Validation and Utility of Satellite Retrievals of Atmospheric Profiles in Detecting and Monitoring Significant Weather Events

Abstract

Infrared and microwave sounder measurements from polar-orbiting satellites are used to retrieve profiles of temperature, water vapor, and trace gases utilizing a suite of algorithms called the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS). Meteorologists operationally use the retrievals similar to radiosonde measurements to assess atmospheric stability and aid them in issuing forecasts and severe weather warnings. Measurements of trace gases by NUCAPS enable detection, tracking, and monitoring of greenhouse gases and emissions from fires that impact air quality. During the polar winters, when ultraviolet measurements of ozone are not possible, absorption features in the infrared spectrum of the sounders enable the assessment of ozone concentration in the stratosphere. These retrievals are used as inputs to monitor the ozone hole over Antarctica. This article illustrates the utility of NUCAPS atmospheric profile retrievals in assessing meteorological events using several examples of severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, fires, and ozone maps.