Post-launch calibration of the TRMM microwave imager

Author

Wentz, Frank J. ; Ashcroft, Peter ; Gentemann, Chelle

Author_Institution

Remote Sensing Syst., Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Volume

39

Issue

2

fYear

2001

fDate

2/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

415

Lastpage

422

Abstract

Three post-launch calibration methods are used to examine the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) on-orbit performance. The first method is a statistical analysis of TMI ocean observations that reveals a systematic along-scan error. The second method is an intercomparison of TMI and SSM/I observations that shows a warm bias in TMI. The last method is an analysis of TMI observations taken during TRMMs deep-space maneuver. These deep-space observations confirm both the along-scan error found from method 1 and the warm bias found from method 2. The along-scan error exhibits distinctive features having amplitudes near 1 K. The warm bias, which is related to the scene temperature, can be as large are 5 K for ocean measurements. The physical explanation of a slightly emissive main reflector is proposed to explain the calibration errors

Keywords

calibration; oceanographic equipment; oceanographic techniques; radiometers; remote sensing; 10 to 85.5 GHz; SST; TMI; TRMM Microwave Imager; Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission; along-scan error; calibration; deep-space observations; intercomparison; measurement technique; microwave radiometry; ocean; on-orbit performance; post launch calibration; remote sensing; sea surface; sea surface temperature; statistical analysis; systematic error; warm bias; Calibration; Earth; Electromagnetic heating; Extraterrestrial measurements; Microwave measurements; Microwave theory and techniques; Ocean temperature; Sea measurements; Statistical analysis; Temperature sensors;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Geoscience and Remote Sensing, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0196-2892

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/36.905249

Filename

905249