Records (FCDRs), evaluating Spectral Response Function status, and providing bias corrections. The impact of the GSICS bias corrections on retrieval of downstream variables such as Cloud Height Sea Surface Temperature will be one component of the presentation.