Research / Campaigns

AIMRCAL

AIMR Calibration/Validation Campaign

19 July 2001 - 24 July 2001

Lead Scientist: Amanda Cox

Observatory: SGP (Southern Great Plains)

Scientific Hypothesis: AIMR calibration can be improved through use of a tip-curve calibration method employed with the instrument in a ground-based mode. Error analysis can be established through inter-comparison with Microwave Radiometer(MWR) data taken during the Long-Term Microwave Radiometer IOP. Approach to Test Hypothesis: The AIMR instrument was brought to the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site during a period which overlapped with the Long-Term Microwave Radiometer IOP. The instrument was used in an upward-looking mode at the SGP central facility near the MWR. Brightness temperatures will be compared between AIMR and MWR for coincident time periods.

Activity Summary

The AIMR was located at the building near the MWR location at the central SGP site and was aligned with the tip-cal orientation for the MWRs. Data was collected over six days, but outdoor ambient temperatures in excess of 100 degrees F prevented continuous operation of AIMR. Skies were consistently clear, and humidity levels were sufficient to obtain high enough brightness temperatures at both of the AIMR frequencies (37 and 90 GHz) for calibration. It is believed that sufficient data was collected to perform an intercomparison with at least one of the MWRs. The tip-cal orientation of MWR E14 changed sometime during our visit; at least one day of data occurred when E14 and AIMR were scanning in the same direction. Data are still being analyzed.