rvin bse g S O ys th t r e a m E

THE EARTH OBSERVER A Bimonthly EOS Publication May/June 2000 Vol. 12 No. 3

In this issue . . . EDITOR’S CORNER

SCIENCE TEAM MEETINGS Michael King Minutes of the Aqua Science Working Group EOS Senior Project Scientist Meeting ...... 3 CERES Science Team Meeting ...... 8 I’m pleased to announce the availability of the new EOS Project EOS Aura (CHEM) Science Team Meeting ...... 12 Science Office web site, the primary science and education reference Aqua Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer site for the EOS program. We have upgraded the look, content, and (AMSR-E) Science Team Meeting ...... 13 usability of the site to better serve the EOS community. This complete SCIENCE ARTICLES redesign clearly distinguishes information intended for science users, High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder education users, news media, and the general public. New additions (HIRDLS) Calibration Review at Oxford, of note are the EOS Message Boards, EOS Web Newsletter, and U.K...... 14 weekly EOS news stories and research highlights covering the status The Conical Microwave Imager Sounder ...... 18 of our missions and new research accomplished under the auspices Calibration Workshop for the Total Irradiance of EOS. The site also includes a new interface for searching the EOS Monitor (TIM) Instrument on the Earth Directory, with more robust query capabilities for the 6700+ entries in Observing System’s (EOS) Solar Radiation the database. The EOS Reference Handbook, Data Products Hand- and Climate Experiment (SORCE) ...... 22 book, Science Plan, mission profiles, and the entire archive of Earth Report on SAFARI 2000 Outreach Activities, Observer Newsletters are available. The new EOS Project Science Intensive Field Campaign Planning Meeting, Office web site is a valuable resource for the EOS community and and Data Management Workshop ...... 26 beyond, and I encourage you to take a look, and provide any Summary of the SAFARI 2000 wet season field comments on its content or organization. The URL is http:// campaign along the Kalahari Transect .... 29 eos.nasa.gov/. Satellites Used To Help Predict Deadly Disease A major step was achieved in Aqua mission preparations, with the Outbreaks ...... 34 completion of electrical integration of all instruments onto the Aqua Earth Science Enterprise Education Program spacecraft. Some minor science data interface problems are being Update ...... 35 addressed with MODIS and CERES, but those are expected to be EOS Scientists in the News ...... 36 corrected in the near future. Meeting the December 21 launch date Researchers Take New York City’s will be difficult, in view of the extra time needed to handle a variety Temperature ...... 37 of unexpected complications that arose during the electrical integra- ANNOUNCEMENTS tion. Regardless, plans are proceeding for a launch this calendar New Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer year. A pre-launch aircraft campaign for validation of the AMSR-E Data Available ...... 7 sea ice algorithm is taking place through July 6, 2000. This campaign will use NOAA microwave radiometers on a Navy P-3 aircraft flying KUDOs ...... 21 out of Thule, Greenland, to collect data to be compared with satellite EOS Science Calendar ...... 39 retrievals from the DMSP SSMI, using algorithms similar to those Global Change Calendar ...... 39 Information/Inquiries ...... Back cover (Continued on next page) THE EARTH OBSERVER

developed for the AMSR-E. This is the first proposals awarded, 10 were for algorithm Space Flight Center. After intensive of several planned aircraft validation development, and 4 were for instrument discussions, a tentative launch date of campaigns for the AMSR-E sea ice characterization and validation. The December 15, 2000 was agreed on, algorithms and is focused specifically on fourth OMI science team meeting was pending successful spacecraft integration determining the impact of summer melt held in the Netherlands in June. This was and testing. NASA had planned to ship conditions on the satellite-derived sea ice the first time the newly selected U.S. OMI the SAGE III flight hardware to Russia on concentrations. Science Team members participated. June 15, but the shipment has been Participants were organized into five delayed due to concerns over contamina- The U.S. component of the Ozone Moni- working groups including algorithm tion of the Meteor 3M spacecraft facility. toring Instrument (OMI) International development and calibration/validation, The shipment of the SAGE III instrument Science Team has been selected as part of a which are chaired by Science Team will resume as soon as new air filters are NASA Research Announcement. OMI is a members from different countries. These installed in the spacecraft facility. joint U.S.-Dutch-Finnish venture, and will events combine to represent significant be flown on the EOS-Aura satellite in June developments in a key element of the EOS Finally, I’m happy to report that Dr. Peter 2003. Dr. P.K. Bhartia, a recognized leader program’s science objectives. Hildebrand has been named as the new in ozone research at Goddard Space Flight Aqua Deputy Project Scientist. He will be Center, has been named as the U.S. OMI On May 10 and 11, a management meeting focusing on Aqua Validation activities. Science Team Leader. Under his leader- between NASA and the Russian Space Also, Steve Graham has been named the ship, the U.S. Science Team members will Agency (RSA) was held to discuss the Aqua Outreach Coordinator. I’m confident develop algorithms for retrieval of status of the Meteor 3M/SAGE III that these two key additions to the Aqua atmospheric trace gases and instrument mission. The NASA delegation included team will contribute to a very successful calibration/validation required to produce representatives from NASA Headquarters, mission. valuable science data products. Of the 14 Langley Research Center, and Goddard

Spring Ice Chokes the Bering Strait

MODIS image of the Bering Sea, Bering Straight and southern Arctic Ocean acquired May 7, 2000. Image generated from MODIS band 2 (0.85 µm) at 250 m spatial resolution. Detailed structure and leads in the ice pack are apparent. Ice flow from the Bering Strait southward to the Bering Sea is seen in great detail.

George Riggs, NASA GSFC

2 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

• Capture, process, archive, and distribute Aqua data products, doing Minutes of the Aqua Science so by 150 days after the mission is Working Group Meeting declared operational. Following Parkinson’s opening —Steve Graham ([email protected]) remarks, Bruce Barkstrom, the Aqua Outreach Coordinator CERES Team Leader, provided an update on the CERES program. Barkstrom began his talk with an overview of the CERES Science Objectives, The Aqua Science Working Group met at instruments. stating that for climate change the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) • Produce the first high spectral analysis, there must be a continuation on April 27, 2000. Claire Parkinson, the resolution global infrared spectra of of the ERBE record of radiative fluxes at Aqua Project Scientist, opened the meeting the Earth. the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and that at 8:30 by welcoming everyone and • Obtain 1 K/1 km global root-mean- the same analysis techniques performed introducing the new Aqua Outreach square temperature profile accuracy on the ERBE data must be used for Aqua Coordinator, Steve Graham, of the EOS in the troposphere by 1 year after (as is being done for Terra) and that much Project Science Office. launch. of the software is based on the same code • Extend the improved TRMM rainfall for ERBE data. Other objectives include Parkinson began by stating that consider- characterization to the extra tropics, doubling the accuracy of estimates of able progress has been made since the last for a minimum of one year. radiative fluxes at TOA and the Earth’s meeting, which occurred in October 1999. • Produce the first global, through- surface, providing the first long-term The MODIS, AIRS, HSB, and AMSR-E clouds SST daily maps of the ocean, global estimates of radiative fluxes within instruments have all arrived safely at for a minimum of one year. the Earth’s atmosphere, and providing TRW, and those along with the previously • Produce large scale global soil cloud property estimates consistent with ready CERES and AMSU instruments moisture distribution for regions with the radiative fluxes from surface to the top were all mechanically integrated onto the low vegetation. of the atmosphere. spacecraft between December 15, 1999 and • Produce calibrated global observa- February 1, 2000. Electrical integration of tions of the Earth’s continents and Barkstrom then displayed preliminary the instruments is now underway. Last ocean surfaces 150 days after the data/images from the Terra press confer- fall, the AMSR-E and AIRS/AMSU/HSB mission is declared operational. ence held on April 19, 2000. He noted that Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents • Capture and document three seasonal within a few days of Level 1B, the CERES (ATBDs) were updated, and on March 14, cycles of terrestrial and marine team was producing Level 2 data using 2000 they were defended before a review ecosystems and atmospheric and ERBE angular distribution models, getting panel. The NRA for AIRS/AMSU/HSB cloud properties. about 10% albedos over the ocean, 25% and AMSR-E Validation has been ap- • Produce three sets of seasonal/annual over the Sahara, and 70% on the tops of proved and signed by Ghassem Asrar and Earth radiation budget records. the highest thunderstorms. In addition, is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2000. • Produce improved measurements of the data are correctly geolocated and the the diurnal cycle of radiation by team is reasonably happy with the Next, a short discussion took place combining Aqua measurements with progress of the instrument. regarding the newly approved minimum Terra and/or TRMM measurements success criteria for the Aqua mission. for months of overlap. The CERES S’COOL Project now has over These criteria state that a successful Aqua • Produce combined cloud property 465 schools in 36 countries providing mission will: and radiation balance data to allow ground-truth measurements of clouds to • Achieve a safe launch and on-orbit improved studies of the clouds in the assist with the validation of the CERES check-out of the spacecraft and climate system. instrument.

3 THE EARTH OBSERVER

Next, Kory Priestley of the CERES Team error sources for CERES; and TRMM one of the things not yet illustrated well is presented on the CERES Deep Space should only be viewed as a “best case” the fire band. There is a large dynamic Maneuver. He reminded the audience that until the design is validated over several range on the intensity of fires within a CERES is two instruments, one predomi- flight models. pixel up to 400K, and the team has not yet nantly for cross track spatial sampling come up with a good illustration of how (Fixed Azimuth Plane Scanning), the other Following the TRMM discussion, impacts well they are doing this. But overall, for hemispherical sampling (Rotating of Terra omitting and/or delaying its MODIS is performing “better than spec” Azimuth Plane Scanning). Both CERES CAMs was discussed. An immediate providing useful data in several areas. instruments can operate in either mode. impact would be that the traceability to ground calibration radiometric scale Pre-launch calibration and characteriza- Priestley remarked that there is a need to would be less certain. There would also be tion was critical to the development and characterize scan dependent offsets, which a significant impact on validation timeline the ultimate use of the MODIS data. Even are extraneous instrument artifacts that for the Level-1 data which would then though very considerable efforts were impart sample dependent biases on the impact all downstream data products. provided by the MODIS MCST that have radiometric measurements. These offsets improved the performance of the MODIS, arise from two sources, electromagnetic Priestley concluded his presentation by there was more that should have been signals and micro-strains. Priestley noted summarizing the pertinent issues, noting done. The pre-launch test program still that the offsets are very significant and that it is imperative that CERES accurately was not sufficient to adequately identify that accurate knowledge of scan depen- characterizes their scan dependent offsets and characterize some key sensor prob- dent offsets at the sub 1-count level is in order to achieve their scientific goals lems (focal plane co-registration, ADC/ necessary to meet the mission accuracy and continue the long term dataset. A bin-fill non uniformity, mirror side requirements of 0.5% and 1.0% accuracy failure to do this would mean a significant differences). Also, major compromises for terrestrial and solar energy flows. impact to the data validation timeline, a were made to the Terra-MODIS in order to Globally averaged this roughly corre- delay in the release of validated data adhere to an earlier (not achieved) launch sponds to flux values of 1.2 W/m2 top of products, more frequent reprocessing, less schedule including not verifying an the Atmosphere LW Flux and 2.0 W/m2 certain intercalibration with similar electronic cross-talk fix (the problem still TOA SW Flux. By taking the total channel instruments, and a degraded ability to persists), and not measuring the RVS of and subtracting the shortwave channel, monitor long-term climate change. the scan mirror. In addition, fixes of it’s difficult to meet the error budget; but known problems on FM1 may not be by doing the pitch-over maneuver, the Vince Salomonson, the MODIS Team made due to similar launch schedule errors can be removed. Leader, opened his presentation by pressures. displaying early images from MODIS- Next, Priestley provided an overview of Terra and noted that many of the images The test schedule for Terra operations was the lessons learned from TRMM. He noted are located on the Terra Homepage URL at too tight and if there are similar assump- that ground to on-orbit shifts of approxi- terra.nasa.gov. In addition, a MODIS tions for Aqua, launch readiness will be mately 1 count peak-to-peak occurred in poster that was displayed at the Investiga- compromised. The duration of A&E phase all three channels of the CERES PFM tors Working Group meeting recently held was underestimated, as 90 days was not instrument; analyses of the collected data in Tucson, AZ was also presented. adequate. At L+132, the deep space indicated that 30-50 repetitions of each Salomonson walked through a series of maneuver had not been conducted, the combination of elevation and azimuthal images that highlighted many of MODIS’ solar diffuser only finished on L+131, the angle are necessary; and CERES/TRMM capabilities including sun stimulated sensor is not in optimal operational scan dependent offsets have been reduced fluorescence, natural color imagery, configuration and is still requiring TDRSS an order of magnitude from ERBE. As a comparisons between AVHRR and support for real-time operations. bottom line, Priestley stated that a MODIS, ocean color, cloud optical Salomonson added that a more realistic significant improvement has been made thickness, total column water vapor, land schedule is needed for Aqua. over ERBE; CERES accuracy requirements composites, sea surface temperature, are a factor of 2 more stringent than ERBE; aerosol optical thickness, and broadband The telemetry specification for Level 0 offsets are still significant as potential white sky albedo. Salomonson added that data from Aqua is not finalized.

4 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Salomonson assumes that this will not be that George Morrow has been informed of radars and microphysics aircraft, NASDA significantly different than Terra, but if it the AIRS team viewpoint. ground support, and possibly the ER-2 is, then Aqua Level 1a software will not be with radiometers. In FY 2003, a long-term ready for launch. Also, bit flips in the data Parkinson then turned the floor over to statistics program will start (possibly at from the Terra spacecraft caused problems Fran Wasiak of Aqua’s Instrument Wallops) with the NPOL radar, and in FY with EDOS and DAAC processing of the Planning Group to discuss the Integrated 2004 a 60-day Eureka experiment with 2 data. Mission Timeline (IMT). The purpose of aircraft is planned. the IMT is to plan the order of the activi- Funds for Aqua processing hardware must ties necessary to get the spacecraft to the Validation plans for AMSR ocean products arrive by L-5 months because the current operational phase of the mission and is include the utilization of buoys, ships, and MODAPS will be unable to support intended to be a high-level management satellite radiometers for SST; buoys, production of both Aqua and Terra tool. The IMT was developed largely from satellite radiometers, and NCEP models products at the required volumes and TRW’s Orbital Activation Plan and for surface winds; radiosondes for resources will severely limit testing of includes information acquired at the integrated water vapor; histogram Aqua processing. October 1999 Science Working Group analysis and GOES imagery for integrated meeting. A preliminary IMT Review was cloud water. After a brief break the meeting recon- held on February 29-March 2 and included vened with Parkinson summarizing the Aqua Project, TRW, Instrument Operation, Validation plans for AMSR land products October 15, 1999 Agreement on the Aqua and Flight Operation Teams. Inputs from include field experiments that will utilize Spacecraft Maneuvers during the first 90 this review are being incorporated and a intensive sampling over a 200 x 200 km days after launch. This agreement stated new version of the IMT is scheduled to be area diverse in vegetation, climate, and that: released at the end of May. It will be topography, for a 1 month period, accessible at the following internet employing satellite, airborne, and ground • The deep-space maneuver will be a address: ftp://198.118.192.20/pub/fot/ instrumentation. In addition, existing constant-pitch-rate maneuver done on leo_timelines/pm operational networks will be utilized such three consecutive orbits, preferably on as the Oklahoma Mesonet, DoE ARM/ day 55 or as soon thereafter as the After returning from lunch, Roy Spencer, CART, USDA ARS Micronet, Illinois moon is out of the way. the AMSR-E Team Leader, offered an Climate Network, and sites in Russia, update on AMSR-E Validation and China, and Mongolia. Also, cooperative • A series of yaw maneuvers with the Science. A joint AMSR Science Team programs such as GEWEX/GAME, MODIS doors closed will be done on Meeting will be held in July 2000 in GEWEX/CEOP, GSWP, DAO, NCEP, and days 26-27, and a second series of conjunction with the IGARSS meeting in ECMWF will be leveraged. Comparisons yaw maneuvers with the MODIS Honolulu, HI. with other sensors such as the SSM/I and doors open will be done on days 30- SSM/IS, Aqua’s MODIS and AIRS, and 31. Validation plans for AMSR rainfall SAR will be studied. Field campaigns products in FY 2000 include the routine currently scheduled include Nagaoka, • A small roll maneuver, to enable a operation of Eureka WSR-88D (doppler Japan (2000), Southern Great Plains (2001, view of the moon from the MODIS radar) and the installation of rain gauge 2003, 2005), Walnet Creek, IA, Little River Space View Port, will be done on day clusters at 2 locations (tbd). In FY 2001, in Watershed, GA, San Pedro basin, AZ, and 40 or as soon thereafter as the moon is addition to the routine operations of the Thailand, Tibet, and Mongolia in 2001-02 appropriately positioned. WSR-88D, the Wallops Experiment on 3D (with NASDA). raincloud structure will occur and will Dr. Mous Chahine, the AIRS Team Leader, include 2 multi-parameter radars, NASA Sea ice validation plans include satellite then stated that the deep space maneuver NPOL radar, NOAA ETL radar, rain gauge intercomparisons with SSM/I and SSM/IS should be removed from the schedule and disdrometer network. In FY 2002, an and campaigns such as Meltpond 2000 in because it will cause a reduction in data experiment will be conducted in the Sea of the Arctic (June/July 2000), and cam- quality from the AIRS, which would take Japan which will include the NASA NPOL paigns in Antarctica (August 2001, 2003 considerable time to correct itself. He said radar, DC-8 with radiometers, NASDA out of Punta Arenas) and the Arctic (with

5 THE EARTH OBSERVER

rainfall experiments in 2002 and 2004). the thermal vacuum data, is expected to be initiate contact with the selected investiga- Snow cover plans include participation in excellent. tors. MODIS field campaigns, AMSR-E sea ice campaigns, and an NSIDC collaboration. Analysis of test data to determine the The NRA is due to be released on May 8; spectral response function (SRF) for each letters of intent due June 15; proposals due The second half of Spencer’s talk dealt detector is almost completed. Part of the July 13; peer review by mail due Septem- with AMSR-E science. It was noted that SRF determination involves high resolu- ber 11; peer review panel will convene cloudy SST retrievals from the TRMM tion measurements of the entrance filter September 26-28; and selections will be microwave imager (TMI) have been for each array at 149K, 155K, and 161K released on November 1. demonstrated. Examples included how using spare filters at JPL. Ten of the eleven An open re-competition for CERES and the TMI shows cold wakes behind entrance filters have been tested to date. MODIS is planned, with the possibility of hurricanes that AVHRR misses, and how a few additional Terra (ASTER, MOPPIT, TMI SST’s and QuikScat winds show The AIRS SRFs are critical for the quantita- and MISR) and maybe IceSat (GLAS) mesoscale modulation of winds by tive use of the AIRS data. The SRFs will be investigations. Current plans are to extend equatorial instability waves. In addition, made available as part of the AIRS the proposals one year and then have a pointing errors have been found in NOAA Calibration Report for external users. recompetition with selections by Septem- K AMSU data (window channel imagery), Aumann said that there are two methods ber 1, 2001 (draft NRA by October 2000). as evidenced by the continents moving which make the SRF details transparent to Starr wants input from the CERES and back and forth on the imagery. Aerojet has the user: MODIS teams so he can develop an documentation of measured AMSU effective NRA for the next cycle. pointing errors and NESDIS has documen- 1. If the user prefers his/her own tation of AMSU mounting errors. radiative transfer, then the SRF for Following Starr’s presentation, Aumann each of the 2378 spectral channels is offered some thoughts on Aqua platform Following Spencer’s presentation, George given by a prescription (available in instrument cross-validation. He noted that Aumann, the AIRS Project Scientist, tabulated form and as a function call). validation of a product means certifying presented a status update on the AIRS/ that the product measures what it is AMSU/HSB Program. Aumann stated 2. If the user prefers the AIRS team- intended to measure and has a quantifi- that the instruments are mounted on the provided radiative transfer routine, able accuracy. Comparison of measure- spacecraft and mechanical alignment is giving the atmospheric/surface state ments of the same spatial, spectral, and completed. Detailed on-orbit sequence vector as input to a function call temporal scene from two separate from launch to launch + 90 days has been returns the calculated upwelling instruments on Aqua does not constitute developed. In addition, a high level plan spectral radiances for each of the 2378 validation, but may only confirm that data for data processing/validation from spectral channels as output. from two instruments are statistically launch to launch +12 months is being likely to refer to the same quantity. synchronized between the GSFC DAAC After a short break, EOS Validation and the AIRS science team. Scientist David Starr provided an over- Aqua instrument cross-validation must be view of the 2nd EOS Validation NASA timely. There are significant differences in Characterization of the AIRS at spectrom- Research Announcement (NRA). This the maturity of the software of the eter temperatures of 149K, 155K, and 161K NRA is limited to AIRS and AMSR-E on different instruments. However, after were completed in thermal vacuum Aqua, and a few spectroscopic studies significant bugs are fixed (e.g., L+3 testing before shipping. The temperatures supporting Aura and will distribute months) every effort should be made to were selected based on the predicted approximately $2M per year, excluding complete some level of cross-validation range of orbital conditions. the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement before the software is officially labeled Radiosonde program. Teams and program “validated” (e.g., L+12 months) and Aumann noted that instrument perfor- managers from NASA Headquarters are available to the outside investigators from mance is “on spec” and the radiometric expected to participate in the proposal the DAAC. accuracy, after accounting for linearity, review process and are also expected to scan angle and polarization effects using organize post-selection workshops to Cross validation will be very useful and

6 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

can be done in a timely fashion if limited Graham on Aqua outreach. It was noted The group decided that the fact sheets to simple products (Level 1B) and simple that for the Terra mission, a set of science should be written for the water cycle and scenes. Cross validation within the first 12 fact sheets were prepared that highlighted enhanced weather forecasting first and, months is not practical for global compari- the science themes of the mission, and upon the recommendation of Larrabee sons and Level 2. After then the compari- these topics were displayed for the group Strow, that one or more of the fact sheets son of apparently similar named products to discuss. It was proposed that the Aqua should emphasize new technologies. from different instruments can be a mission also develop a set of fact sheets fruitful research effort. highlighting its science. Parkinson and Finally, the possibility of performing a Graham presented the following list of “webcast” of the Aqua launch was Aumann suggested to have each instru- four possible topics: discussed. The suggestion was well ment team evaluate potential areas for received, and preparations will begin cross validation, coming to an agreement • The Aqua Mission regarding this event. The meeting con- on what should be done and when, and cluded at 4:00pm. The next scheduled present the plan at the September 2000 • The Water Cycle Aqua Science Working Group Meeting is Aqua Science Working Group Meeting. September 12, 2000 at GSFC. • Enhanced Weather Forecasting The final presentation of the meeting was given by Claire Parkinson and Steve • The Earth’s Snow and Ice Cover

New Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Data Available

— Linda A. Hunt ([email protected]), NASA Langley Atmospheric Sciences Data Center

The Earth Observing System Data Information System MISR is part of NASA’s Terra spacecraft, launched into sun- (EOSDIS) NASA Langley Atmospheric Sciences Data Center synchronous polar orbit on December 18, 1999. MISR measure- (Langley DAAC) announces the release of Multi-angle ments are designed to improve our understanding of the Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Level 1 data. These Earth’s environment and climate. Viewing the sunlit Earth include Level 1 raw imagery (Level 1A); radiometrically simultaneously at nine widely spaced angles, MISR provides calibrated imagery (Level 1B1); geolocated, co-registered, radiometrically and geometrically calibrated images in four map-projected imagery (Level 1B2); browse data; and geomet- spectral bands at every angle. Spatial sampling of 275 and 1100 ric parameters on a swath-by-swath basis. Engineering, m is provided on a global basis. navigation and on-board calibrator files are also available, along with static data sets that provide parameters needed to For information regarding NASA Langley Atmospheric convert the image data to physical radiances or to establish Science Data Center data, or for assistance in placing an order, geodetic latitudes and longitudes and surface elevations. please contact: These data sets are available through the Data Center’s home NASA Langley Atmospheric Sciences Data Center page URL: eosweb.larc.nasa.gov Science, User and Data Services Mail Stop 157D, 2 S. Wright Street Follow the “Access Data” link and select the MISR project to Hampton, VA 23681-2199 view project and data set information and to link to the search Phone: 757-864-8656 and order tool. Fax: 757-864-8807 E-mail: [email protected]

7 THE EARTH OBSERVER

was begun February 26th. Attempts to transition to biaxial operations saw sluggish azimuth gimbal performance; CERES Science Team Meeting recovery operations to exercise the gimbal were completed in mid-March. Beginning — Shashi K. Gupta ([email protected]), and Gary G. Gibson on March 13th the primary science ([email protected]), NASA Langley Research Center channel output began experiencing ‘contamination’ from an unknown electronic source. Suspicion lies with the failing Interpoint voltage converter. Diagnostic studies are underway. Initial results suggest that the data are recover- able, and that the noise can be eliminated in future data collection. The 21st Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Models 1 & 2 (FM1 and FM2) validation Energy System (CERES) Science Team status report. Early results demonstrate Bruce Barkstrom (LaRC), CERES Co- meeting was held in Hampton, VA on May ground-to-flight radiometric stability of Principal Investigator, discussed the need 2-4, 2000. The team decided that Edition 2 better than 0.5, 0.4, and 0.25% for the for deep space observations on Terra and ERBE-like (ERBE is the Earth Radiation window (WN), shortwave (SW), and total Aqua. CERES has sample-dependent Budget Experiment) Tropical Rainfall channel pairs of radiometric sensors. offsets, and the only rigorous approach to Measuring Mission (TRMM) data are Coastline detection algorithms demon- determining offsets is observation of deep ready to archive. The Edition 1 Single strate mean navigational accuracies at the space. However, other instruments on Satellite Footprint (SSF) TRMM data 1-km level. Three-channel Terra and Aqua have some concerns about product is in good shape, with only a few intercomparison, and deep convective making deep space observations. The changes needed before starting archive albedo studies suggest the Terra and team for ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne and distribution in about two months. The TRMM instruments are on the same Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiom- next Science Team meeting is scheduled radiometric scale with confidence bounds eter) on Terra is worried about solar for September 20-22, 2000 at the Univer- at the sub 1% level. incidence, and the team for AIRS (Atmo- sity of Alabama-Huntsville. Richard Green (LaRC) presented Tropical spheric Infrared Sounder) on Aqua is Bruce Wielicki (LaRC), CERES Co- Mean intercomparison results for March concerned about thermal stability of Principal Investigator, opened the meeting 2000 showing consistency between the calibrations. with an Earth Observing System (EOS) FM1, FM2, and TRMM Proto Flight Model program status report. The official Aqua (PFM) at the 0.5% level for nighttime LW CERES Data Systems launch date is December 2000. He also and at 0.1% between FM1 and FM2 SW. briefed the team on a recent NASA Martial Haeffelin (Virginia Tech) high- Bruce Barkstrom highlighted two new exercise to establish a vision for the next lighted preliminary results from TRMM/ data system issues. First, the Earth Science 25 years of Earth Science space missions Terra matched view zenith/relative Enterprise (ESE) recently announced that and technology needs. azimuth intercomparison studies. The it would implement recovery of the full CERES instruments on the two spacecraft marginal cost of data products. Second, CERES Instrument Status are in agreement to within 0.4% and 0.5% the ESE is proceeding to explore long-term for SW and longwave (LW) radiance, archiving of EOS data with NOAA. Larry Brumfield (LaRC) presented the respectively. Aqua instrument status report. The Jim Kibler (LaRC) updated the team on CERES instruments were delivered to the Kory Priestley summarized operations for the Instrument Simulator, a new version of Aqua spacecraft in early January, mounted the TRMM PFM instrument’s return to the view_hdf tool, data and code deliver- onto the spacecraft, and are ready for service. Operational power was restored ies, and data product versions. The TRMM integration and testing. Kory Priestley on February 25, 2000 and nominal science and Terra simulators are operational and (LaRC) delivered the CERES/Terra Flight data collection in the cross-track mode are being used for testing and validation

8 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

of command sequences, scan tables, presented. Tom Charlock (LaRC), Norman Optical depth, water path, and particle software patches, and long command Loeb (Hampton University [HU]), and sizes were also recommended for uploads. The Aqua simulator is under David Kratz (LaRC) showed results which archiving, but with the caveat that these development. Dealing with the TRMM confirmed the validity of the SSF clear-sky properties during twilight and nighttime and Terra data flow has been a challenge, fluxes; however, several problems with the hours should not be considered as reliable. but the team is identifying the problems cloudy-sky fluxes were noted. Coakley, Minnis, and Han will compare and successfully handling the large their respective radiative transfer calcula- volume of data. The team concluded that several changes tions to eliminate the possibility that the are needed prior to archiving the TRMM radii differences are due to model differ- CERES/TRMM ERBE-like Data Edition 1 SSF data product. The calibra- ences. Larry Stowe (NOAA) led a discus- Products tion of the 1.6 µm VIRS channel should be sion of initiating further screening of the changed to be consistent for both the clear-sky aerosol data to eliminate cloud Kory Priestley presented the final spectral cloud algorithm and aerosol optical depth contamination. response functions used in the Edition 2 (AOD) retrieval. A channel 1 reflectance ERBE-like products. David Young (LaRC) variability test will be added to remove Ron Welch (UA-H) demonstrated a new reviewed recent algorithm improvements sub-pixel cloud contamination from the 2- version of the satellite data display and and the current status of the ERBE-like km VIRS pixels used to determine cloud analysis tool Interactive Visual Image products. The Edition 2 ERBE-like TRMM optical depth. Three new parameters will Classification System (IVICS). He pre- data are ready to archive and release with be added: fraction of VIRS pixels and sented several analyses of VIRS data using the updated data quality summaries. average reflectance of VIRS pixels (0.63 IVICS and his image classification CERES/TRMM SSF Data Product and 1.6 µm) in the CERES field of view methods that utilize neural network (FOV) used to determine the AOD. A 10- techniques. Mike Friedman (OSU) gave a Patrick Minnis (LaRC) summarized recent minute land/water mask will be used progress report on pixel-scale water cloud changes to the CERES cloud algorithm instead of the 2.5-degree mask to avoid retrievals. He identified mid-latitude including a variety of improvements in eliminating many AERONET validation water clouds as having the largest particle nighttime and twilight retrievals and a sites. Minnis, Coakley, and Han will size differences between their retrieval new five-band application of correlated k intercompare radiative model calculations and those retrieved with the CERES cloud distribution techniques to account for at 3.7 µm to resolve particle size method algorithm. Han analyzed variations in ice atmospheric absorption across the Visible retrieval differences. cloud property retrievals due to phase Infrared Scanner (VIRS) and Moderate- functions that are assumed in the model- Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer The team decided that, in addition to the ing process. He discussed the sensitivity of (MODIS) 3.7 µm bands. He presented cloud and aerosol retrievals, only the the retrievals to assumed particle size comparisons of cloud properties derived clear-sky fluxes should be included on the distributions, shapes, and aspect ratios. using European Center for Medium-Range SSF. More TRMM scanner data are Weather Forecasts (ECWMF) and GSFC’s required to develop the new angular Kazuaki Kawamoto (Virginia Tech) Data Assimilation Office (DAO) data in models for cloudy conditions. Meanwhile, discussed improved techniques for the the Meteorological, Ozone, and Aerosol users will have improved (relative to nighttime CERES cloud algorithm to allow (MOA) data base. He presented an ERBE) cloud screening and clear-sky retrieval of cloud properties when extensive set of cloud property validation fluxes. Clear-sky will be defined as 0% temperature inversions are present. data sets and consistency checks. Results cloudy pixels in the FOV. Xiquan Dong (University of Utah) from the integration of Ron Welch’s summarized CERES cloud property methods for determining cloud cover, Cloud Working Group validation activities using surface data aerosols, and smoke were shown. An taken at the SHEBA (Surface Heat Budget intercomparison of cloud properties Patrick Minnis led discussions of cloud of the Arctic) ship during the Arctic Cloud derived using techniques of Minnis, Jim retrieval, archival, and validation issues. Experiment (ACE) and for 2 years of data Coakley (Oregon State University [OSU]) The group agreed that cloud fraction and taken at the Atmospheric Radiation and Qingyuan Han (University of cloud pressures were ready for the first Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Alabama–Huntsville, [UA-H]) was archiving of cloud property retrievals. Plains (SGP) site. Ben Ho (Analytical

9 THE EARTH OBSERVER

Services & Materials, Inc. [AS&M]) Charlock described the ongoing effort to ary measurements. Nitchie Smith (AS&M) compared liquid water path (LWP) measure spectral SW reflectances of the presented cloud-free LW and WN limb retrievals from coincident VIRS and ocean surface at the CERES Ocean darkening functions obtained from CERES TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) data. Validation Experiment (COVE) site, a data. She examined the sensitivity of the Seiji Kato (HU) showed that VIRS-derived Lighthouse platform in the Atlantic ocean ADMs to precipitable water, lapse rate, LWPs were larger than those derived with off the coast of Virginia. Measurements are and surface temperature. Using CERES a technique that combines radar and made with a Schulz spectrophotometer. SSF data, Loeb examined the influence of microwave radar data over the ARM SGP The results are being used to develop new variable FOV size on the all-sky mean site. spectral bidirectional reflectance distribu- albedo from CERES VIRS12 ADMs. ADM- tion functions (BRDFs) for the ocean derived albedos showed a 10% decrease Surface and Atmospheric Radiation surface, and to validate the BRDFs being with viewing zenith angle, likely due to Budget (SARB) Working Group used in CERES processing. the variable footprint size. Removal of this viewing zenith angle bias in the all-sky The meeting was led by Tom Charlock and Fred Rose (AS&M) presented results of albedo may require a redefinition of ADM David Kratz. David Rutan (AS&M) recent improvements to the Fu-Liou scene types which have a frequency of presented the new on-line database for the radiative transfer code. The changes occurrence that is independent of viewing CERES ARM Validation Experiment include improved treatment of Rayleigh zenith angle. (CAVE) which was developed to facilitate scattering, ozone and aerosol extinction, validation of CERES-derived surface and surface albedo. William Collins Investigator Presentation Highlights fluxes. It consists of flux measurements (NCAR) presented results of a global from ARM, BSRN, and other high-quality assimilation model which may provide Robert Cess (State University of New York surface sites from around the world which estimates of AODs for use in SARB at Stony Brook) presented results from a are matched in space and time with processing. Yaping Zhou (AS&M) pre- study of the impact of El Nino on cloud satellite retrievals. David Kratz compared sented results on spectral fluxes and 31 radiative forcing (CRF) over the warm CERES surface LW fluxes obtained from BRDFs obtained during the CERES ARM pool region. He compared CERES-derived the surface-only LW model developed by Radiation Experiment (CARE) conducted SW and LW CRF for Jan-Aug 1998 with Shashi Gupta with measurements from at the ARM SGP site in August 1998. These corresponding ERBE-derived values for several ground sites. Kratz identified measurements were made by a spectral the same months in 1985-89. The SWCRF/ physical causes for the large differences radiometer flying on a helicopter at a LWCRF ratio, which was close to unity for observed at some sites and known instru- height of 300m over several types of the ERBE years, was considerably higher ment maintenance problems at other sites. cropland. The measurements were (about 1.3) for 1998. Cess hypothesized reduced to surface and TOA BRDFs by that deep convective clouds over the V. Ramanathan (Scripps Institution of applying atmospheric corrections. warm pool region thicken during El Nino Oceanography [SIO]) presented results of Comparisons of measured and derived episodes leading to stronger SWCRF. CERES validation with measurements upwelling and downwelling fluxes obtained from the Indian Ocean Experi- showed good agreement. Si-Chee Tsay (GSFC) presented results ment (INDOEX). These measurements from a study of thermal characterization were made at the Kaashidhoo Climate Angular Distribution Model (ADM) of pyranometers and pyrgeometers used Observatory (KCO) in the Republic of Working Group in surface and atmosphere energetics Maldives. CERES TOA albedos were in measurements. He outlined the role of good agreement with theoretical estimates Norman Loeb led the ADM working these instruments in climate research and at the KCO for solar and view zenith group meeting with a general overview of in validating satellite retrievals of surface angles less than 50 degrees. Aerosol critical ADM/inversion research issues. radiative fluxes and emphasized the radiative forcing (ARF) efficiency was Dave Doelling (AS&M) presented results importance of the absolute calibration for estimated to be about –25 Wm-2 per unit from an ongoing study that seeks to establishing accurate long-term trends. AOD. ARF efficiency increased with solar account for changes in regional cloud zenith angle and varied from -24 to -28 amount between CERES broadband Marat Khairoutdinov of Colorado State Wm-2 per unit AOD. measurements using 3-hourly geostation- University, (CSU) (representing David

10 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Randall) compared CSU General Circula- these pixels. Satellite retrievals were used greenhouse effect (Ga) for the window and tion Model (GCM) simulations of TOA to construct smoke ADMs and estimate non-window regions using Nimbus 7, radiation fields with corresponding smoke ARF. ERBE, and CERES data. He also examined CERES measurements of reflected SW and the relationship between surface tempera- outgoing LW fields. The radiation module Larry Stowe (NOAA) showed that AODs ture and Ga over tropical oceans. in the CSU GCM has been replaced by a derived from VIRS channel 1 using CERES new module which is based on the Fu- SSF data were about 0.05 higher than Shi-Keng Yang (NOAA/National Centers Liou radiation code and uses anomalous those from AVHRR channel 1. The range for Environmental Prediction [NCEP]) diffraction theory. of AODs derived from AVHRR was much compared outgoing LW fields over wider. Retrievals from channels 1 and 2 of tropical oceans from NCEP reanalyses, Bryan Baum (LaRC) presented early VIRS were found to be consistent with Atmospheric Model Intercomparison results on cloud properties retrieved using each other. AODs from VIRS data were Project (AMIP II) runs with corresponding data from MODIS. He compared MODIS found to be higher than those from fields from ERBE, CERES ERBE-like retrievals of cloud amount, height, optical AERONET observations. product, and AVHRR. He described recent depth, and drop size distributions changes in the NCEP reanalysis. Time obtained for the March 2000 IOP over the Steven DeWitte (Royal Meteorological series of LW from these sources showed ARM CART site with similar results Institute, Belgium) presented status significant differences. None of the model derived from GOES data. reports on two instruments currently results showed the significant increase of measuring total solar irradiance and the LW for 1998 as shown by CERES data Tom Charlock (LaRC) presented method- Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget relative to ERBE. ology and results of an effort to retrieve (GERB) instrument which will be flown on surface albedo from CERES/TRMM data. the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) Educational Outreach He outlined the retrieval procedure and satellite later this year. The development listed the factors that affect the results. He of GERB processing systems, which draw Lin Chambers (LaRC) reported that over listed AOD as one of the most important heavily on the corresponding CERES 480 schools from all 50 states and over 35 and least certain factors. Charlock systems, is on schedule. countries are now participating in the presented results from the CARE experi- Students’ Cloud Observations On-Line ment conducted during August 1998 near Bing Lin (HU) presented results of a study (S’COOL) program. the ARM SGP site which showed an of the variations of cloud amounts over increase in broadband surface albedo with the tropical western Pacific and tropical solar zenith angle. eastern Pacific derived from multiple sensors on the TRMM. Lin found almost Jim Coakley (OSU) determined direct ARF no relationship between total cloud from data obtained during the INDOEX. amount and the southern oscillation AODs derived from AVHRR data using index. Better correlations were found the 2-channel method were compared when cloud amounts in low, middle, and with observations. He showed relation- high layers were examined separately. ships between AOD and direct ARF and the changes in AOD from March 1996 to Takmeng Wong (LaRC) presented results the present. CERES-derived ARF was from a stochastic quality assurance generally higher than AVHRR values. algorithm applied to the 14-year record of ERBE non-scanner data. This algorithm Ron Welch (UA-H) presented results from minimizes errors in satellite-derived a study of biomass burning and smoke global fields caused by inadequate ARF over South America and Africa using temporal sampling. TRMM data. Smoke pixels were identified from VIRS data, and smoke AOD and Anand Inamdar (SIO) examined the single scattering albedo were retrieved for interannual variability of the atmospheric

11 THE EARTH OBSERVER

campaigns will be planned to begin no sooner than nine months after the planned EOS Aura (CHEM) Science Team launch; the long lead-time is required for commitment of the resources such as Meeting aircraft. Progress since the Snowmass meeting was reported in four areas: — Anne Douglass ([email protected]), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center aerosols and polar stratospheric clouds (A. Tabazadeh); ozone trends (R. Salawitch); water vapor and climate (R. Newell and A. Tuck); and global tropospheric air quality (D. Jacob). Synthesis of campaign definition with the core validation An EOS Aura Science requirements will take Team meeting took place over the next place in Boulder CO on six months. March 29-31, 2000. Mark Schoeberl (Project In addition to Scientist) opened the the Validation meeting. The first Tropospheric Emission Sounder (TES, working group, working group meetings action was the final vote on the new name Reinhard Beer). were held in the following areas: Algo- for the platform (which had been EOS rithm (N. Livesey); Education and CHEM until this meeting). Two finalists, A challenge to the entire science team and Outreach (E. Hilsenrath); Data Systems (S. “Aura” (from the Latin for air or breeze, an important theme of this meeting was Larson); and Aerosols (S. Massie). Current akin to the Greek “aer” for air) and the development of the Aura validation information about the activities of these “Dobson” (Gordon Dobson [1889-1976] plan. This plan must address the require- working groups can be found on the Aura developed the first UV spectrophotom- ments for the validation of each instru- web site. eters to measure the ozone column), had ment, termed here the core validation. The been selected by NASA Headquarters team is attempting to develop validation The scientific program consisted of 33 from a large list of nominees. Aura was campaigns that will meet these core contributed presentations on varied chosen over Dobson. requirements but that are also focussed subjects. Talks were presented related to towards science questions and hypoth- retrieval and algorithm development for A review of the project status (Peg Luce, eses. The team is attempting to identify the Aura instruments, data assimilation, acting Project Manager and John hypotheses that can be addressed more and also strategies for application of Loiacono, instrument systems manager) fully by combining the advantages of a anticipated Aura data products. Some followed the introduction of Phil DeCola campaign utilizing the capability of talks concerned analysis of observations as the new program scientist at NASA aircraft and balloon platforms (e.g., spatial from instruments on current platforms, Headquarters. The impact of a six-month resolution, accuracy, speciation) with the including the Halogen Occultation delay in launch (until June 2003) was advantages of satellite observations Experiment (HALOE) and the MLS discussed. The schedule for instrument (global observations for long time peri- instruments on the Upper Atmosphere delivery will be maintained to allow a ods). This process was begun with a Research Satellite (UARS), and the Global longer time for observatory integration meeting in August 1999 in Snowmass, CO, Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) and testing. Principal Investigators with participation by scientists associated on the European Space Agency’s (ESA) reported on the status of the Aura with the Aura platform and also scientists second Earth Remote Sensing Satellite Instruments: High Resolution Dynamics associated with aircraft/balloon cam- (ERS-2). The agenda from this meeting is Limb Sounder (HIRDLS, John Barnett and paigns and measurements. The goal of found under the science working group John Gille); Microwave Limb Sounder that meeting was the development of on the Aura web site http://eos- (MLS, Joe Waters); Ozone Monitoring white papers that will provide the aura.gsfc.nasa.gov/. Instrument (OMI, Pieternel Levelt); and scientific rationale for campaigns. These

12 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Aqua Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) Science Team Meeting

—E. Lobl ([email protected]), AMSR-E Science Team Coordinator, Earth System Science Laboratory, University of Alabama in Huntsville; EOS Aqua AMSR-E homepage: wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/AMSR

NASDA/EORC the granule level metadata need to be Tokyo, Japan AMSR-E Processing and Data Flow Users finalized by the end of March and sent to AMSR-E Level 1A ECS. The G-polygons spatial domain container must be included in the granule Physical Oceanography DAAC AMSR-E Level 1A Jet Propulsion Lab. Pasadena, California level metadata to ensure spatial search capabilities by ECS. The Launch version AMSR-E Level 1A Non-ECS NSIDC software will include the product specific AMSR-E SIPS AMSR-E SIPS Global Hydrology attributes (PSAs) necessary to define the Remote Sensing Systems & Climate Center Data & metadata Internal Santa Rosa, California NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center best-fitting “ideal orbit” for each granule. Huntsville, Alabama AMSR-E SIPS DAP AMSR-E Level 2A Level Product Delivery 2 & 3 NCS NSIDC Record Server DAAC Michael Goodman (AMSR-E SIPS Project Algorithm Updates Science QA Boulder, Colorado PDRDs Manager) described the AMSR-E SIPS AMSR-E Science Computing Facility AMSR-E Science Team Global Hydrology & Climate Center PANs organization and the processing and data NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Alabama flow (see chart). Parts of the network to be

Algorithm Updates AMSR-E used have been tested (between RSS and SIPS & SCF GHCC). The ESDIS Network office has been monitoring the networks between An AMSR-E Science Team meeting was will be delivered by March 20, 2000. The JPL-RSS-GHCC and will make recommen- held on March 14, 2000 at the Goddard launch version delivery is due to the Team dations on possible improvements. The Space Flight Center. This meeting pre- Leader Scientific Computing Facility Interface Confidence Tests (ICTs) are ceded the second Algorithm Theoretical (TLSCF) by July 15, 2000. This software scheduled to begin in June 2000 and will Basis Document (ATBD) and Validation (the launch version) must produce HDF- exercise the various individual compo- Plan review. The main topics were EOS output files, with EOSDIS Core nents. The System Confidence Tests (SCTs) software and AMSR-E Science Investiga- System (ECS) compliant metadata. It must will follow, testing the entire system. On tor-led Processing System (SIPS) status. also use the latest version of the Level 2A the status of the inter-element operations Boris Petrenko made a presentation on his HDF-EOS data and read routine. The preparedness, Mr. Goodman reported the new rainfall algorithm. We closed the browse images will be HDF raster images, following: meeting with a short discussion of the produced for each granule, with the NASDA - JPL: end-to-end test during AMSR-E brochure. software written at the TLSCF in IDL. The summer 2000, trans-Pacific link being operational processing of these browse installed and tested Dawn Conway (AMSR-E Software images as well as the standard products Integrator) presented the software status. will be done at the AMSR-E SIPS. The JPL - RSS: initial stages of Ops All of the Engineering version software Earth Science Data Types (ESDTs) list and agreement, link operational

13 THE EARTH OBSERVER

RSS - GHCC: network, data transfers and algorithms requirements well understood High Resolution Dynamics Limb GHCC - NSIDC: network and data Sounder (HIRDLS) Calibration Review transfers well understood, transfer protocols and Ops agreement being at Oxford, U.K. worked. — James J. Butler, ([email protected]), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Quality assessment will be implemented Code 920.1, Greenbelt, MD 20771 through the use of automated algorithm specific checking of input parameters and setting quality flags in the data sets. The AMSR-E SIPS will provide short-term online access to Level 2A, 2B and 3 data sets for the AMSR-E science team mem- bers through a password protected web site. Once the “short term” period has expired, data will be available only at the NSIDC Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC). All other users of the data must obtain the data from the NSIDC DAAC. Data will be transferred to NSIDC for archiving on a continuous basis.

Boris Petrenko (AMSR-E Science Team leader support) reported on a new rainfall algorithm that treats a horizontally inhomogeneous atmosphere as a combina- tion of homogeneous domains. The off- HIRDLS Calibration Review Attendees. Standing (left to right): Tom Parr, Jim Craft, Brian Johnson, Carol line part of the algorithm involves Johnson, Chris Palmer, Steve Richard, Wayne Rudolf, John Gille, John Barnett, Neil Martin, Daniel Peters, selection of a minimum amount of “basis” Soji Oduleye, Francesco Lama, Karim Djotni. Kneeling (left to right): Bob Watkins, Joanne Loh, Eric Johnson, Joe Rice, Jim Butler, Hima Nandi, Chris Hepplewhite, John Whitney, Ernie Hilsenrath. hydrometeor profiles, allowing linear approximation of measured antenna temperature vectors, and adjustment of A review of the calibration of the High HIRDLS instrument which will be “basis” profiles to provide the best Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder conducted at Lockheed Martin Space retrieval of all the profiles within a 3D (HIRDLS) was held April 5 and 6 in the Systems Corporation (LMSSC) in Palo cloud simulation. The on-line procedure Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Planetary Alto, California, at the National Center for includes determination of beamfilling Physics building at Oxford University in Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in coefficients and retrieving a footprint- the United Kingdom (U.K.). The formal Boulder, Colorado, and at Oxford Univer- averaged hydrometeor profile as a linear review panel included Jim Butler, NASA sity. Information on both the pre-launch combination of “basis” ones. Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and on-orbit calibration of HIRDLS was (review chair and EOS Calibration presented during the course of the review. Finally, Elena Lobl (Team coordinator) Scientist), Ernest Hilsenrath, NASA GSFC asked the team members to review the (EOS Aura Deputy Project Scientist), Carol April 5 Presentations write-up for the AMSR-E brochure and Johnson, National Institute of Science and provide any images/pictures that would Technology (NIST), and Joe Rice (NIST). John Barnett, from Oxford University and be appropriate for the brochure. The objective of the review was to the HIRDLS principal investigator in the examine the calibration approaches for the U.K., began the review by welcoming the

14 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

attendees. Jim Butler followed Barnett measurements are made as a function of the HIRDLS instrument to ensure on-orbit and stated that the HIRDLS calibration altitude, errors in the line-of-site pointing radiometric stability. The on-orbit radio- review should involve the direct participa- knowledge of the HIRDLS instrument will metric calibration of the HIRDLS instru- tion of not only the review panel but all introduce random errors in the HIRDLS ment will be continuously assessed using attendees. Butler also encouraged the radiance measurements. The center views of its on-board blackbody and deep attendees to inquire on specific aspects of wavelengths and bandwidths of the 21 space. While the thermal/vacuum the HIRDLS calibration and to offer ideas HIRDLS channels were carefully chosen chamber at Oxford will permit limited on alternative calibration approaches. relative to known atmospheric molecular measurements of the HIRDLS radiometric absorption bands. Gille identified the response versus the azimuthal angle of the John Barnett began the formal HIRDLS critical measurement parameters for the scan mirror, a larger chamber at Lockheed presentations by outlining the set of over- HIRDLS instrument based on the funda- Martin equipped with a turntable will be arching scientific themes for the HIRDLS mental instrument measurement equation employed for these measurements. The instrument. These include monitoring the and described the basic steps involved in spectral response function for the 21 recovery of ozone in the stratosphere, the retrieval of temperature profiles and HIRDLS bands will be measured pre- monitoring the natural dynamical and molecular mixing ratios. This necessarily launch and will be assumed not to change chemical variability of the stratosphere as led to the identification of the instrument on-orbit. HIRDLS employs conjugate pairs a function of time and space, examining parameters that must be calibrated. These of filters to suppress spectral out-of-band long term climate change with an empha- include the gain, the spectral response leaks to the 10-8 level. These filters coupled sis on studies of global warming, and function, the field of view function, and with the intrinsic transmissive properties monitoring air quality in the upper the measurement tangent height. The gain of the germanium and zinc selenide optics troposphere. Based on those themes, will be determined on-orbit; however, its and the Hg/Cd/Te material response will Barnett presented a number of specific traceability to international standards and provide effective out-of-band rejection. examples of intriguing yet outstanding anticipated non-linearities will be deter- Stray light suppression in the HIRDLS scientific questions concerning the Earth’s mined prelaunch. He concluded his instrument has been investigated at atmosphere which data from the HIRDLS presentation with a detailed list of the Lockheed Martin and at Oxford and will instrument will be used to elucidate. With fundamental instrument radiometric and be determined primarily on-orbit using a respect to stratospheric ozone and pointing requirements necessary for pitch maneuver of the Aura platform. chlorine, Barnett pointed out that strato- HIRDLS to meet its science goals. Ghost reflections between the HIRDLS spheric chlorine levels are predicted to detectors are anticipated not to be a peak just before the EOS Aura mission. John Whitney of Oxford University problem based on modelling, testing, plus This places HIRDLS in a unique position presented a detailed description of the the use of anti-reflection coated optics, to examine changes in ozone concentra- HIRDLS instrument with emphasis on detectors, and filters carefully positioned tion with an anticipated decline in calibration-related design drivers and on the optical bench and focal plane chlorine. Barnett concluded his presenta- design features. Whitney began by assemblies. Field-of-view mapping of the tion with a description of the major identifying the instrument related HIRDLS detectors will be performed HIRDLS science emphases and a table of parameters in the HIRDLS measurement using a fine measurement pixel provided the science-derived instrument measure- equation which either affect or are affected by a monochromatic, collimated source. ment requirements. by calibration. With respect to radiometric By using this source to illuminate single performance, the HIRDLS optical system detectors, the presence of electronic and John Gille, from the University of is not cryogenically cooled while the final optical cross-talk between detectors can be Colorado and NCAR and the HIRDLS filter/dectector combinations are cooled. directly determined. For HIRDLS, the principal investigator in the United States (U.S.), presented a brief review of the In addition, the position of the chopper in instrument line of site (ILOS) pointing the instrument dictates that several knowledge requirement is challenging. HIRDLS limb measurement technique and mirrors will be detected as unchopped The ILOS will be determined on-orbit the rationale for several of the driving sources. Therefore, in order to meet its using position information from the Aura measurement requirements. The HIRDLS instrument will measure infrared radiance radiometric requirements, extensive platform and data from the gyroscope thermal analyses, design, and monitoring assembly attached to the HIRDLS optical emitted by the Earth’s atmosphere at the have been performed and implemented in bench assembly. limb in 21 spectral bands. Because the

15 THE EARTH OBSERVER

Chris Palmer of Oxford University Palmer transitioned to the pre-launch The T&CF is an ultra-low vibration facility outlined the overall calibration approach timeframe and presented information on to enable testing and calibration of for the HIRDLS instrument. Using a the pre-launch spectral, radiometric, and HIRDLS pointing. The cleanliness model incorporating the basic radiometric field-of view calibrations. In order to meet requirements for the facility are better measurement equation and an equation the IRD requirements for spectral calibra- than class 10,000 with a internal clean for calculated filtered radiance, Palmer tion, the choice of monochromator and zone at class 10. The HIRDLS thermal provided an overview of the fundamental associated imaging optics is critical. A vacuum chamber, which is located in the spectral and spatial HIRDLS calibration single monochromator with 4 gratings will facility, will be equipped with internal quantities. Palmer also identified the be employed to enable spectral calibra- shrouds that can be operated at different location of the HIRDLS top level calibra- tions to be performed over all bands. temperatures to simulate on-orbit thermal tion requirements and quantities in the Spectral measurements will include in- effects due to Earthshine and other orbital HIRDLS Instrument Requirements band spectral response measurements at a transients. The chamber size limits the Document (IRD). number of polarizer settings, out-of-band number of azimuthal positions of the scan spectral response measurements, and mirror for radiometric calibrations to two. Bob Wells of Oxford University presented uniformity of spectral response measure- All other azimuthal angles will be checked information on the current version of the ments. For radiometric calibration, at Lockheed Martin in their larger HIRDLS Level 1 Algorithm Theoretical HIRDLS will use two full-aperture chamber. The designs for the instrumenta- Basis Document (ATBD) titled, “Calibra- illuminating blackbodies. One blackbody tion used to perform the HIRDLS calibra- tion and Geolocation of HIRDLS Radi- is fixed low temperature and simulates tion and characterization are being ances.” Wells outlined the history of space view; the second blackbody has a finalized. Test equipment for performing changes to the original document largely variable temperature and simulates precision field-of-view, spectral response, resulting from the ATBD review held in atmospheric views. A direct measurement and end-to-end radiometric calibrations May 1999 at GSFC. The current versions of of non-linearity is planned to be per- must operate under a range of thermal/ the algorithms for the calculation of formed at Oxford in which a variable vacuum conditions. HIRDLS spectral radiances, error estimation, and tangent fraction of the viewed area of the black- calibrations will be performed using a point location were presented. body will be obscured using cold baffles. purpose-built, collimated, monochromatic The deployment of the NIST/EOS source. HIRDLS radiometric calibration Following lunch, Chris Palmer continued Thermal infrared Transfer Radiometer will be performed using two, large his series of presentations with an (TXR) at Oxford to measure the radiance aperture blackbodies. These blackbodies overview of the HIRDLS in-flight calibra- tion. Palmer, starting from the basic of the variable temperature blackbody and will be 25.6 cm in diameter with interior to directly validate the radiances emitted surfaces painted with Nextel 811-21 equation linking telemetry counts with from the blackbody in the non-linearity diffuse black paint. In support of these spectral radiance, derived the calibration test was discussed and was agreed to be calibrations, the NIST/EOS TXR would be algorithm equation incorporating linear- ized channel counts, virtual space and an idea to be pursued. HIRDLS field-of- used to measure the radiance from the view calibrations will be performed by variable temperature blackbody and blackbody views, and the on-board generating a two dimensional field of would be operated in the thermal vacuum blackbody radiance. The uncertainties in view map of the HIRDLS focal plane at chamber at the position of the HIRDLS each quantity of the calibration algorithm were discussed and budget plots of two optical bench temperatures. scan mirror. This would radiometrically validate the output of the blackbody as calculated radiometric uncertainty versus April 6 Presentations predicted from calculations by Oxford. the IRD requirements for HIRDLS The HIRDLS engineering model is channels 5 and 20 were presented. Palmer The second day of the calibration review also presented modeled results of the scheduled to arrive at Oxford in Novem- began with Bob Watkins of Oxford ber/December 2000 and the flight model predicted polarization response of the University presenting information on the is scheduled to arrive in July 2001. HIRDLS instrument. A full analysis of radiometric test equipment which will be polarization effects in HIRDLS will be used in the HIRDLS Test and Calibration performed at Oxford University upon Chris Palmer presented information on Facility (T&CF). An impressive amount of the HIRDLS detectors. Palmer stated that receipt of the HIRDLS engineering and work has been performed on the T&CF. as the fine measurement pixel is moved flight models.

16 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

across the HIRDLS focal plane, the fine verify the stray light model. HIRDLS also decrease the hysteresis. In addition, in- measurement pixel rotates or “clocks” would like to vary the temperature of the elastic deformation has been recognized as with respect to the detector orientation. It inflight calibration subsystem, which a cause of long term drift. In order to is believed that this will pose no problem includes the calibration mirror, M6, and decrease this drift, HIRDLS has adopted in tests with the fine measurement pixel. on-board blackbody. This would enable a Rosemount PRTs with silicon mandrels In the HIRDLS engineering model, a test check of the emissivity of M6 and the instead of aluminum mandrels. In the for cross-talk was performed in which linearity of all the HIRDLS channels. testing of the PRTs, the triple point cell is individual channels were illuminated used to assess stability; and the actual while other non-illuminated channels Immediately prior to lunch, the meeting calibration of the PRTs is performed using were monitored. This test verified that, in participants toured the HIRDLS T&CF. a standard thermocouple. the case of the engineering model, cross- Following lunch, Bob Watkins provided talk is not a problem. Oxford is currently additional details on the HIRDLS on- Information on the calibration of the on- working on a good technique to perform board blackbody calibration source. This board HIRDLS gyroscope subsystem was spatial uniformity mapping on their Hg/ blackbody is designed to meet the presented by Soji Oduleye of Oxford Cd/Te detectors. Finally, test results on the challenging task of measuring absolute University. The gyroscope subsystem is HIRDLS instrument will be published in sensor drift to better than 5mK per year. designed to measure roll and pitch the literature. The AC resistance bridge design in the attitudes to high accuracy and to enable source electronics may be the first time HIRDLS pointing knowledge to be John Whitney provided several additional such a design has been incorporated in a accurately determined. Lockheed Martin details on the test equipment, the colli- satellite instrument. The blackbody for the will receive and install the subsystem onto mated monochromatic source, and the EOS Terra Measurements Of Pollution in the HIRDLS optical bench assembly, and calibration blackbody source. The colli- the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument Oxford will process all test data received. mated monochromatic source will be shares a design heritage from the black- A calibration plan for the gyroscope characterized for polarization. At the time body which will be flown on HIRDLS. subassembly was being formulated at the of the calibration review, more than 50% of time of the calibration review. the design drawings were complete for Daniel Peters of Oxford University this source. It is believed that the mono- provided additional details on the Chris Hepplewhite of Oxford University chromatic source will provide enough HIRDLS on-orbit blackbody. This source presented the HIRDLS calibration signal for calibration purposes even at the will be used to provide HIRDLS a source schedule. Currently, Oxford University is longest HIRDLS wavelengths. If signal to of known, on-orbit radiance. The black- in the process of preparing their facility noise is an issue, the integration time can body is a cavity design and uses Platinum and instrumentation for the receipt of the be increased in the acquisition of calibra- Resistance Thermometers (PRTs) to HIRDLS engineering model in the tion data using the monochromatic source. determine temperature. The temperature November/December 2000 timeframe. The issue of the flatness of the spectral of the blackbody is controllable using Oxford plans to formulate and finalize all responsivity of the HIRDLS detectors heaters. The blackbody must meet a total instrument calibration plans and ap- needs to be examined and addressed. uncertainty budget of 70mK. To meet this proaches in advance of the engineering challenging specification, the PRTs have model delivery. The HIRDLS engineering Special inflight tests and spacecraft been tested repeatedly over a temperature model is a complete instrument and will maneuvers in support of HIRDLS on-orbit range from approximately 149 degrees C provide a valuable testbed for the subse- calibration and characterization were to –196 degrees C. The actual selection of quent flight model calibrations. There will outlined by Chris Palmer. HIRDLS has temperature sensors was performed using be approximately 7 to 8 months from the requested that a 5 degree pitch down of a triple point cell. In the extensive testing time the engineering model arrives at the Aura spacecraft be performed at an of the on-board blackbody temperature Oxford to the time the flight model early stage of the mission and then at sensors, a hysteresis was detected in going arrives. The flight model will be calibrated periodic but infrequent occasions. This from low to high and high to low tem- over a 4.5 month timeframe starting in the maneuver will enable all the HIRDLS peratures. Since the magnitude of this third week of August 2001. It is antici- detectors to view cold space, several hysteresis is on the order of the sensor pated that one compact disc’s worth of degrees away from the warm Earth, to drift, additional work will be performed to data will be produced per day from the

17 THE EARTH OBSERVER

calibration and characterization of the engineering and flight models at Oxford. University of Colorado, NCAR, and The Conical Microwave Imager Sounder Lockheed Martin employees will be at

Oxford during the time of the engineering — Mark Flaming ([email protected]), Instrument Manager, National Polar-orbiting model calibrations. There numbers will be Operational Environmental Satellite System Integrated Program Office increased during the time of the flight model calibrations. Oxford personnel will be stationed at Lockheed Martin in advance of shipping the engineering and flight models to Oxford. Delivery of flight software will occur in December 2001, with a planned update 6 months later. Background of the NPOESS surface (ground and oceanographic), and Program solar environmental data. The NPOESS The final presentation was made by Eric System will process the raw data into Johnson of Lockheed Martin. Johnson The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Data Records (EDRs), and outlined the radiometric characterization Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) make the information available to users and verification tests which will be is a program currently in development for world wide. The first NPOESS satellite is performed on both the engineering and the purpose of providing global environ- projected to be launched in 2008. The flight models at Lockheed Martin at the mental measurements for use by the program will include replenishment time of integration and test. Johnson also National Weather Service and other civil satellites, and will provide measurements provided detailed information on the line- agencies, the Department of Defense for at least a ten-year period. A subset of of-sight calibration and tests which are (DoD), and the scientific research commu- three NPOESS sensors is planned for performed throughout the HIRDLS nity. NPOESS will replace the Polar- launch in 2005 as part of the NPOESS program. Johnson acknowledged that the orbiting Operational Environmental Prepatory Project (NPP). NASA’s primary boresight knowledge requirements for the Satellite (POES) constellation currently role at the IPO is to have lead agency HIRDLS instrument are very challenging. operated by the National Oceanic and responsibility to support the IPO in Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and facilitating the development and insertion The review concluded with John Barnett the DoD’s Defense Meteorological Satellite of new cost-effective and enabling thanking the members of the review panel Support Program (DMSP), a constellation technologies. and members of the HIRDLS science and of satellites which are also in polar orbit engineering teams for attending. performing operational environmental Five of the NPOESS critical sensors are measurements. International agreements currently in development. These five are also pending with the European sensors are the Ozone Mapping and Organization for the Exploitation of Profiler Suite (OMPS), the Cross Track Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) to Infrared Sounder (CrIS), the Global incorporate and consolidate portions of Positioning System Occultation Sensor that program with NPOESS. Managing the (GPSOS), the Visible/Infrared Imager development of NPOESS is the Integrated Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Conical Program Office (IPO) located in Silver Microwave Imager Sounder (CMIS). A Spring, Maryland. The IPO is jointly more complete description of the NPOESS staffed by personnel from NASA, NOAA, Program, including its critical instruments and DoD. Briefly stated, the IPO’s charter and schedules, may be found at the is to develop and field a total system that NPOESS web site, URL at NPOESSLIB. includes the space segment, the ground IPO. NOAA.GOV. This article will briefly data processing segment, and the data address the development of the CMIS distribution segment. The data products sensor. provided will include meteorological,

18 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Conical Microwave Imager Sounder ments Document (SRD); this document is ratio of the mass of water vapor in the (CMIS) Environmental Measurements also accessible at the NPOESS web site sample to the mass of dry air in the CMIS is a passive microwave radiometer, identified above. Listed below, as an sample (table below). an instrument that measures microwave example, are the reporting requirements emission from the Earth’s atmosphere and for the Atmospheric Vertical Moisture Acquisition Strategy surface. Through the use of appropriate Profile EDR. The Threshold values measurement frequencies, polarized represent the minimum performance The acquisition of CMIS (as with the other microwave receivers, and retrieval required, while the Objective values four critical NPOESS sensors identified algorithms, various meteorological, represent the level of performance previously) is considered to involve oceanographic, and surface conditions can established by the IPO as goals for the substantial development and schedule be inferred from these microwave emis- sensor developer to attempt to achieve. risk. In order to achieve optimum perfor- sions. After the raw data has been The TBRs (To Be Reviewed) represent mance, and to ensure delivery within the processed, the retrieved information is values subject to review during the requirements for the NPOESS schedule, an referred to as Environmental Data Records program’s development, and the TBDs (To early start for the Concept Development (EDRs). The EDRs measured by CMIS are Be Determined) represent values which and Risk Mitigation Phase has been extensive, and include the following: will be defined during the program’s initiated. This phase started with the development process. release to industry of a Request for Atmospheric Vertical Moisture Profile Proposal in April 1997, and the award of Atmospheric Vertical Temperature Atmospheric Vertical Moisture two competitive development contracts in Profile Profile July 1997. Ball Aerospace and Technolo- Imagery gies Corporation, Boulder Colorado, and An atmospheric vertical moisture profile is Sea Surface Temperature Hughes Space and Communications a set of estimates of the average mixing Sea Surface Winds (Speed and Direc- Company, El Segundo, California were the tion) ratio in three-dimensional cells centered successful bidders. The first phase will Soil Moisture on specified points along a local vertical. conclude with a Preliminary Design The mixing ratio of a sample of air is the Precipitable Water Review (PDR) for each contractor in the Precipitation (Type/Rate) Pressure Profile Thresholds Objectives Total Water Content a. Horizontal Cell Size 1.5 km 2 km Cloud Base Height b. Horizontal Reporting Interval (TBD) (TBD) Cloud Ice Water Path c. Vertical Cell Size 2 km 2 km Cloud Liquid Water d. Vertical Reporting Interval Snow Cover/Depth 1. surface to 850 mb 20 mb 5 mb Fresh Water Ice 2. 850 mb to 100 mb 50 mb 15 mb Ice Surface Temperature e. Horizontal Coverage Globe Globe Sea Ice Age and Sea Ice Edge Motion f. Vertical Coverage Surface to 100 mb Surface to 100 mb g. Measurement Range 0 - 30 g/kg 0 - 30 g/km Surface Wind Stress h. Measurement Uncertainty Land Surface Temperature (expressed as a percent of average Vegetation/Surface Type mixing ratio in 2 km layers) Clear These EDRs will be collected on a global 1. surface to 600 mb 20% or 0.2g/kg (TBR) 10% basis approximately every six hours when 2. 600 mb to 300 mb 35% or 0.1g/kg (TBR) 10% 3. 300 mb to 100 mb 35% or 0.1g/kg (TBR) 10% the complete constellation of satellites is in Cloudy (TBR) place. These satellites will have nodal 4. surface to 600 mb 20% or 0.2g/kg (TBR) 10% crossing times of 0530, 0930, and 1330, and 5. 600 mb to 300 mb 40% or 0.1g/kg 10% will have CMIS on a satellite in each orbit. 6. 300 mb to 100 mb 40% or 0.1g/kg (TBR) 10% The complete attributes for each EDR are i. Mapping Uncertainty 5 km 1km specified in the CMIS Sensor Require- j. Swath Width 1700 km (TBR) (TBD)

19 THE EARTH OBSERVER

spring of 2001. Following PDR one considered to represent substantial risk, instruments, the Special Sensor Micro- contractor will be selected for completion the contractor will build and test hard- wave Imager (SSMI), the Special Sensor of engineering development, and produc- ware prototypes to demonstrate the Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS), the tion of up to seven flight units. Delivery of viability of its chosen approach. TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and the the first flight unit is scheduled to take Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiom- place in late 2005. This delivery date will The contractors developing CMIS are eter (AMSR). It should be noted that CMIS provide an adequate opportunity for the responsible for the delivery of a system will incorporate into a conical scan system integration and test of CMIS and the other that includes the retrieval algorithms as both a surface measurement and atmo- sensors on the first NPOESS spacecraft well as the instrument hardware. Advising spheric sounding capability; earlier prior to its launch in 2008. the CMIS Instrument Manager on scien- instrumentation frequently performed tific topics and algorithm development is surface measurements with a conical scan The acquisition of CMIS is centered upon the Microwave Operational Algorithm system, and employed a cross-track scan a performance-based specification (the Team (MOAT). The MOAT is a tri-agency system for atmospheric soundings. CMIS CMIS Sensor Requirements Document) (NASA, NOAA, DoD) group of research represents a continuation in the trend of which requires the contractor to develop a scientists which, collectively, has scientific microwave instruments that are more system able to provide the 20 EDRs listed expertise for each CMIS EDR and the capable, but also more complex. As previously. The development effort associated retrieval algorithms. In mentioned previously, the CMIS program requires each contractor to assess the addition to algorithm development, the is currently in competitive development, scientific phenomenology associated with MOAT provides advice regarding the and thus the details of the specific design microwave retrievals for the areas of detailed performance specifications of implementations cannot be discussed. interest, determine the performance each EDR, and makes recommendations However, some general characteristics capabilities of the retrieval algorithms, for those parameters requiring further may be inferred from requirements stated specify the performance which the review or specification (e.g. TBRs and in the CMIS Sensor Requirements Docu- instrument must achieve, and flow those TBDs). MOAT, thus, provides not only ment, microwave phenomenology, and performance requirements into the design advice regarding system development, but characteristics of other microwave of the sensor. Specific factors that influ- also has the opportunity to provide input radiometers. In regard to physical size, the ence the design of the sensor include: into the performance capabilities of the accommodation numbers specified in the • The large number and variety of system. CMIS SRD constrains the instrument with EDRs (which influence the number Not-To-Exceed (NTE) values of 275 and selection of the microwave Sensor Characteristics kilograms for mass, 340 watts for power frequencies measured). and 500 kilobits per second for data • The accuracy and precision with A number of spaceborne microwave output; the spacecraft and launch vehicle which the measurements must be sensors have been developed for scientific place limitations on the maximum stowed made. research and operational meteorological dimension for a rigid antenna of approxi- • Spatial resolution requirements. purposes. Examples included in this list mately 2.5 meters diameter. In the table • System operating lifetime require- are the AMSU-A and AMSU-B series of below some of the physical characteristics ment. • Spacecraft accommodation con- straints such as mass, power and data Microwave Sensor Comparison rate. SSM/I TMI SSMIS AMSR-E CMIS* • Life cycle costs (LCC). Target / NTE Antenna Diameter .6 m .6 m .7 m 1.6 m 2.5 m / TBS Number of Measurement Channels 7 9 24 12 35+ (Contractor Specified) The design of CMIS will incorporate state- Mass 56 kg 62 kg 96 kg 324 kg 250 / 275 of-the-art technologies in order to achieve Power 45 w 50 w 135 w 350 w 225 / 340 w many of the more stressing performance Operational Design Life 3 yrs 3 yrs 5 yrs 6 yrs 7 yrs requirements. Where advanced technolo- * The CMIS SRD specifies Target and Not-to-Exceed (NTE) values for key spacecraft accommodation parameters. The number of measurement gies are being considered, or where channels is determined by each CMIS vendor, with the value of 35+ channels intended to indicate the minimum number which may be able to satisfy requirements; the actual contractor implementations may vary substantially from this value. implementation of a design approach is

20 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

of the conical scan sensors mentioned The measurement of ocean surface wind space-borne platform to obtain the above are compared with CMIS. direction is a new requirement for space- polarimetric measurements needed to borne passive microwave sensors. In the calculate ocean wind speed and direction. The approaches used by other instruments past, this measurement has been per- This program has recently completed its for satisfying measurement requirements formed from space with an active instru- Critical Design Review (CDR), and is now suggest similar design characteristics may ment such as the NASA Scatterometer in the process of constructing a multi- be used by CMIS. Soil moisture and sea (NSCAT). The mass, power, and fields of channel, polarimetric receiver. This surface temperature are measured by view available on the NPOESS spacecraft, satellite, scheduled for launch in Decem- AMSR with a 6.9 GHz channel; atmo- as well as cost, present significant chal- ber 2001, involves the first use of a Rapid spheric vertical temperature profiles are lenges to the use of an active system. The Development Spacecraft Office (RDSO) measured by AMSU-A using a series of passive microwave approach has success- catalog bus for a non-NASA mission. channels in the 50-to-60 GHz range. The fully been demonstrated from aircraft, but SSMIS is a new instrument in terms of its no experience exists with the use of this Thus, the measurements that CMIS must development (its first flight is expected to technology from space. The passive perform may span the frequency range take place in November 2000), and will approach uses polarimetric measurements from 6 GHz to 183 GHz, or more, and may measure atmospheric water vapor using of the microwave emissions from the employ polarimetry for the measurement 150 GHz and 183 GHz channels; similar ocean’s which are then used to calculate of vector winds. The physical size of the channels are also being used by AMSU-B the wind vector. NPOESS is participating instrument, the large number of measure- to make the same measurements. Al- in the WINDSAT/CORIOLIS Program, a ment channels required for the 20 EDRs, though not used in operational instru- development by the Naval Research the sensitivity required for the measure- ments constructed to date, the phenom- Laboratory, which will serve as a technol- ment channels, and a very long operating enology suggests that frequencies greater ogy demonstrator and risk- reduction life (seven years), all suggest the develop- than 183 GHz may have an application, if effort for the NPOESS CMIS. WINDSAT ment of an extremely complex instrument. the appropriate technology can be will demonstrate the viability of using a developed.

Kudos

Dr. Charles K. Gatebe, a member of the MODIS Team, and a former meteorologist and lecturer at the Institute of Nuclear Science of the University of Nairobi, was selected the winner of the Year 2000 World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Young Scientist Award. This followed the presentation of his PhD. thesis titled “Characterization and transport of aerosols at a high altitude on Mount Kenya.” This award was started by WMO to encourage young scientists to conduct research in the field of meteorology and related sciences. It is competed for by scientists from all the 185 member countries of WMO world- wide.

The selection and announcement of the winner was made during the 52nd Session of the Executive Council (EC) of WMO, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland from May 15 - 26, 2000. The Council is composed of 36 members, elected from among the Directors of Meteorological Services of the WMO membership, during the World Meteorological Congress held in May 1999.

The Earth Observer staff joins the EOS community in congratulating Dr. Gatebe on this outstanding achievement.

21 THE EARTH OBSERVER

May 3 Technical Presentations

Calibration Workshop for the Total The technical presentations began with George Lawrence of LASP providing a Irradiance Monitor (TIM) Instrument on characterization overview of the TIM the Earth Observing System’s (EOS) instrument. Lawrence stated that he hoped that the workshop would focus on Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment specific testing issues of the TIM instru- (SORCE) ment rather than design issues. The prototype for the TIM instrument was completed in November 1998 and LASP is — James J. Butler ([email protected]), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center currently in the process of building flight Greenbelt, MD 20771 units. Assuming the flight instrument will be assembled in the June/July 2000 timeframe, LASP will have approximately 9 months to perform several specific Introduction EOS SORCE, provided a TIM science characterization and calibration activities overview. He began by outlining a short before the projected April 2001 spacecraft A workshop on the characterization of the history of LASP and the evolution of the integration date. Select calibration and TIM instrument scheduled to fly on the SORCE mission. The EOS SORCE mission characterization activities can be delayed EOS SORCE mission was held at the is comprised of four instruments: the TIM, past April 2001. The long term stability Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space the Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM), the goal for the TIM instrument of 10 ppm/ Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, SOLar STellar Irradiance Comparison year will be achieved by radiation testing Boulder, CO, on May 3 and 4, 2000. (SOLSTICE), and the Extreme ultraviolet the TIM cones, storing the TIM flight Participants included representatives from Photometer System (XPS). The EOS instrument in a clean, inert argon atmo- LASP, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight SORCE mission is currently scheduled for sphere through launch, duty cycling the 4 Center (GSFC), NASA’s Jet Propulsion launch July 30, 2002 on a Pegasus XL TIM cones on-orbit, and maintaining at Laboratory (JPL), the National Institute of rocket. Data from all the instruments will LASP an extensive system of witness Standards and Technology (NIST), the be archived at the GSFC Distributed apertures, standard ohm, standard volt, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Active Archive Center (DAAC). and standard rulings used to determine Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, aperture area. Long term stability will also the Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Rottman then presented a plot of the be determined through validation flights Obseratorium Davos/World Radiation historical record of total solar irradiance of the hitchhiker TIM on the shuttle and Center (PMOD/WRC), Columbia Univer- measurements. In this plot, the 3000 ppm by careful maintenance and testing of the sity, and Boulder Metric. spread of the data was identified as witness TIM at LASP. Early in his presen- probably being due to systematic errors tation, Lawrence provided a list of The goal of this workshop was to identify, between the instruments. With this definitions and notations to be used examine, and discuss the most important historical total irradiance data record as a throughout the workshop. Lawrence also issues in the characterization of the TIM backdrop, the measurement accuracy and outlined his strategy for producing the instrument and, for each issue, obtain the precision specifications for the TIM TIM uncertainty analysis. In this analysis a expert recommendations of the workshop instrument were stated to be 100 ppm parametrized model with uncertainties is participants on how to proceed. absolute accuracy, 10 ppm per year constructed. Monte Carlo numerical relative accuracy, and 20 ppm precision calculations are used to propagate 104 SORCE Background (i.e. relative uncertainty). LASP is building random configurations through that three TIM units: a flight unit, a witness model. Lawrence concluded his presenta- Following brief self introductions by the unit, and a space shuttle hitchhiker unit. tion by pointing out major design features meeting attendees, Gary Rottman, of of the TIM instrument cones, heat sink, LASP and the principle investigator for baffles, and electronics.

22 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Greg Kopp of LASP described the with an overview of the possible intra- irradiance. The measurement techniques possible operational modes of the TIM and inter-instrument comparisons using used to calibrate the various instrument instrument. The actual operational modes the TIM instruments. A key to making parameters and associated uncertainties of the instrument will be defined over the total solar irradiance comparisons with were presented. Discussions took place on next two years. The TIM instrument other instruments will be the detection of the accuracy of the aperture area measure- employs four cones, designated A through long term changes between the three ments performed at LASP and on qualifi- D, which are operated at different duty copies of the TIM instrument. Specifically, cations to the uncertainty budget due to cycles to enable the determination of on- the need to discern changes in the largely unquantifiable but real effects. orbit degradation. Having four identical hitchhiker TIM or the witness TIM was These include contamination, magnetic cones, any one of which can be the discussed. The hitchhiker TIM will be field effects, atomic oxygen attack, primary observing cone, provides deployed on the shuttle and will be used micrometeorite strikes, launch vibrational operational flexibility. Currently, the duty in measurement comparisons with the on- effects, electronic interference, and cycles for the 4 TIM cones are 98.9% for orbit SORCE instrument and with other molecular contamination. The possibility cone A, 1% for cone B, 0.1% for cone C, total solar irradiance instruments. The of using the Sun to illuminate all the cones and 0% for cone D, which provides a current LASP strategy is to assume the and thereby enable pre-launch comparison thermal reference and redundancy. witness TIM is the standard instrument. measurements between all cones was During the workshop, the desire for LASP is examining the possible use of the discussed. The problem of properly performing a single exposure of cone D to High Accuracy Cryogenic Radiometer accounting for the solar aureole in such a solar irradiance early in the mission was (HACR) at NIST or trap detectors to detect measurement was identified as a possible discussed and endorsed by a majority of changes in the witness TIM. The challenge source of pointing related uncertainty the attendees. In addition, there was some to LASP is to validate that the hitchhiker greater than 1000 ppm. It was recom- discussion on the exact duty cycles for TIM is measuring identically on-orbit as to mended that LASP spend time with the cones B and C. The three-axis stabilized how it measures both pre-launch and spacecraft vendor well in advance of spacecraft will enable cruciform scans of post-launch. launch to thoroughly understand the Sun- the Sun to be performed to determine pointing system which will be used on the pointing corrections. In addition, field of George Lawrence described the phase EOS SORCE spacecraft. view maps and scans of dark space will be detection technique used in the TIM performed on-orbit. instrument. This technique, new to solar Greg Kopp presented information on the irradiance measurements, enables the high TIM shutter waveform. Each cone on the A number of possible on-orbit degradation accuracy goals of TIM. Lawrence outlined TIM instrument will be equipped with its mechanisms were identified and dis- a number of advantages in using the own independent shutter. The shutters cussed by the workshop participants. phase or synchronous detection technique will be made of aluminum with the sun- These included contamination by space in TIM over the conventional time domain facing surface clear anodized for high dust, attack by atomic oxygen, micromete- analysis technique. A number of specific visible reflectivity and the radiometer- orite strikes, and general molecular issues concerning the phase detection facing surface gold plated for low infrared contamination. The workshop attendees technique were discussed. These included emissivity. Thermistors will be embedded generally agreed that little could be done optimizing the frequency at which the in each shutter, and a photodiode will be to prevent these degradation mechanisms feed forward value is updated and used to validate shutter position. LASP or to predict the magnitude of their effects optimizing the number of cycles over has completed 6.1 million shutter cycles, on the TIM instrument measurements. which boxcar averaging is performed. equivalent to 3.2 times the projected TIM LASP requested that the attendees provide usage, at temperatures between –40 to 60 a list of degradation mechanisms, avail- George Lawrence continued his series of degrees C. A discussion was held on the able references on those mechanisms, and presentations by describing the basic TIM use of double shutters to decrease the ideas for ancillary measurements which measurement equation. Beginning from amplitude of the temperature swings could be made to quantify the anticipated the signal flow diagram, the measurement between open and closed states, a calibra- degrees of degradation. equation was presented. This equation tion which will be obtained by observation relates the various parameters of the TIM of dark space. During these discussions it Kopp followed the degradation discussion instrument to the retrieved total solar was pointed out that the rise time of the

23 THE EARTH OBSERVER

shutter waveform could change (i.e. optical flux measurement relative to an sions with a presentation on the absorp- become faster) on-orbit due to slow aperture of known area. The second tion of the TIM cones. The interiors of the degassing processes. It was recommended technique is an absolute measurement of TIM cones are plated with NiP black, that a movement model of the shutter the geometrical area of an aperture. In while the baffles in front of the cones are mechanism be constructed and the model their aperture measurements, LASP uses a treated with Epner black. The current be used to predict shutter operation over a combination camera plus CCD detector assumption in the operation of any given range of values for the shutter friction. which measures the transmission integral cone is that photons which leave a cone do Lastly, a feedback loop employing a or function through the aperture. The not re-enter the cone. Light scattering detector would enable an important advantage of the LASP measurement is calculations were performed on the cones validation that the shutter is in a com- that the optical transmission function of by Breault Research Organization (BRO) pletely open and not partially open state. the TIM aperture, including diffraction Incorporated of Tucson, Arizona. Input to Measured shutter waveforms show a and solar incidence angles, is determined. the BRO scatter model included total negligible (<1 ppm) effect on the TIM A disadvantage of the LASP system is the integrated scattering (TIS) and bidirec- measurement. insensitivity of the CCD detector beyond 1 tional reflectance distribution function m. The LASP camera/CCD system is (BRDF) measurements performed by May 4 Technical Presentations calibrated using Ronchi rulings. Recom- Schmitt Measurement Systems of Port- mendations from the workshop partici- land, Oregon. George Lawrence began the second day of pants included a request that LASP presentations with information on the TIM examine why the CCD could not be Kopp described LASP laboratory equip- apertures. The aperture area uncertainty placed after the aperture with no interven- ment used to directly measure the of 78 ppm is the largest component in the ing optics in a position identical to that of reflectance from the interior of the cones. TIM measurement uncertainty budget. the cones. Improvements to the operation The current setup employs a two-dimen- Thirty diamond-turned aluminum of the LASP aperture area measurement sional photodiode array positioned to face apertures have been fabricated for LASP system were also discussed. For example, the interior of the test cone. In the center by a private company. The current plan is the 1% ghost reflection off the CCD of the array is a hole which a laser beam to measure the area of the 30 apertures at window could be decreased and/or passes through and illuminates the cone. LASP and compare those to measure- eliminated by using an AntiReflection Since a photodiode array is currently ments made at LASP on 3 NIST apertures (AR) coated window on the CCD, or a used, the wavelength range of these used as standards. A discussion was held CCD with no window. The LASP system measurements have been limited to below concerning whether the TIM instrument currently uses AR coated achromats which 1 m. The technical challenge in this setup should fly NIST apertures or the ones could be the source of 0.1% viewing glare. will be to procure mid-wave infrared and which they procured from a private By converting the achromats to conven- long-wave infrared detectors with large company. The procured apertures were tional lenses this effect might be elimi- active areas. The possible use of a pyro- fabricated from 6061 T6 aluminum. nated. LASP requested NIST assistance in electric detector was discussed for this Electronmicrographs of the edge of those understanding calculated diffraction application. apertures showed burrs that were on the effects from the aperture and intervening order of 1 wavelength in size. While baffles. An important point made during Detector uniformity and sensitivity will be copper NIST apertures have sharper these discussions was that historical measured at LASP for one method of edges, the group concurred that there differences between total solar irradiance reflectance measurement normalizaton. It were too many concerns with copper in measurements could be due to a combina- was pointed out that the NIST Spectral space environments to fly the NIST tion of errors in aperture area measure- Irradiance and Radiance Calibrations with apertures. ments and incorrect or neglected diffrac- Uniform Sources (SIRCUS) facility has the tion corrections. The possibility of an EOS current capability of measuring detector The measurement of aperture areas at round-robin on aperture area measure- sensitivity. In another method of LASP NIST and at LASP was extensively ments was favorably discussed by the reflectance measurement normalization, discussed. NIST has the capability of workshop participants. the cone reflectance is referenced to the measuring aperture area using two reflectance of a Spectralon panel. In the techniques. The first technique is an Greg Kopp followed the aperture discus- LASP measurements, the Spectralon panel

24 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

is illuminated at normal incidence and the cleaning of one particular cone. This the dark signal in the TIM instrument. photodiode detectors sample scattered increased reflectance was attributed to a During space views, the baffles in the TIM light from the Spectralon over a range of lifting of the NiP black plating due to instrument will modulate in temperature angles around normal incidence. Given thinness in the initial NiP black plating. at the shutter frequency. However, this this illumination/scatter geometry, the use With respect to environmental testing, the effect should be small due to the thickness of the Spectralon directional hemispherical cones have been vigorously vibrated but of the baffles and the fact that this reflectance integrated over the used not acoustically tested. The requirement modulation will be out of phase with the portion of the photodiode array instead of for acoustic testing of the cones was shutter. The need for an optical model the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) identified as an issue to be re-examined. taking into account coupling with every was questioned. Using the integrated BRF Lastly, the effect of illuminating different component within the field of view of the instead of the directional reflectance areas of the cones was identified as an cavity for all viewing modes was identi- should produce a cone reflectance higher additional contributor to the overall fied. In addition, modeling of the baffle by perhaps 5 to 7%. Interestingly, a reflectance measurement uncertainty of temperature changes during all viewing comparison of the LASP cone reflectance the TIM cones, requiring spatial modes should be performed. measurements using their detector map reflectivity maps that LASP is acquiring. calibration method and their Spectralon The TIM calibration workshop concluded calibration method reveals that the George Lawrence presented information in the late afternoon after a list of sugges- reflectances produced from the Spectralon on optical/thermal equivalence in the TIM tions to improve TIM calibrations and method are lower by approximately that instrument. Equivalence is the amplitude characterizations was compiled. amount. and phase ratio of the thermal impedances or temperatures produced per power The LASP reflectance measurements will input from solar irradiance versus those be performed at a number of discrete laser from replacement heating. The need to wavelengths. The possibility of using a determine the on-orbit variation in TIM NIST Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) equivalence as a function of instrument spectrometer for these measurements was pointing was discussed. The ratio of the discussed. The FTIR approach would finite element analysis calculations for the enable the measurement of reflectance situations of applying optical versus over a continuous wavelength range into thermal power was identified as an item the infrared. A potential obstacle to the to be examined. Lastly, a power measure- FTIR approach would be insufficient ment versus an absolute cryogenic signal-to-noise from the cones. radiometer could constitute a good check of not only heater wire equivalence but LASP plans to maintain a record of cone also cone absorptance. By moving an reflectance measurements over time in an intensity stabilized laser beam input effort to monitor changes. The reflectance across the cone, the cone responsivity of the flight cones will be monitored on- could also be mapped. orbit to the 1 ppm level using a photo- diode detector. The importance of periodic George Lawrence presented information measurements of cone reflectance was on the TIM servo and electronics. illustrated in two specific instances. First, Lawrence explained the role of the servo LASP discovered that the NiP black in the measurement of the closed loop surface treatment increases in reflectance gain, identified and explained the TIM following ultrasonic cleaning in isopropyl electronic system components and alcohol. Because of this effect, the cones features, and outlined the features of the are no longer ultrasonically cleaned. In standard ohm and volt. addition, an increased reflectance was detected following the soldering and George Lawrence explained the origin of

25 THE EARTH OBSERVER

Hasler, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and Bob Swap, University of Report on SAFARI 2000 Outreach Virginia, gave these presentations. The EOS Electronic Theater is an Imax-like Activities, Intensive Field Campaign large screen presentation of Earth science topics, satellite imagery, and data anima- Planning Meeting, and Data tions. These presentations were typically Management Workshop held in large auditoriums with up to 1000 attendees. The venues ranged from

— B. Swap ([email protected]), T. Suttles ([email protected]), national conference venues, to historically H. Annegarn, Y. Scorgie, J. Closs, J. Privette, and B. Cook disadvantaged universities, to town halls.

NASA EOS educational outreach was conducted by Jim Closs, Charlotte Griner, and Winnie Humberson, with presenta- tions targeted mainly at high school Background – Aim of SAFARI 2000 The SAFARI 2000 vision is a 3-year educators. These presentations were ground-based and satellite data collection similar to the EOS Electronic Theatre, but The Southern African Regional Science period, beginning in mid-1999 and ending smaller in scale, and were held in Pretoria, Initiative - SAFARI 2000 - is an interna- in 2002, and periodic intensive field Pietersburg, and Port Elizabeth, South tional science initiative aimed at develop- campaigns including enhanced airborne Africa. EOS educational material was also ing a better understanding of the southern and ground observations during wet and distributed in concert with the overview African earth-atmosphere-human system. dry seasons. presentations on the NASA EOS and The goal of SAFARI 2000 is to identify and SAFARI 2000 programs. Audiences understand the relationships between the In preparation for the third intensive field reached during these talks included K-12 physical, chemical, biological and anthro- campaign (IFC 3) of SAFARI 2000, a large students, undergraduate and graduate pogenic processes that underlie the number of North American, European and students, academics, professionals and the biogeophysical and biogeochemical Southern African scientists converged general public. NASA and SAFARI 2000 systems of southern Africa. Particular upon southern Africa during March-April representatives also gave numerous print, emphasis is placed upon biogenic, 2000. Numerous briefing, outreach and radio, and television interviews. NASA’s pyrogenic and anthropogenic emissions, education activities, in support of NASA Earth Science Enterprise also participated their transport and transformations in the EOS and SAFARI 2000, took place before, as an exhibitor at the 28th International atmosphere, their influence on regional during, and after the SAFARI 2000 Symposium on Remote Sensing of the climate and meteorology, their eventual Intensive Field Campaign Planning Environment in Capetown. Attendees deposition, and the effects of this deposi- Meeting that was held April 3-6, 2000, in were provided ESE program documenta- tion on ecosystems. To accomplish this, Pietersburg, South Africa and the 28th tion, and many educational posters, SAFARI 2000 participants will: International Symposium on Remote brochures, fact sheets, and lithographs. • integrate remote sensing, computa- Sensing of Environment held in Cape tional modeling, airborne sampling Town, South Africa March 27-31, 2000. SAFARI 2000 Dry Season Intensive and ground-based studies; Field Campaign Planning Meeting • link the biological, physical and Outreach Activities chemical components of the regional The planning meeting held in Pietersburg, ecosystems by integrating them NASA EOS outreach activities in support RSA, from April 3–6, 2000 focused on the within the semi-closed atmospheric of or affiliated with the SAFARI 2000 effort logistics and operations plans for the gyre persistent over the region; and included thirteen presentations of the August-September 2000 Intensive Field • combine the expertise and knowledge NASA EOS Electronic Theater in three Campaign, SAFARI 2000 IFC 3. An effort base of regional and international different countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe, was made to coordinate validation and scientists. and South Africa. Michael King and Fritz science activities of the NASA ER-2 remote

26 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

sensing aircraft with those of the four in and nominal range of the research aircraft situ aircraft: the University of Washington 6) establish the status of SAFARI 2000 involved (Figure 2). CV-580, the UK Met Office C-130, and the data planning and put in place data two South African Weather Bureau management procedures for the Much of the activity on the second and Aerocommander 690As. Three Terra campaign. third days focused on the presentation of a instrument teams were represented – number of weather briefing scenarios for MISR, MODIS and MOPITT. In addition, Therefore, the meeting focused on three the purposes of the IFC 3 flight planning. the NASA EOS ground-based validation main areas: descriptions of ground-based Meteorologists from Botswana, Zimbabwe activity, SAVE (Southern African Valida- and airborne in situ and remote sensing and South Africa gave detailed presenta- tion of EOS) and its core tower sites were activities during the IFC 3; presentation of tions on the meteorology of the region. represented, as were regional science and and planning around a number of The South African Weather Bureau also validation activities. Approximately 65 different meteorologi- people participated in the meeting, cal and Terra overpass Figure 1 including scientists from the region scenarios; and (Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South discussion of the Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia) and from SAFARI 2000 data elsewhere (United States, United King- management struc- dom, and Canada). The key objectives of ture. Activities on the meeting were to: Day 1 focused 1) outline the logistics for the campaign primarily on over- in terms of airport facilities, commu- views and updates of nications, equipment shipping SAFARI 2000 and arrangements, etc.; NASA EOS in general 2) provide an overview of the overall and on specific plans SAFARI 2000 objectives and deter- for ground-based, mine how airborne flight plans could airborne, satellite, and be tailored to best suite these objec- validation activities as tives; part of IFC 3. A volume 3) ascertain developments with regard sector approach that to ground-based activities, with the integrates ground- Figure 2 specific purpose of determining what based and activities will be undertaken (by airborne in situ whom) during the intensive field and remote campaign; sensing 4) collate information regarding the observations instruments to be aboard each of the with the scientific aircraft, including the parameters to and validation be measured and the types of data to investigations be produced; to achieve 5) rehearse the mission planning SAFARI 2000 procedure to be implemented during objectives IFC 3, which included: (a) forecasting, was pre- presentation and interpretation of sented meteorological scenarios, and (Figure 1). trajectory modeling outputs; (b) This volume determination of satellite/sensor approach

overpass times and swath widths; took into ○○○○ and (c) development of flight plans; account the

27 THE EARTH OBSERVER

gave detailed, in-depth forecasts of typical take into account the needs of ORNL, a NASA Earth Science Information scenarios for the purposes of flight ground-based and airborne in situ Partner (ESIP) Type 2 and the University planning. Scientists from the different and remote sensing platforms and of Witwatersrand (WITS) in South Africa. airborne platforms participated in group their validation and science require- A schematic of the SAFARI Data Manage- discussions that focused on the planning ments. ment Structure is presented in Figure 3. of flight paths in response to the given 4) A strawman data management GSFC’s role will include creating CD- meteorological and Terra overpass structure that subsequently was ROMs, procuring “tasked” imagery such scenarios. Plenary discussion and debate finalized at a Data Management as Landsat 7, and establishing data followed with the end results being the Workshop hosted at the University of pipelines for sending EOS imagery to the creation of generalized flight paths for a Virginia and NASA GSFC during the newly-initiated SAFARI Regional Data given meteorological and satellite over- week of June 12-16, 2000. Center at WITS. The plan was presented to pass condition. Michael King, David Starr, and Henry Watermeyer, Head of IT at WITS. The Activities on the fourth day focused on operations logistics and data management. Operations logistics at the various tower Data Flow to Mirror Data Centers sites and at the Pietersburg SAFARI 2000 IFC 3 Operations Control Center were Field Regional presented and discussed during the first Investigation Data part of the day and the overall SAFARI Remote Aircraft 2000 data management structure after- Sensing Measurements wards. Bob Cook, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) EOS DAAC, pre- S2K Southern sented a strawman data management Africa Users Africa structure. Cook’s presentation was based on discussions at last year’s SAFARI 2000 North Regional Implementation Workshop held America S2K Users in Gaborone, Botswana as well as discus- U.S. sions during the first several days of the Projects Pietersburg meeting. It was concluded (e.g., SAVE, Aircraft Measurements there were a number of outstanding issues AERONET) and that a small Data Management Remote Field Figure 3 Sensing Investigation workshop should be held within two months of the conclusion of the Pietersburg meeting. PowerPoint version of this presentation is Key Products from the IFC 3 SAFARI 2000 Data Management available on the web at mercury.ornl.gov/ Planning Meeting Workshop safari2k/other_links.htm

1) Detailed meeting proceedings The SAFARI 2000 Data Management Participants in the workshop included available on the web at: http:// Group hosted Information Technology (IT) Lance Coetzee, WITS; Bob Cook, ORNL; safari.gecp.virginia.edu/reports/ specialists from southern Africa during Paul Desanker, UVa; Dozie Ezigbalike, Proc5June00.htm. the week of June 12 at the University of Univ. of Botswana; Leon Herbert, WITS; 2) Outline for the IFC 3 Operations Virginia (UVa), NASA Goddard Space Chris Justice, UVa; Dave Landis, GSFC; Handbook that is now being distrib- Flight Center (GSFC), and the ORNL Jeff Morisette, GSFC; Jaime Nickeson, uted for comment. DAAC. Participants completed a plan for GSFC; Jeff Privette, GSFC; Sue Ringrose, 3) A set of agreed upon general, a distributed data sharing system, coordinated flight plans for IFC 3 that capitalizing on existing expertise at GSFC, (Continued on page 36)

28 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

cant variation in a major environmental or land-use factor. The KT extends over a Summary of the SAFARI 2000 wet large rainfall gradient (200 to 1000 mm/ year mean annual rainfall) in an area of season field campaign along the uniform soils, the Kalahari sands, albeit Kalahari Transect with some local soil variation associated with pans and subsurface duricrusts. Conceptually, the KT extends from — Peter Dowty ([email protected]), University of Virginia equatorial forest in Congo-Brazzaville to — Peter Frost ([email protected]), University of Zimbabwe — Penny Lesolle, Botswana Meteorological Services, Gaborone subtropical, arid shrubland of the Kalahari — Guy Midgley ([email protected]), National Botanical Institute, Cape Town desert in south-western Botswana and — Mukufute Mukelabai ([email protected]), Zambian Meteorological Dept, Mongu — Luanne Otter ([email protected]), CSIR, Pretoria adjoining areas of South Africa and — Jeff Privette ([email protected]), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Namibia, although the northern portion — Jerry Ramontsho, Botswana Ministry of Agriculture, Range Ecology Group has not yet been as intensively studied. — Susan Ringrose ([email protected]), University of Botswana — Bob Scholes ([email protected]), CSIR, Pretoria The “rapid assessment” approach to the — Yujie Wang, ([email protected]), Boston University present campaign was designed to allow near-synoptic sampling of the KT gradi- ent.

Introduction The campaign started on February 28 in Mongu, Zambia with a group of 14 An international group of researchers completed an intensive field campaign in researchers. This group proceeded to four Botswana and Zambia between February 28 and March 18, 2000. The activity was the sites in Botswana where they were joined second of four planned intensive campaigns of the Southern Africa Regional Science by researchers from the University of Initiative 2000 (SAFARI 2000; Swap and Annegarn, 1999). This initiative was designed to Botswana, the Botswana Meteorological facilitate and link research on the regional land-atmosphere system with an emphasis on Services and Ministry of Agriculture and terrestrial emissions (biogenic, pyrogenic and anthropogenic), atmospheric modification other institutions. The campaign ended on and transport of these emissions and the consequences of subsequent deposition on the March 18 at Tshane in southern Botswana. biogeochemistry of the regional ecosystems. A number of independently funded Students from the University of Botswana activities collectively constitute SAFARI 2000 including efforts from national research also participated in measurement activi- programs in the region, the International START1 Secretariat and NASA. ties at the Tshane site. After the campaign a seminar was held at the University of The wet season campaign summarized here consisted of ground, tower-based and Botswana where the participants dis- remote sensing measurements. The main objective was to characterize land surface cussed their work and shared preliminary processes and land-atmosphere exchanges during the growing season along a land cover findings. The complete list of participants gradient in the region. The participants represented institutions both in the region and with contact information is available around the world. The research activities spanned plant physiology, ecological and through the SAFARI 2000 web page hydrological processes, meteorology, atmospheric characterization and ground valida- (http://safari.gecp.virginia.edu). tion of NASA EOS data products. The field sites in Botswana had received above-average rainfall at the time of the The field sites were located along the IGBP2 Kalahari Transect (KT) [Chanda et al., 1998; campaign. This was associated with Ringrose and Chanda, 2000; Scholes and Parsons, 1997]. This is one of several Terrestrial tropical cyclone Eline, an Indian Ocean Transects designated for studies of global change issues using a coordinated set of field storm which led to flooding in the eastern sites [Steffen, 2000] covering large areas (on the order of 1000 km) and spanning signifi- part of the region. In contrast, the Mongu, Zambia site had received slightly below normal rainfall at the time of the cam- 1 Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training (START). paign. 2 International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP).

29 THE EARTH OBSERVER

Field Sites

Sites Figure 1 shows the location of the five field sites and the extent of soils domi- nated by Kalahari sands as delineated in the FAO soils dataset [FAO, 1995]. All sites are on the southern African plateau with elevations of about 1000 meters. The sites were selected to span a significant portion of the rainfall gradient in the region. We list the sites below in order of north-to-south.

Kataba Forest, Mongu, Zambia 15.438 South; 23.253 East The site is in a forest reserve approximately 20 km south of Mongu. It is one of the EOS Validation Core Sites and was recently augmented with a climb-up 30 m tower amidst the 12 m tall canopy. The vegetation cover is Kalahari woodland dominated by Brachystegia spiciformis with a sparse woody understory. At the regional scale, these woodlands are interspersed with large, flat grasslands (dambos). Mean annual rainfall is about 880 mm. Activites at this site were coordinated by Mukufute Mukelabai of the Zambian Meterological Deptartment.

Pandamatenga Agricultural Station, Pandamatenga, Botswana 18.655 South; 25.500 East This site is approximately 100 km south of Kasane, Botswana. The vegetation cover is an open woodland dominated by Ricenodendron rautanenii, Baikiaea plurijuga and Burkea africana with patches of high grass biomass. It is adjacent to large agricultural areas and undergoes light grazing. Mean annual rainfall is about 700 mm.

Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana 19.923 South; 23.594 East Figure 1. Map of field sites and the extent of Kalahari sands as This site is about 20 km northeast of Maun in a woodland managed by the Harry delineated in the FAO Soil Map of the World. Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre (HOORC). SAFARI activities were focused in an area approximately 3 km from a walk-up flux tower operated by Field Activities the HOORC in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute. Some measurements The activities are summarized here by category. were repeated at both sites to facilitate comparisons. Vegetation cover at both The primary researchers for each activity are sites is mopane woodland (Colophospermum mopane) although the SAFARI site indicated. had lower tree heights and patches of Terminalia sericea thicket. Mean annual rainfall is about 460 mm. Elmar Veenendaal of the HOORC hosted the activities Meteorology at this site. Botswana Meteorological Services3 personnel Okwa River Crossing, Botswana 22.409 South; 21.713 East recorded standard meteorological observations This site is located where the Trans-Kalahari Highway crosses the Okwa River (wet and dry bulb temperatures, wind speed and bed, approximately 80 km south of Ghanzi, Botswana. This site has some direction) at 30 minute intervals at each of the sites topographic variation and soil characteristics which distinguish it from the within Botswana. Instruments were deployed surrounding landscape. The vegetation cover is an open shrubland cominated by adjacent to the site where the other groups were Acacia mellifera and Grewia flava with scattered short trees. Mean annual rainfall is sampling. about 400 mm.

Tshane, Botswana 24.164 South; 21.893 East 3 Botswana Meteorological Services Team. Gaborone This site is located approximately 15 km south of Tshane, Botswana. The office: Oagile Alosoboloko, Edward Bojang, M. Butale, P. University of Botswana has a number of research activities focused in this area. Lesolle, Fish Modimoopelo, T. Morebodi, E. Motlamme. The vegetation cover is open savanna dominated by Acacia luederitzii and Acacia Francistown: G.G. Mbaiwa. Maun: Keitumetse Monaka. Kasane: Masego Nkepu. mellifera. Mean annual rainfall at Tshane is 365 mm.

30 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Meteorological data (30 minute averages) Figure 2. Portable flux tower at Okwa River were also recorded on the portable tower crossing site. From left: Todd (5-11 m, adjustable) used to measure Scanlon, Mukufute Mukelabai and 4 Lindsay Hutley. Tower is shown in canopy fluxes (Figure 2). its shortest configuration (5 m). It was extended to 11 m height in Leaf and Canopy Radiation taller vegetation.

A number of instruments were used at each site to characterize canopy radiation and canopy properties, including leaf area index. At each site, sample points were distributed along three parallel transects Table 1. extending 750 m, separated by 250 m and marked at 25 m intervals. Spectral Measurement Instrument properties of soil and of leaves of domi- Canopy Properties Licor Plant Canopy Analyzer LAI-20005,6,7 nant over- and understory species were (canopy transmission, leaf area,leaf TRAC7 also measured. Table 1 lists the instru- orientation and clumping, % cover) Decagon Accupar ceptometer5,6 8 ments with reference to the contact Nikon Digital Hemispherical Camera ASD Field Spectrometer7 personnel for each measurement. Kipp and Zonen Albedometer (near-infrared, shortwave)7 Kipp and Zonen Net Radiometer (tower mount)9 Vegetation Structure/Composition Component Spectra (e.g. leaves, soil), ASD Field Spectrometer, Licor 1800 Spectrometer5 canopy transmission spectra

Additional techniques were used to Table 2. characterize the vegetation at a range of spatial scales. In some cases the same Parameter Technique parameters were sampled with contrast- Tree/Shrub Cover/Basal Area and Stem map10 ing techniques (see Table 2). Composition Line Transects11,12 Circular sample plots13,14 Leaf Processes Spherical Densiometer10,14 Landscape-scale Composition/Structure Line transects15 Grass Composition Line transects12 Dominant species were characterized Circular sample plot13 ecophysiologically at four Botswanan Grass Biomass Quadrat clipping10 Root Distribution Soil pit profile/root excavation16 sites 17. CO response and light response of 2 Tree Age Structure Tree Cores10

4 Todd Scanlon and John Albertson, University of Virginia; Lindsay Hutley, Northern Territory University. 5 Yujie Wang, Yu Zhang, Yuhong Tian and Kyarn Tabor, Boston University 6 Bob Scholes, CSIR. 7 Jeff Privette, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. 8 Gareth Robers, University College, London 9 Todd Scanlon and John Albertson, University of Virginia, and Lindsay Hutley, Northern Territory University. 10 Kelly Caylor, Lynette Sobehart and Peter Dowty, University of Virginia. 11 Jerry Ramontsho, Copper Sakhu and Kholly Keitshokile, Range Ecology, Botswana Ministry of Agriculture. 12 Chris Feral, University of Virginia. 13 Bob Scholes, CSIR, and Lindsay Hutley, Northern Territory University 14 Peter Frost, University of Zimbabwe. 15 Susan Ringrose, Universityof Botswana, and Wilma Matheson, Westwood International School. 16 Martin Hipondoka, Etosha Ecological Institute; Chipangura Chirara, University of Zimbabwe; and Maanda Lihavha, University of Venda. 17 Guy Midgley, National Botanical Institute, Cape Town; Brian Mantlana, University of Natal, Durban; and Lindsay Hutley, Northern Territory University.

31 THE EARTH OBSERVER

photosynthesis and dark respiration were Daytime total suspended particulate (TSP) samples were also collected at each site for measured at three different temperatures stable isotopic analysis. A high volume pump was used to draw air through a glass fiber spanning 10oC (i.e. 25, 30 and 35o C) using filter for 8 to 12 hours at a rate of approximately 1.4m3/min20. a Licor 6400 Portable Photosynthesis System. The data were used to derive Biogeochemical Cycling stomatal conductance, Vcmax, Jmax, quantum Specific biogeochemical processes were assessed using the techniques indicated in Table efficiency, CO2 and light compensation points. In addition, leaf size was measured 3. Plant and soil samples were collected for chemical and isotopic analysis as described in order to determine leaf specific area and below. mass. Leaf dimensions and specific leaf Table 3. area of dominant species were also determined. Processes Technique

N mineralization21 In situ isotope dilution method: soil extract to be analyzed Canopy Fluxes18 in the laboratory.

Nitrification21 In situ isotope dilution method: soil extracts to be analyzed Canopy energy, water and carbon fluxes in the laboratory were measured from tower-based sensors Nitrogen fixation by soil In situ acetylene reduction assay: gas samples to be at all sites except Pandamatenga. One set microorganisms-soil crusts21 analyzed in the laboratory of sensors was placed on the permanent Hydrocarbon emissions22 Absorbent traps were used to collected hydrocarbon tower at Mongu for the duration of the emissions from leaves and these will be analyzed by campaign (data from March 1-24) while a gas chromatograph-FID and mass spectrometer in the laboratory mobile tower system was used for short- 22 term data collection (2-3 days) at the other NOx emissions Soil samples were collected and NO production and consumption rates, and temperature and soil moisture sites (Figure 2). The mobile tower height response curves for NO will be measured in the was adjusted between 5-11 m depending laboratory using a chemiluminescence NO/NO2 analyzer on vegetation height at each site.

The sensor sets were identical and Nitrogen cycling processes were analyzed, with a combination of in situ experiments and 21 included an open-path CO2/H2O analyzer, soil and plant sampling for laboratory analysis . N mineralization, nitrification and N a hygrometer, a 3D sonic anemometer, a fixation were analyzed at all the sites except Pandamatenga. Mineralization and nitrifica- net radiometer, an air temperature/ tion, as well as soil and plant sampling, were also analyzed at additional sites in Maun humidity probe and a pyrgeometer. and Tshane, with different grazing intensities. Tree shrub and grass samples of all the common species were collected for isotopic and nutrient analysis. Soils under different Atmospheric Aerosols functional types of plants and at different depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-30 cm) were collected for the same analysis, and KCl soil extracts were prepared in the field in order A handheld multispectral sun photometer to analyze isotopic composition of ammonium and nitrate21. was used at each site to characterize atmospheric aerosols and estimate aerosol Leaf, twig, root and soil samples were collected at the Maun, Okwa River and Tshane optical thickness. Measurements were sites for each of four vegetation types, grasses, trees, shrubs, forbs. Three additional sites taken throughout the day at 30 minute representing different intensities of land use (e.g. grazing pressure) were also sampled23. intervals except when prohibited by cloud cover19.

18 Todd Scanlon and John Albertson, University of Virginia; Lindsay Hutley, Northern Territory University. 19 Mukufute Mukelabai, Zambia Meteorological Department. 20 Kaycie Billmark, University of Virginia and Marguerite Barenbrug, University of the Witwatersrand. 21 Julieta Aranibar, University of Virginia. 22 Luanne Otter, CSIR 23 Chris Feral, University of Virginia.

32 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Soil Moisture and Heat Flux Conclusions and Next Steps

In conjunction with the mobile tower only, open and under-canopy patches were The three-week Kalahari Transect cam- instrumented with soil heat flux plates (5 cm depth), TDR soil moisture probes (0-30 cm) paign resulted in an extremely rich data and soil temperature thermocouples (2.5 and 7.5 cm). Thirty minute average values were set in the relatively data sparse Kalahari recorded over the duration of flux tower sampling24. region. Some of the first leaf and canopy level flux/conductance measurements for A second set of soil moisture and temperature sensors were semi-permanently deployed the region were obtained, and canopy near the Mongu flux tower25. The profile includes five TDR soil moisture probes structural information was rigorously (Campbell Scientific CS615) and three thermisters (Campbell Scientific 107L) placed at measured at multiple spatial scales. Data the following depths: 5, 15, 30, 60 and 125 cm. The profile also includes a soil heat flux analysis is presently underway and will be plate (Campbell Scientific HFT3) deployed at a depth of 10 cm. Ten-minute samples are reported both in peer-reviewed literature averaged and recorded every 30 minutes. and through conference reports. Interested readers are urged to contact coauthors of Soil samples were collected at different depths to estimate bulk density, total organic this article or refer to the SAFARI 2000 matter content, texture, particle size distribution and cation exchange capacity. Seven WWW page (URL: safari.gecp.virginia. surface soil samples were collected at random locations for laboratory analysis25. edu) for updated information.

Spatial variability of soil moisture in the surface layer (0-30 cm) was also characterized The wet season campaign will be followed over approximately one hectare at the Mongu, Pandamatenga and Okwa River sites. A by a dry season/biomass burning field handheld TDR probe was used to sample locations on a regular grid of points26. campaign in August-September 2000. Although some ground-based activities Remote Sensing Data will occur at that time, most activities will focus on atmospheric measurements. This Remote sensing data are critical to the SAFARI effort given the large study area and its will include extensive airborne sampling relative inaccessibility. Moreover, validation of EOS Terra products was the primary goal with multiple aircraft including the ER-2. of several campaign participants (e.g., Privette, 2000). Thus, arrangements were made Researchers interested in participating in with several Terra teams (MODIS, MISR and ASTER) for acquisitions over the study sites these campaigns or other SAFARI activi- simultaneously with the ground campaign. Landsat 7, AVHRR and SeaWiFS data and ties are encouraged to contact organizers products were also acquired. Finally, IKONOS images were requested through the NASA via the SAFARI web page. Science Data Buy program. The various data sets are available for the Mongu site through the EOS Validation Core Site WWW page (URL: modis-land.gsfc. nasa.gov/val/ References index.asp) as data policies permit. Imagery and products for other sites will be available through the Mercury system at the Oak Ridge DAAC (URL: mercury.ornl.gov/safari2k/ Chanda, R., S. Ringrose, and L. Magole search.htm) and distributed on SAFARI CD-ROMs27. (eds.), 1998: Towards Sustainable Natural Resource Management in the Kalahari Region, Data Availability Abstracts and Report from the Kalahari Transect Regional Scientific Workshop, Data and metadata from the wet season campaign will be available through the web- START Report No. 2, 1998. based Mercury system at the Oak Ridge DAAC. Some data will be immediately and openly available. Remaining data will be made available in accordance with the SAFARI FAO, 1995: Digital Soil Map of the World, 2000 data sharing and release policy. In addition, the data will be openly disseminated on CD-ROM, FAO, Rome. SAFARI CDROMs in a timely manner. Privette, J.L., 2000: Southern Africa Valida-

24 Todd Scanlon and John Albertson, University of Virginia. tion of NASA’s Earth Observing System 25 Ana Pinheiro, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. (SAVE EOS), Proc. IJPRS Remote Sens. 26 Kelly Caylor and Lynette Sobehart, University of Virginia. 2000, Cape Town. 27 Jeff Morisette, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center-University of Maryland.

33 THE EARTH OBSERVER

Ringrose, S., and R. Chanda (eds.), 2000: Towards Sustainable Management in the Kalahari Region: Some Essential Background Satellites Used To Help Predict Deadly and Critical Issues, Directorate of Research and Development, University of Disease Outbreaks Botswana, Gaborone, pp. 304. — Renee Juhans/Dave Steitz, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. (Phone: 202/358- Scholes, R.J., and D.A.B. Parsons (eds.), 1712/1730) — John Bluck, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA. (Phone: 650/604-5026) 1997: The Kalahari Transect: Research on — Steve Berberich, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore, MD. (Phone: Global Change and Sustainable Development 410/385-6315) in Southern Africa, IGBP Report 42, IGBP Secretariat, Stockholm, pp. 61.

Steffen, W., 2000: The IGBP Terrestrial Transects: Tools for Resource Management NASA is providing new insights from analysis developed by NASA using and Global Change Research at the space that may help health officials predict satellite data has also been used in the Regional Scale. In: Towards Sustainable outbreaks of deadly water-borne cholera, a study of diseases such as malaria, Lyme Management in the Kalahari Region: Some bacterial infection of the small intestine disease and Rift Valley fever. Essential Background and Critical Issues, that can be fatal to humans. edited by S. Ringrose and R. Chanda, “When such a model for Bangladesh is Directorate of Research and Development, Scientists have learned how to use extended to the global scale, it may serve University of Botswana, Gaborone, pp. 1- satellites to track blooms of tiny floating as an early warning system, enabling 12. plant and animal plankton that carry effective deployment of resources to cholera bacteria by using satellite data on minimize or prevent cholera epidemics in Swap. R.J. and H.J. Annegarn (eds.), 1999: ocean temperatures, sea height and other cholera-endemic regions,” according to Southern African Regional Science climate variables. The work is described in Brad Lobitz, principal author of the paper Initiative: Safari 2000: Science Plan, a recent paper co-authored by University and a contract scientist at NASA’s Ames available at http://safari.gecp. of Maryland Biotechnology Institute Research Center, located in California’s virginia.edu. (UMBI) and NASA researchers that Silicon Valley. The scientists correlated appeared in the Proceedings of the years of hospital cholera records from National Academy of Sciences. Bangladesh with sea temperature and ocean height data that came from a variety “These experiments fulfill our hypothesis of satellites and surface observations. that cholera is associated with environ- mental conditions,” said Dr. Rita Colwell, “Satellites not only can measure water founder and former president of UMBI, temperature and ocean height, but also and now Director of the National Science can measure colors that indicate plankton Foundation. She is presently on leave of and chlorophyll over a large sea area,” absence from the University of Maryland, Lobitz explained. “Tracking sea tempera- and is co-author of the cholera- tracking tures from ships and by other direct project paper. measurements is too expensive to be practical,” he added. The authors found that rising sea tempera- tures and ocean height near the coast of Cholera may result in extreme diarrhea, Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal from 1992 vomiting and loss of water. Victims can to 1995 often preceded sudden growth, or die within a day or so unless body fluids “blooms,” of plankton and outbreaks of (Continued on page 38) cholera. Similar application of risk

34 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Evanston Township High School, Earth Science Enterprise Education Program Update Evanston, Illinois, was selected as the first recipient of the Thacher Scholarship. The $4,000 award was announced at the NASA First Digital Earth Alpha Version Student Involvement Program’s (NSIP) Awards Dinner on May 9 in Washington, Workshop Announcement DC.

— Steve Graham ([email protected]), Raytheon RITSS The Thacher Scholarship was founded in honor of Peter S. Thacher, an internation- ally recognized leader in promoting the use of remote sensing worldwide and former United Nations Assistant Secre- tary-General. He played a special advisory NASA, the US Geological Survey, and Reichardt at (703) 648-5742. Additionally, role for NASA and provided a unique and other Federal departments and agencies if you would like to participate in building extremely valuable contribution to are seeking participants in developing a the Digital Earth Alpha Version, please geographic information systems on local, series of Digital Earth Alpha Versions to contact Ann Carbin at (301) 286-6663 to regional, and global levels. Thacher died illustrate the vision of the Digital Earth reserve a seat at the Digital Earth Alpha of brain cancer in April 1999. www.digitalearth.gov and implement a Version Workshop to be held in the subset of that vision as rapidly as possible. Washington DC area July 25-26, 2000. Thacher’s son, Shaw, awarded the Alpha Version demonstrations will Additional details on the Workshop will scholarship remarking, “For those of you employ today’s technologies and associ- be posted to www.digitalearth.gov in the who did not know my father, he would ated infrastructure to bring Earth informa- near future. have loved to have been involved in the tion and tools into the hands of various NASA Student Involvement Program’s user communities. Digital Earth Alpha Fifth Annual GLOBE Conference Watching Earth Change competition. And, Versions will focus on specific user he would have felt honored and moved to communities—e.g., journalists, students, Leaders from GLOBE countries around have this scholarship established in his museum-goers, and governance organiza- the world and GLOBE franchises in the name.” tions—and show how they can exploit United States will gather for the Fifth geospatial information, technology, Annual GLOBE Conference, July 17-21 in Greenberg’s paper, The Die-Off of Mangrove partnerships, and the National Spatial Annapolis, Maryland, USA to discuss Trees in the Saloum River, was selected by a Data Infrastructure to significantly experiences and strategies for advancing panel of judges, who reviewed six of the improve their decision-making and the program. GLOBE scientists will NSIP Watching Earth Change first place educational opportunities through greater provide reports on new science investiga- Center winner entries. According to understanding of the Earth at the global, tions, and on the status of research using Thacher, “this was not an easy process— national, and local levels. Climate and student data, and education advisors will all of these projects and papers are truly weather will be the overarching theme for report on how the program can advance outstanding.” Thacher added, “One paper, the first Alpha Version implementations. learning. The Science, Education, Fran- however, truly captured and described the Additional details on the Digital Earth chise, and Country reports from the connections and thinking my father Alpha Versions requirements and sce- conference will be posted on the GLOBE believed in promoting and lived for— narios are available at URL: website this summer. Additional informa- displaying the best use of remote sensing www.digitalearth.gov/alpha/ tion can be found at URL: www.globe.gov in better understanding the changing planet.” Ninth Grader Wins First Thacher If you are interested in supporting this Scholarship For Earth Remote initiative, or wish to obtain more informa- Sensing The Institute for Global Environmental tion, please visit the website above. The Strategies (IGES) founded the scholarship point-of-contact for this project is Mark Julia Greenberg, a ninth grader from (Continued on page 38)

35 THE EARTH OBSERVER

EOS Researchers: Please send notices of recent media coverage in which you have been involved to: Rob Gutro, EOS Project Science Office, Code 900, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771 Tel. (301) 441-4217; fax: (301) 441-2432 e-mail: [email protected]

(Continued from page 28)

Report on SAFARI 2000 Outreach Activities, “Rivers of Rock,” (July 2000) Scientific “Earth’s High-Tech Checkup,” (April 20) Intensive Field Campaign American. Peter J. Mouginis-Mark The Washington Post and Reuters. Yoram Planning Meeting, and Data (University of Hawaii) and other re- Kaufman, (NASA GSFC) says that Terra searchers have turned to satellite imagery will provide improved understanding on Management Workshop and computer models to help them more how the land, sea, and air interact with efficiently predict where volcanic each other and with clouds, vegetation, Univ. of Botswana; Tim Rhyne, ORNL; mudslides called “lahars” may occur. and airborne particles to influence global Hank Shugart, UVa; Tim Suttles, climate. Raytheon Corp.; and Bob Swap, UVa. “Warming Effects to be Widespread,” (June 12) The New York Times. Jerry M. “The Truth is Down Here,” (June/July Summary Remarks Melillo (Marine Biological Laboratory) is 2000) Smithsonian’s Air & Space. Ralph one of the authors of a federal climate Dubayah (University of Maryland) said Through regional outreach activities, a assessment on warming effects on the U.S. the Vegetation Canopy Lidar satellite will regional planning meeting, and a data in the coming decades. The draft report produce 3-D pictures of forests around the management workshop, preparations analyzes effects on forestry, fresh water, globe. Bob Swap, (University of Virginia) have been completed for the SAFARI farming, coastal areas, and human health. coordinator of the Southern Africa 2000 Third Intensive Field Campaign. Regional Science Initiative says that region Outreach activities have provided the “Future Looks Cloudy for Arctic Zone,” was chosen to validate the data from Terra region with an understanding of the (June 3) Science News. Eric J. Jensen because it has scientific measurement new satellite capabilities that are the (NASA Ames) called for more analysis of records dating back 100 years or more. subject of the satellite data validation the data collected in the SAGE III Ozone component of SAFARI 2000. The IFC 3 Loss and Validation Experiment (SOLVE) “Power of Nature’s Atmospheric Cleanser Planning Meeting brought the science of polar stratospheric clouds and their Revealed,” (June 1) United Press Interna- team together to focus on finalizing the adverse effect on ozone. Drew Shindell tional. Daniel Jacob (Harvard Univ.) noted logistics and operational aspects of the (NASA GISS) commented on the value of that a NASA airborne campaign in the campaign. The Data Management global satellite data sets. Pacific last year has revealed the power of Workshop resulted in agreement on a nature’s own atmospheric cleanser, the plan for the acquisition, early distribu- “La Niña is Dying. Or Is It?,” (May 9) hydroxyl radical. The mission also showed tion, synthesis of ‘golden days’ CNN.com. Oceanographer Tony how pollutants from across the Northern subsets, and distribution and archival Busalacchi (NASA GSFC) says that La Hemisphere can circulate over thousands of SAFARI 2000 data. The stage is now Niña is not yet over but is expected to of miles. set for IFC 3 to be conducted in decay and die out towards the summer- August-September 2000 - the major time, with its effects lasting into the activity of the SAFARI 2000 science second half of the hurricane season. initiative in southern Africa.

36 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

the MEC region is projected to rise 4.3 Researchers Take New York City’s to11.7 inches over the next 20 years. This sea-level rise would lead to more storm Temperature damage and increased beach erosion. Higher sea levels and more damaging storm surges will impact fish and bird habitats in the wetland areas.

This study represents a unique collabora- tive effort that brings together key stakeholders, including state, regional, and local agencies, as well as environmen- tal organizations, to address climate change and its impacts to ensure results were relevant and useful in all decision- making sectors. Stakeholders are institu- — Cynthia O’Carroll ([email protected]), NASA Goddard Space Flight tions whose activities are and will be Center — Kisha Wright ([email protected]), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center impacted by present and future climate variability and change and have a stake in being involved in research of potential impacts.

Researchers today announced key results Study results show that over the last 100 “A goal of the process has been to ensure of a two-year research effort to assess the years the temperature has risen 2 degrees that the results are relevant to the people vulnerability of New York City to climate Fahrenheit. Scenarios from global climate that actually make the decisions that affect change. Seven critical sectors addressed in modeling studies project additional the city,” said William Solecki, Co-Leader this study are coasts, wetlands, infrastruc- warming for the New York Metropolitan of the MEC Assessment and a geographer ture, water supply, public health, energy Region throughout the 21st century, at Montclair State University, NJ. and institutional decision-making. ranging from 4 to10 degrees Fahrenheit. The study of the Metropolitan East Coast Drs. Cynthia Rosenzweig, Vivien Gornitz, The effects of this warming trend will not (MEC) area is one of 16 regional compo- Ellen Hartig, Richard Goldberg, and be uniform across all sectors. The most nents that contribute to the U.S. National Reggie Blake of NASA’s Goddard Institute direct health effect likely to be associated Assessment: The Potential Consequences of Space Studies, along with researchers with a warming and more variable climate of Climate Variability and Change, from other institutions, present the results is an increase in summer-season heat organized by the U.S. Global Change of the Metropolitan East Coast (MEC) at a stress, particularly among the poor and Research Program. The goal of each conference held at Columbia University in elderly. regional assessment is to understand the New York City. impacts of climate change and variability A warmer climate is also likely to raise the on physical systems and human activities “Climate impacts in cities are multi- demand for electricity and cause increased of a specific area of the United States. The dimensional,” said Rosenzweig, a Co- stress to the electric utility systems. Metro East Coast Assessment is the Leader of the MEC study. “Our goal is to Recommendations to decision-makers Regional Assessment that specifically provide critical information to assist the include educating the population on addresses issues of climate change and region’s decision-makers to anticipate, energy efficiency. cities. The National Science Foundation prepare for and prevent the potentially and Columbia University’s Earth Institute serious impacts of climate events now and Other study results involve the coastlines provided major funding for the study. in the future.” and the delicate wetland areas due to sea- level rise. The already rising sea level in (Continued on page 38)

37 THE EARTH OBSERVER

information about the cholera-tracking (Continued from page 34) (Continued from page 37) project is on the Internet at: Satellites Used To Help geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/health/projects/ Reserchers Take New York Predict Deadly Disease cholera/cholera.html city’s Temperature Outbreaks The researchers used data from three Earth-observing satellites in the study: a are replenished quickly. The seventh National Oceanographic and Atmospheric The study area for the Metro East Coast cholera pandemic began in 1961 and now Administration weather satellite, the Assessment covers the 31 counties of the affects six continents, according to the SeaWiFS instrument aboard the SeaStar New York City metropolitan region. The paper. A pandemic is an epidemic that (OrbView-2) satellite, and the U.S.- French area consists of 13,000 square miles, with occurs over a large region. TOPEX/Poseidon oceanography satellite. jurisdictions involving 1,600 cities, towns Data from SeaWiFS and TOPEX/Poseidon and villages in the three states of New Sea height is important because tides are provided through NASA’s Office of York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The reach further inland to affect more people Earth Sciences, which is dedicated to total regional population is 19.6 million, of who may drink or bathe in brackish water studying how natural and human- which 7.3 live in New York City. carrying cholera. “Bangladesh is very low induced changes affect the Earth’s global and flat, and tidal effects are felt almost environment. Other organizations participating in this half way up into the country,” said co- study include: Columbia University’s author Louisa Beck of California State Earth Institute, Lamont Doherty Earth University at Monterey Bay and a resident Observatory and School of Public Health, scientist at Ames. (Continued from page 35) Montclair State University, New York University and SUNY Stony Brook. “The 1992-to-1995 study is important Earth Science Enterprise because all the remote sensing satellite Education Program Update For more information about the MEC data are in the public domain,” Beck said. project, access the website at “The main point is that we obtained the First Digital Earth Alpha metroeast_climate. ciesin.columbia.edu data at no cost because it is available on Version Workshop the web.” Announcement The GISS web site regarding their contri- bution to the National Assessment is “In most years Bangladesh has two at www.giss.nasa.gov/projects/ cholera outbreaks,” Lobitz said. “These and obtained additional contributions metroeast/ are in the spring and fall.” The authors from Mrs. Peter S. Thacher, WT Chen & discovered that the sea surface tempera- Company, Inc, and Mr. & Mrs. Andrew The web site for public comment on the tures show an annual cycle similar to the Chopivsky. IGES President, Nancy draft National Assessment report is at cholera-case data. Colleton, stated, “We see this as the www.gcrio.org/NationalAssessment/ beginning and hope to grow the scholar- The effort was a cooperative project ship funds for next year. We’d also like to between NASA’s Office of Life and work with partners to establish scholar- Microgravity Sciences and Applications ships for the other NSIP competition areas and UMBI. The study was also supported too.” by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection For more information on NSIP, see http:// Agency. The other authors include Byron www.nsip.net; for more information on Wood, Ames; Anwar Huq, UMBI; and the Thacher Scholarship, see http:// George Fuchs and A. S. G. Faruque, the www.strategies.org . International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. More

38 May/June 2000 • Vol. 12 No. 3

Technical Symposium on Aerosol Science, EOS Science Calendar Global Change Calendar Querétaro, Mexico. Contact: Norman Mankim, tel. (775) 674-7159; e-mail: normanm@dri. eud; URL: www.cgenv.com/Narsto. July 24-28 September 7-8 November 6-8 IEEE 2000 International Geoscience and LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. 14th International Conference and Workshops Remote Sensing Symposium, 20th Contact bob Schutz, e-mail: on Applied Geologic Remote Sensing, Las Anniversary, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, [email protected] Vegas. Contact: e-mail: wallman@erim- Hawaii. Conference website URL: int.com, URL: www.erim-int.com/CONF/ September 12 www.igarss.org. GRS.html. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Aqua Science Working Group meeting, Goddard Space Flight Center, July 24-29 November 22-24 International Radiation Symposium (IRS- Greenbelt, MD, building 32, room E103/109. Vision, Modeling and Visualization 2000, 2000), Saint Petersburg State University, St. Contact: Claire Parkinson, e-mail: Saarbruecken, Germany. Contact Hans-Peter Petersburg, Russia. Contact conference [email protected]. Seidel, e-mail: [email protected], URL: coordinator, Evgenia M. Shulgina, St. www.mpi-sb.mpg.de. September 13, 14, 15 Petersburg State University, Research Institute SORCE Science Team Meeting, The SilverTree of Physics, 1 Ulyanovskaya, 198904, St. — 2001 — Hotel, P.O. Box 5009, Snowmass Village, CO. Petersburg, Russia; Fax: +7 (812) 428-72-40; Contact Gary Rottman, e-mail: Gary.Rottman@ e-mail: Evgenia.Shulgina@ pobox.spbu.ru; or February 6-9 lasp.colorado.edu or Kathy.Lozier@lasp. [email protected]. AVIRIS Earth Science Workshop, Jet colorado.edu for information. Propulsion Laboratory. Contact Robert Green, August 6-17 e-mail: [email protected], URL: 31st International Geological Congress & September 19-21 makalu.jpl.nasa.gov. HDF/HDF-EOS Workshop IV, Landover, MD. Scientific Exhibits, Rio de Janeiro. Contact Contact Richard Ullman, e-mail: Tania Franken, tel. 55 21 537-4338; Fax: 55 21 April 8-11 [email protected]. 537-7991, e-mail: [email protected], GWXII: The XIIth Global Warming International URL: /www.31igc.org. Conference & Expo, 2001 Annual conference: September 20-22 KYOTO Compliance Review. Cambridge CERES Science Team Meeting, Huntsville, AL. October 9-11 University UK. Call for Papers. For abstracts First International Global Disaster Information Contact Gary Gibson, e-mail: submission see URL: www.GlobalWarming. Network (GDIN) Information Technology [email protected]. Net; tel. (630) 910-1551; Fax: (630) 910-1561; Exposition & Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii. e-mail: [email protected]. September 25-27 Contact: [email protected], tel. (734) 994- NSIDC DAAC User Working Group Meeting, 1200, URL: www.erim-int.com/CONF/ National Ice Center, Suitland MD. Contact: Ron conf.html. Weaver, e-mail: [email protected] October 9-12 September 25-29 SPIE’s Second International Asia-Pacific Joint SAGE III Ozone Loss and Validation Symposium on Remote Sensing of the Experiment (SOLVE) and third European Atmosphere, Environment, and Space Sendal, Stratospheric Experiment on Ozone (THESEO Japan. Contact SPIE, URL: www.spie.org/info/ 2000) Science Team Meeting, Palermo, Italy. ae/. Contact Paul Newman, e-mail: [email protected]. October 16-20 ERS-ENVISA Symposium “Looking at our Earth in the New Millenium,” Gothenburg, Sweden. Call for Papers. Contact Prof. J. Askne, e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.esa.int/sympo2000/.

October 24-26 Tropospheric Aerosols: Science and Decisions in an International Community—A NARSTO

39 Code 900 Bulk Rate Mail National Aeronautics and Postage and Fees Paid Space Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center Permit G27 Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

Official Business Penalty For Private Use, $300.00

The Earth Observer

The Earth Observer is published by the EOS Project Science Office, Code 900, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, telephone (301) 614-5559, FAX (301) 614-6530, and is available on the World Wide Web at eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/or by writing to the above address. Articles, contributions to the meeting calendar, and sugges- tions are welcomed. Contributions to the Global Change meeting calendar should contain location, person to contact, telephone number, and e-mail address. To subscribe to The Earth Observer, or to change your mailing address, please call Dave Olsen at (301) 441-4245, send message to [email protected], or write to the address above.

The Earth Observer Staff:

Executive Editor: Charlotte Griner ([email protected]) Technical Editors: Bill Bandeen ([email protected]) Jim Closs ([email protected]) Design and Production: Winnie Humberson ([email protected]) Distribution: Hannelore Parrish ([email protected])

Printed on Recycled Paper