A Direct Method for Obtaining Ballistic Densities from Satellite Radiance Observations

Abstract

A nonstatistical method for obtaining ballistic densities directly from satellite radiance observations is derived. The method takes advantage of the fact that both the ballistic density and the satellite radiances depend upon weighted vertical integrals of the atmospheric temperature. Tests of the method on realistically simulated satellite radiances indicate root-mean-square retrieval errors of 1/4;?1/3; of the standard deviation of ballistic density for individual months. The method thus appears to be suitable for application to areas of the globe with a paucity of conventional radiosonde observations.