TES Special Data Products

TES special event and intensive campaign observations will be scheduled on "off" days between the global survey "on" days. These special observations either employ a "stacked scan" in-track downlooking mode to produce a transect across a regional phenomenon or a continuous series of limb observations of the upper troposphere / lower stratosphere or for intercomparisons with other limb sounders.

The candidates for the special observations.

Urban/Regional Pollution Event. The primary emphasis here will be on ozone, carbon monoxide and water vapor, requiring 3 scans at each point.

Biomass Burning. Biomass burning involves several species which require 2 scans at each point. Since the primary areas of interest are tropical South America and Africa, only 2 events per year are assumed, each observed twice.

Stratospheric Effects of Biomass Burning. In conjunction with the foregoing, we may also undertake limb scans to measure lofting of the plume into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

Stratospheric Effects of Volcanos. It is well-known that volcanos are a significant source of sulphate aerosols in the lower stratosphere. These aerosols, in turn, have measurable impacts on global mean temperatures, sometimes (e.g. Mt. Pinatubo) lasting for several months. The signatures of aerosols are fairly broad but are easily recognized (but much less easily quantified).