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- Author or Editor: H. H. Aumann x
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Abstract
The global-mean top-of-atmosphere incident solar radiation (ISR) minus the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and the reflected shortwave radiation (RSW) is the net incident radiation (NET). This study analyzes the global-mean NET sensitivity to a change in the global-mean surface temperature by applying the interannual anomaly correlation technique to 9 yr of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) global measurements of RSW and OLR under cloudy and clear conditions. The study finds the observed sensitivity of NET that includes the effects of clouds to be −1.5 ± 0.25 (1σ) W m−2 K−1 and the clear NET sensitivity to be −2.0 ± 0.2 (1σ) W m−2 K−1, consistent with previous work using Earth Radiation Budget Experiment and Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System data. The cloud effect, +0.5 ± 0.2 (1σ) W m−2 K−1, is a positive component of the NET sensitivity. The similarity of the NET sensitivities derived from forced and unforced models invites a comparison between the observed sensitivities and the effective sensitivities calculated for the Fourth Assessment Report models, although this requires some caution: The effective model sensitivities with clouds range from −0.88 to −1.64 W m−2 K−1, the clear NET sensitivity in the models ranges from −2.32 to −1.73 W m−2 K−1, and the cloud forcing sensitivities range from +0.14 to +1.18 W m−2 K−1. The effective NET and clear NET sensitivities derived from the models are statistically consistent with those derived from the AIRS data, considering the observational and model derivation uncertainties.
Abstract
The global-mean top-of-atmosphere incident solar radiation (ISR) minus the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and the reflected shortwave radiation (RSW) is the net incident radiation (NET). This study analyzes the global-mean NET sensitivity to a change in the global-mean surface temperature by applying the interannual anomaly correlation technique to 9 yr of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) global measurements of RSW and OLR under cloudy and clear conditions. The study finds the observed sensitivity of NET that includes the effects of clouds to be −1.5 ± 0.25 (1σ) W m−2 K−1 and the clear NET sensitivity to be −2.0 ± 0.2 (1σ) W m−2 K−1, consistent with previous work using Earth Radiation Budget Experiment and Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System data. The cloud effect, +0.5 ± 0.2 (1σ) W m−2 K−1, is a positive component of the NET sensitivity. The similarity of the NET sensitivities derived from forced and unforced models invites a comparison between the observed sensitivities and the effective sensitivities calculated for the Fourth Assessment Report models, although this requires some caution: The effective model sensitivities with clouds range from −0.88 to −1.64 W m−2 K−1, the clear NET sensitivity in the models ranges from −2.32 to −1.73 W m−2 K−1, and the cloud forcing sensitivities range from +0.14 to +1.18 W m−2 K−1. The effective NET and clear NET sensitivities derived from the models are statistically consistent with those derived from the AIRS data, considering the observational and model derivation uncertainties.
Abstract
The variability of interhemispheric symmetry of Earth’s energy serves as an independent indicator of climate change. The analysis of updated data obtained from satellite measurements at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) shows that in accord with Earth’s orbital requirements the annually averaged incident solar radiation is the same in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the annual mean of the reflected shortwave radiation is almost north–south symmetric, and the annual mean of the outgoing longwave radiation is larger in the Northern Hemisphere by 1.4 W m−2. These mean radiations systematically differ from the mean radiations found from the numerical atmospheric models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). The hemispheric differences of the TOA radiations vary on the annual and interannual time scales. The multidecadal variability in Earth’s north–south temperature difference reveals a similarity of trends in both hemispheres. The Atlantic meridional transport (in contrast to the Pacific meridional transport) is found to be coherent with the interhemispheric ocean heat content (OHC) difference on decadal and multidecadal time scales, indicating a critical role of the Atlantic in the interhemispheric energy balance change.
Abstract
The variability of interhemispheric symmetry of Earth’s energy serves as an independent indicator of climate change. The analysis of updated data obtained from satellite measurements at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) shows that in accord with Earth’s orbital requirements the annually averaged incident solar radiation is the same in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the annual mean of the reflected shortwave radiation is almost north–south symmetric, and the annual mean of the outgoing longwave radiation is larger in the Northern Hemisphere by 1.4 W m−2. These mean radiations systematically differ from the mean radiations found from the numerical atmospheric models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). The hemispheric differences of the TOA radiations vary on the annual and interannual time scales. The multidecadal variability in Earth’s north–south temperature difference reveals a similarity of trends in both hemispheres. The Atlantic meridional transport (in contrast to the Pacific meridional transport) is found to be coherent with the interhemispheric ocean heat content (OHC) difference on decadal and multidecadal time scales, indicating a critical role of the Atlantic in the interhemispheric energy balance change.
Abstract
The cloud-filtering technique developed in Parts I and II of this study is experimentally verified in this paper. The verification is based on radiance data measured in the 4.3 and 15 µm bands using a multi-detector sounder mounted on an aircraft. The results presented here show that, from the aircraft height of 7.6 km and in the presence of multiple cloud formations, it is possible to recover simultaneously:
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The clear-column atmospheric temperature profile with an rms error of 1 K with respect to radiosondes.
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The land and sea surface temperature at all sun zenith angles. The accuracy of the recovered sea-surface temperature is 0.5-1 K with respect to measured bucket temperatures.
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The humidity profile (water vapor mixing ratio) with a precision of 10%.
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The fractional covers and heights of up to three cloud formations.
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The types of clouds, i.e., whether convective or nonconvective.
Abstract
The cloud-filtering technique developed in Parts I and II of this study is experimentally verified in this paper. The verification is based on radiance data measured in the 4.3 and 15 µm bands using a multi-detector sounder mounted on an aircraft. The results presented here show that, from the aircraft height of 7.6 km and in the presence of multiple cloud formations, it is possible to recover simultaneously:
-
The clear-column atmospheric temperature profile with an rms error of 1 K with respect to radiosondes.
-
The land and sea surface temperature at all sun zenith angles. The accuracy of the recovered sea-surface temperature is 0.5-1 K with respect to measured bucket temperatures.
-
The humidity profile (water vapor mixing ratio) with a precision of 10%.
-
The fractional covers and heights of up to three cloud formations.
-
The types of clouds, i.e., whether convective or nonconvective.
Abstract
New global satellite data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) are applied to study the tropospheric relative humidity (RH) distribution and its influence on outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) for January and July in 2003, 2007, and 2011. RH has the largest maxima over 90% in the equatorial tropopause layer in January. Maxima in July do not arise above 60%. Seasonal variations of about 20% in zonally averaged RH are observed in the equatorial region of the low troposphere, in the equatorial tropopause layer, and in the polar regions. The seasonal variability in the recent decade has increased by about 5% relative to that in 1973–88, indicating a positive trend. The observed RH profiles indicate a moist bias in the tropical and subtropical regions typically produced by the general circulation models. The new data and method of evaluating the statistical significance of bimodality confirm bimodal probability distributions of RH at large tropospheric scales, notably in the ascending branch of the Hadley circulation. Bimodality is also seen at 500–300 hPa in mid- and high latitudes. Since the drying time of the air is short compared with the mixing time of moist and dry air, the bimodality reflects the large-scale distribution of sources of moisture and the atmospheric circulation. Analysis of OLR dependence on surface temperature shows a 0.2 W m−2 K−1 difference in sensitivities between clear-sky and all-sky OLR, indicating a positive longwave cloud radiative forcing. Diagrams of the clear-sky OLR as functions of percentiles of surface temperature and relative humidity in the tropics are designed to provide a new measure of the supergreenhouse effect.
Abstract
New global satellite data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) are applied to study the tropospheric relative humidity (RH) distribution and its influence on outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) for January and July in 2003, 2007, and 2011. RH has the largest maxima over 90% in the equatorial tropopause layer in January. Maxima in July do not arise above 60%. Seasonal variations of about 20% in zonally averaged RH are observed in the equatorial region of the low troposphere, in the equatorial tropopause layer, and in the polar regions. The seasonal variability in the recent decade has increased by about 5% relative to that in 1973–88, indicating a positive trend. The observed RH profiles indicate a moist bias in the tropical and subtropical regions typically produced by the general circulation models. The new data and method of evaluating the statistical significance of bimodality confirm bimodal probability distributions of RH at large tropospheric scales, notably in the ascending branch of the Hadley circulation. Bimodality is also seen at 500–300 hPa in mid- and high latitudes. Since the drying time of the air is short compared with the mixing time of moist and dry air, the bimodality reflects the large-scale distribution of sources of moisture and the atmospheric circulation. Analysis of OLR dependence on surface temperature shows a 0.2 W m−2 K−1 difference in sensitivities between clear-sky and all-sky OLR, indicating a positive longwave cloud radiative forcing. Diagrams of the clear-sky OLR as functions of percentiles of surface temperature and relative humidity in the tropics are designed to provide a new measure of the supergreenhouse effect.
Abstract
The authors present an analysis of the global midtropospheric CO2 retrieved for all-sky (clear and cloudy) conditions from measurements by the Atmospheric Infrared Radiation Sounder on board the Aqua satellite in 2003–09. The global data coverage allows the identification of the set of CO2 spatial patterns and their time variability by applying principal component analysis and empirical mode decomposition. The first, dominant pattern represents 93% of the variability and exhibits the linear trend of 2 ± 0.2 ppm yr−1, as well as annual and interannual dependencies. The single-site record of CO2 at Mauna Loa compares well with variability of this pattern. The first principal component is phase shifted relative to the Southern Oscillation, indicating a causative relationship between the atmospheric CO2 and ENSO. The higher-order patterns show regional details of CO2 distribution and display the semiannual oscillation. The CO2 distributions are compared with the distribution of two major characteristics of air transport: the vertical velocity and potential temperature surfaces at the same height. In agreement with modeling, CO2 concentration closely traces the potential temperature surfaces (isentropes) in middle and high latitudes. However, its vertical transport in the tropics, where these surfaces are mostly horizontal, is suppressed. The results are in agreement with the previous results on annual and interannual CO2 time variability obtained by using the network flask data. This knowledge of the global CO2 spatial patterns can be useful in climate analyses and potentially in the challenging task of connecting CO2 sources and sinks with its distribution in the atmosphere.
Abstract
The authors present an analysis of the global midtropospheric CO2 retrieved for all-sky (clear and cloudy) conditions from measurements by the Atmospheric Infrared Radiation Sounder on board the Aqua satellite in 2003–09. The global data coverage allows the identification of the set of CO2 spatial patterns and their time variability by applying principal component analysis and empirical mode decomposition. The first, dominant pattern represents 93% of the variability and exhibits the linear trend of 2 ± 0.2 ppm yr−1, as well as annual and interannual dependencies. The single-site record of CO2 at Mauna Loa compares well with variability of this pattern. The first principal component is phase shifted relative to the Southern Oscillation, indicating a causative relationship between the atmospheric CO2 and ENSO. The higher-order patterns show regional details of CO2 distribution and display the semiannual oscillation. The CO2 distributions are compared with the distribution of two major characteristics of air transport: the vertical velocity and potential temperature surfaces at the same height. In agreement with modeling, CO2 concentration closely traces the potential temperature surfaces (isentropes) in middle and high latitudes. However, its vertical transport in the tropics, where these surfaces are mostly horizontal, is suppressed. The results are in agreement with the previous results on annual and interannual CO2 time variability obtained by using the network flask data. This knowledge of the global CO2 spatial patterns can be useful in climate analyses and potentially in the challenging task of connecting CO2 sources and sinks with its distribution in the atmosphere.
AIRS
Improving Weather Forecasting and Providing New Data on Greenhouse Gases
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and its two companion microwave sounders, AMSU and HSB were launched into polar orbit onboard the NASA Aqua Satellite in May 2002. NASA required the sounding system to provide high-quality research data for climate studies and to meet NOAA's requirements for improving operational weather forecasting. The NOAA requirement translated into global retrieval of temperature and humidity profiles with accuracies approaching those of radiosondes. AIRS also provides new measurements of several greenhouse gases, such as CO2, CO, CH4, O3, SO2, and aerosols.
The assimilation of AIRS data into operational weather forecasting has already demonstrated significant improvements in global forecast skill. At NOAA/NCEP, the improvement in the forecast skill achieved at 6 days is equivalent to gaining an extension of forecast capability of six hours. This improvement is quite significant when compared to other forecast improvements over the last decade. In addition to NCEP, ECMWF and the Met Office have also reported positive forecast impacts due AIRS.
AIRS is a hyperspectral sounder with 2,378 infrared channels between 3.7 and 15.4 μm. NOAA/NESDIS routinely distributes AIRS data within 3 hours to NWP centers around the world. The AIRS design represents a breakthrough in infrared space instrumentation with measurement stability and accuracies far surpassing any current research or operational sounder..The results we describe in this paper are “work in progress,” and although significant accomplishments have already been made much more work remains in order to realize the full potential of this suite of instruments.
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and its two companion microwave sounders, AMSU and HSB were launched into polar orbit onboard the NASA Aqua Satellite in May 2002. NASA required the sounding system to provide high-quality research data for climate studies and to meet NOAA's requirements for improving operational weather forecasting. The NOAA requirement translated into global retrieval of temperature and humidity profiles with accuracies approaching those of radiosondes. AIRS also provides new measurements of several greenhouse gases, such as CO2, CO, CH4, O3, SO2, and aerosols.
The assimilation of AIRS data into operational weather forecasting has already demonstrated significant improvements in global forecast skill. At NOAA/NCEP, the improvement in the forecast skill achieved at 6 days is equivalent to gaining an extension of forecast capability of six hours. This improvement is quite significant when compared to other forecast improvements over the last decade. In addition to NCEP, ECMWF and the Met Office have also reported positive forecast impacts due AIRS.
AIRS is a hyperspectral sounder with 2,378 infrared channels between 3.7 and 15.4 μm. NOAA/NESDIS routinely distributes AIRS data within 3 hours to NWP centers around the world. The AIRS design represents a breakthrough in infrared space instrumentation with measurement stability and accuracies far surpassing any current research or operational sounder..The results we describe in this paper are “work in progress,” and although significant accomplishments have already been made much more work remains in order to realize the full potential of this suite of instruments.
