Error Estimates of Version 5.0 of MSU–AMSU Bulk Atmospheric Temperatures

Deep-layer temperatures derived from satellite-borne microwave sensors since 1979 are revised (version 5.0) to account for 1) a change from microwave sounding units (MSUs) to the advanced MSUs (AMSUs) and 2) an improved diurnal drift adjustment for tropospheric products. AMSU data, beginning in 1998...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of atmospheric and oceanic technology 2003-05, Vol.20 (5), p.613-629
Main Authors: Christy, John R, Spencer, Roy W, Norris, William B, Braswell, William D, Parker, David E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atmosphere
Atmospheric temperature
Measuring instruments
Satellites
Sensors
Stratosphere
Temperature
Troposphere
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Summary:Deep-layer temperatures derived from satellite-borne microwave sensors since 1979 are revised (version 5.0) to account for 1) a change from microwave sounding units (MSUs) to the advanced MSUs (AMSUs) and 2) an improved diurnal drift adjustment for tropospheric products. AMSU data, beginning in 1998, show characteristics indistinguishable from the earlier MSU products. MSU-AMSU error estimates are calculated through comparisons with radiosonde-simulated bulk temperatures for the low-middle troposphere (TLT), midtroposphere (TMT), and lower stratosphere (TLS.) Monthly (annual) standard errors for global mean anomalies of TLT satellite temperatures are estimated at 0.10[degrees]C (0.07[degrees]C). The TLT (TMT) trend for January 1979 to April 2002 is estimated as +0.06[degrees] (+0.02[degrees]) + or -0.05[degrees]C decade^sup -1^ (95% confidence interval). Error estimates for TLS temperatures are less well characterized due to significant heterogeneities in the radiosonde data at high altitudes, though evidence is presented to suggest that since 1979 the trend is -0.51[degrees] + or - 0.10[degrees]C decade^sup -1^.
ISSN:0739-0572
1520-0426
DOI:10.1175/1520-0426(2003)20<613:eeovom>2.0.co;2