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Copyright Copernicus GmbH 2016

Abstract

In the lower/middle troposphere, {H<sub>2</sub>O,<i>δ</i>D} pairs are good proxies for moisture pathways; however, their observation, in particular when using remote sensing techniques, is challenging. The project MUSICA (MUlti-platform remote Sensing of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric water) addresses this challenge by integrating the remote sensing with in situ measurement techniques. The aim is to retrieve calibrated tropospheric {H<sub>2</sub>O,<i>δ</i>D} pairs from the middle infrared spectra measured from ground by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometers of the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) and the thermal nadir spectra measured by IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) aboard the MetOp satellites. In this paper, we present the final MUSICA products, and discuss the characteristics and potential of the NDACC/FTIR and MetOp/IASI {H<sub>2</sub>O,<i>δ</i>D} data pairs. <br><br> First, we briefly resume the particularities of an {H<sub>2</sub>O,<i>δ</i>D} pair retrieval. Second, we show that the remote sensing data of the final product version are absolutely calibrated with respect to H<sub>2</sub>O and <i>δ</i>D in situ profile references measured in the subtropics, between 0 and 7 km. Third, we reveal that the {H<sub>2</sub>O,<i>δ</i>D} pair distributions obtained from the different remote sensors are consistent and allow distinct lower/middle tropospheric moisture pathways to be identified in agreement with multi-year in situ references. Fourth, we document the possibilities of the NDACC/FTIR instruments for climatological studies (due to long-term monitoring) and of the MetOp/IASI sensors for observing diurnal signals on a quasi-global scale and with high horizontal resolution. Fifth, we discuss the risk of misinterpreting {H<sub>2</sub>O,<i>δ</i>D} pair distributions due to incomplete processing of the remote sensing products.

Details

Title
Accomplishments of the MUSICA project to provide accurate, long-term, global and high-resolution observations of tropospheric {H2O,[delta]D} pairs -- a review
Author
García, Omaira E
Pages
2845-2875
Publication year
2016
Publication date
2016
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
ISSN
18671381
e-ISSN
18678548
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1803050763
Copyright
Copyright Copernicus GmbH 2016