**Abstracts of NPP Science Team Member Proposals**

# September 24, 2003 Proposal #: NPP-0000-0037

**Table of Contents**

**1. Baum, Bryan
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**2. Fishbein,
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**3. .Han,
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**4. Justice,
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**5. Lambrigtsen,
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**6.Loveland,
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**7. Lyapustin,
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**8. Maslanik,
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**9. McClain,
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**10. McPeters,
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**11. Menzel,
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**12. Minnett,
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**13. Pagano,
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**14. Privette,
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**15. Ranson,
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**16. Revercomb,
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**17. Schaaf,
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**18. Staelin,
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**19. Stamnes,
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**20. Strow,
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**21. Torres,
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**22. Vermote,
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**23. Wang,
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**24. Wolfe,
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**Proposal Title**: Science Support for NPP Cloud Retrieval Effort

**PI Name:** Baum, Bryan

**PI Address:** 21 LANGLEY BLVD HAMPTON VA 23681

**Department:**

**Organization:** Langley Research Center

**Phone:** 608/263-3898 **Fax:** 608/262-5974

**E-Mail:** bryan.baum@ssec.wisc.edu

**COI:** Paul Menzel, Ping Yang, Steven Platnik

**Proposal Summary:** Our objective is to work closely with the NPP
algorithm team to ensure that the best possible cloud products are
developed. The EDRs of interest pertain to the cloud mask, cloud
thermodynamic phase, cloud top pressure, cloud optical thickness, and
cloud effective particle size. Additionally, we hope to influence the
approach to the treatment of cloud layering by suggesting methodology to
improve the detection and analysis of multilayered clouds, specifically
for the case when optically thin cirrus overlies a lowerlevel water
cloud. We intend to foster more productive use of both the Visible
Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Cross-track Infrared
Sounder (CrIS). Our analysis of the VIIRS cloud product Algorithm
Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs), Version 5, provides some cause for
concern because the proposed algorithms do not make best use of current
methodology being implemented by the MODIS cloud retrieval team. It is
our estimation that the VIIRS-based cloud products could benefit from
the experience gained by members of the MODIS atmospheres team, and this
in turn will lead (hopefully) to improvement in the anticipated NPP
cloud EDRs and CDRs. Our proposal indicates specifically where our
concerns lie, and where closer collaboration with active scientists
working in the field of cloud remote sensing could be advantageous to
the NPP mission.

**Proposal Title**: Error Assessment of NPP-Derived Climate Data Using
Synthetic Data

**PI Name:** Evan Fishbein

**PI Address:** 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena CA 91109

**Department:**

**Organization:** Jet Propulsion Laboratory

**Phone:** 818/354-2250 **Fax:** 818/393-4619

**E-Mail:** evan.f.fishbein@jpl.nasa.gov

**COI:** Christopher Barnet, Mark Hofstadter, Sung-Yung Lee

**Proposal Summary:** We will perform an error assessment of the
environmental data records produced by the CrIMSS instrument suite. The
analysis will use tools we developed for the AIRS project and include
EDR and radiance simulators. The analysis system is the outgrowth of our
experience developing and testing the AIRS retrieval software and
includes realistic models for validating algorithm assumptions and
implementation, particularly cloudiness and surface heterogeneity. The
simulations have been validated using HIRS and AIRS observations. The
ensembles of simulated radiances have the statistics of observations
both at the global and regional levels.. We outline a plan for assessing
the quality of the EDR products; we are currently able to assess all of
the EDRs generated by CrIMSS. Our team has extensive experience
developing; testing and characterizing coupled microwave/infrared EDR
retrieval algorithms and we will use this experience to assess the
quality and suitability of CrIMSS

EDR products for climate research.

  -------------- ----------------------------------- ------------ -------------
  Parm. No       Parameter Name                      Simulation   Retrieval
                                                                  Step

  1.2.1          Atmospheric Vertical Moisture       IR/M         IR/M
                 Profile                                          

  1.2.2          Atmospheric Vertical Temperature    IR/M         IR/M
                 Profile                                          

  1.2.4          Sea Surface Temperature             IR/M         IR/M

  1.2.6          Soil Moisture                       M            

  1.4.2          Cloud Cover Layers (3 layers)       IR           IR

  1.4.7          Cloud Top Height                    IR           IR

  1.4.8          Cloud Top Pressure                  IR           IR

  1.4.9          Cloud Top Temperature               IR           IR

  1.5.2          Albedo                              V            

  1.6.1          Land Surface Temperature            IR           IR/M

  1.6.2          Vegetation Index                    IR/V         

  1.6.3          Snow Cover                          M            

  1.6.4          Surface Type                        IR           

  1.7.3          Ice Surface Temperature             IR/M         

  1.7.8          Sea Ice Characterization (3 kinds   M            
                 of sea ice)                                      

                 Surface Emissivity/Reflectivity     IR/M         IR/M

                 Cloud Emissivity/Reflectivity       IR           IR

                 Cloud Liquid Water                  M            M

                 Trace Gases, e.g. Ozone, Methane*,  IR           IR
                 TBD*                                             

  Table 1:                                                        
  Parameters                                                      
  generated by                                                    
  simulations                                                     
  and available                                                   
  for quality                                                     
  assessment.                                                     
  The columns                                                     
  are the                                                         
  parameters                                                      
  (EDRs), the                                                     
  type of                                                         
  radiances have                                                  
  sensitivity                                                     
  and where in                                                    
  CrIMSS EDR                                                      
  processing                                                      
  they are                                                        
  estimated. The                                                  
  radiances are                                                   
  infrared (IR),                                                  
  microwave (M)                                                   
  or Vis/NIR                                                      
  imaging. The                                                    
  processing                                                      
  steps are                                                       
  microwave only                                                  
  (M) and                                                         
  coupled                                                         
  microwave/IR                                                    
  (IR).                                                           
  -------------- ----------------------------------- ------------ -------------

**Proposal Title**: Assessing Measurement Accuracies of Two VIIRS Cloud
EDRs: Cloud Optical Thickness and Effective Particle Size

**PI Name:** Qingyuan Han

**PI Address:** 320 SPARKMAN DR NW HUNTSVILLE AL 35805

**Department:** Atmospheric Science

**Organization:** University of Alabama Huntsville

**Phone:** (256) 961-7785 **Fax:** (256) 961-7755

**E-Mail:** han@nsstc.uah.edu

**COI:**

**Proposal Summary:** This proposal addresses the necessary requirements
for two cloud EDRs (optical thickness and effective particle size) to be
of CDR quality, discusses the uncertainties caused by the assumptions
used in the ATBD (Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document), and describes
our plan for conducting the assessment.

When addressing the measurement accuracy required by climate change
studies, different results from several model studies are briefly
reviewed. Minimum accuracy requirements for cloud optical thickness and
effective particle size are derived based on these results, which are
used as a standard to evaluate if a source of uncertainty has
significant impact on the quality of cloud EDRs.

In discussions of uncertainties caused by assumptions used in the VIIRS
ATBD, several implicit assumptions and their influences are examined.
Initial evaluations of their influences show that the uncertainties or
biases caused by these implicit assumptions are significant for climate
change studies. The discussion also includes the possible impact of a
potential problem caused by multiple solutions. That is, simply remove
the pixels with multiple solution problems would cause a bias that is
misleading when the data are used for climate change studies.

Our plan for carrying out the EDR assessment includes evaluation of
algorithm quality and further assessments of the EDR accuracy. The
algorithm quality will be evaluated by comparing the output of look-up
tables and input of forward calculation models for a wide range of cloud
properties. In our experience of developing cloud retrieval algorithms,
this self-consistent test can effectively evaluate the algorithm
performance including accuracy, efficiency and possible errors. Detailed
assessments of the EDR accuracy extends our preliminary results to all
VIIRS spectral bands and compare with more measurement data*.*

**Proposal Title**: Assessing the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) VIIRS
Fire Product as a Climate Data Record

**PI Name:** Christopher Justice

**PI Address:** College Park MD 20742

**Department:** Department of Geography

**Organization:** University of Maryland College Park

**Phone:** 301/ 405-1600 **Fax:** 301/614-6503

**E-Mail:** justice@hermes.geog.umd.edu

**COI:** David Roy, Ivan Csiszar, Louis Giglio

**Proposal Summary:** The objective of this proposal is to evaluate the
VIIRS Fire Environmental Data Record (EDR) in terms of its suitability
as a Climate Data Record (CDR) to meet the needs of the Global Change
Research community. Fire plays an important role in the US Climate
Change Strategic Plan, was identified by the NAS Committee on Earth
Sciences as a land CDR and is identified in the NASA ESE Roadmaps. The
P.I. will lead a team of co-investigators with experience in different
aspects of fire remote sensing to evaluate the instrument design,
analyze the contractor-delivered FIRE ATBD and science code, advise on
science operations and contribute to the development of the NPP Cal/Val
plan. A program of analysis of the proposed sensor/algorithm contractor
EDR will be undertaken by simulation and the use of MODIS, BIRD and
ASTER fire data, leading to suggestions for possible algorithm
enhancement or other steps necessary to enable the product to reach the
CDR level. As necessary enhancements or changes are identified, the
process will be documented and test data sets will be generated for
intercomparison. The proposal team would bring to the NPP Team a wealth
of experience in instrument performance, simulation, fire algorithm
development, product generation, quality assessment, distribution and
validation. The team has taken the lead in fire product development and
validation from the precursor polar-orbiting instruments AVHRR, TRMM,
MODIS and has the goal of securing the long-term climate data record for
fire. The proposal team will work closely with NASA management, NOAA
NESDIS and the science community to develop the requirements for the
Fire CDR. Through identified collaborators and involvement in the IGOS
GOFC/GOLD-Fire program, the group will provide an active interface with
the fire data provider and user communities for the NPP VIIRS.

**Proposal Title**: Optimizing ATMS Calibration for Climate Data Records

**PI Name:** Bjorn Lambrigtsen

**PI Address:** 4800 Oak Grove Dr Pasadena CA 91109

**Department:**

**Organization:** Jet Propulsion Laboratory

**Phone:** 818/354-8932 **Fax:** 818/354-8932

**E-Mail:** bjorn.h.lambrigtsen@jpl.nasa.gov

**COI:**

**Proposal Summary:** We will apply the considerable knowledge gained
from experience with satellite based and aircraft based microwave
radiometers to the calibration of the ATMS instrument. The improvements
in radiometric calibration accuracy and other factors affecting the
quality of the data products that are possible with the methods
developed or planned for equivalent Aqua instruments will significantly
improve the feasibility of developing the NPP EDRs into CDRs. The PI is
eminently qualified to conduct this work. He is the Instrument Scientist
for the Aqua microwave sounders, AMSU-A and HSB, and authored the
calibration ATBD for those instruments. He has been responsible for all
aspects of the calibration, radiometric as well as geometric, of those
instruments and has reported extensively on the analysis of their
performance. Additionally, he was the acting Instrument Scientist for
the IMAS project. The planned IMAS instrument included a microwave
radiometer that may be viewed as the forerunner of ATMS. As Instrument
Scientist, the PI was responsible for developing all measurement
requirements and instrument specifications. These eventually formed the
basis for the initial ATMS specifications. Furthermore, the same
requirements and specifications, along with hardware developed under the
IMAS technology development program, were later carried forward by the
PI into a new aircraft instrument -- the HAMSR. This microwave sounder,
developed under NASA's IIP, can be considered to be an ATMS prototype.
Not only does it implement the original ATMS specifications, it also
uses some of the cutting-edge technology developed under IMAS, such as
MMIC receivers and modern filter technology -- similar to what is now
being developed for ATMS. HAMSR has been configured for the NASA ER-2
high altitude aircraft and participated in the CAMEX-4 hurricane field
campaign in 2001. In summary, it would be difficult to find an ouside
investigator who is more closely attuned to ATMS in experience and
knowledge.

**Proposal Title**: A Strategy to Evaluate and Enhance the NPOESS
Surface Type Environmental Data Record

**PI Name:** Thomas Loveland

**PI Address:** 47914 252nd St Sioux Falls SD 57198

**Department:** Science & Applications Branch

**Organization:** US Geological Survey

**Phone:** 605-594-6066 **Fax:** 605-594-6529

**E-Mail:** loveland@usgs.gov

**COI:** Chengquan Huang

**Proposal Summary:** We are proposing research that results in an
evaluation of the planned National Polar Orbiting Operational
Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Surface Type environmental data
record (EDR). We will initially conduct a theoretical analysis of the
NPOESS surface type algorithm and assessments of the generated products
using existing and new data sets. Through algorithm analysis we hope to
form the basis for evaluating the theoretical adequacy of the surface
type algorithm, while through assessments of the products we will be
able to quantitatively evaluate the surface type and vegetation cover
EDRs to be produced by the algorithm. Possible algorithm enhancement
will be recommended based on both algorithm analysis and assessment of
the products. Routine generation of land cover data from satellite
imagery at the global scale faces many challenges not necessarily seen
at local scales. Therefore, we will examine the NPOESS surface type
algorithm in terms of its capability to handle those challenges. This
will include the evaluation of the planned surface type algorithm in
terms of automation, stability, and capability to handle large training
data sets, large numbers of input variables and data of different
distributions. From this, we expect we will be able to determine whether
the surface type EDR products and algorithms consistently satisfy the
specified requirements for climate change studies. Our evaluations and
validation plans, using simulated NPOESS Visible/Infrared Image
Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data and several existing high-quality land
cover products, should also provide evidence regarding other
specifications for the surface type EDR product, including horizontal
cell size, horizontal reporting interval, mapping uncertainty, max local
average revisit time, and latency, are satisfied.

**Proposal Title**: Analysis and Validation fo the Aerosol and Surface
Reflectance EDRs Over land for the Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer
Suite

**PI Name:** Alexei Lyapustin

**PI Address:** National Aeronautics and Space Admn Greenbelt MD 20771

**Department:** GEST, University of Maryland Baltimore County

**Organization:** Goddard Space Flight Center

**Phone:** 301/614-5998 **Fax:** 301/614-6015

**E-Mail:** alyapust@pop900.gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:** Jeff Privette, Yujie Wang, Brent Holben

**Proposal Summary:** We propose to perform a broad theoretical and
experimental analysis of the VIIRS operational algorithms that produce
the following EDRs: aerosol over land, surface albedo, and vegetation
index. The theoretical analysis will be based on the accurate
simulations of the equivalent sensor measurements over the realistic
non-homogeneous surfaces with anisotropic reflectance using the new
radiative transfer code SHARM-3D. In this study we will address issues
of radiometric calibration, pixel co-registration, and geolocation. We
will also perform extensive testing of operational algorithms using
MODIS data to emulate VIIRS measurements. This task will require
re-calculation of the look-up tables that are currently designed for the
VIIRS bands. The accuracy of aerosol products will be studied globally
using data of the AERONET sunphotometer network. In order to test the
accuracy of the surface reflectance products, we propose to derive EDR
"truth" over AERONET sites. Our approach is to gather MODIS, MISR and
available ETM+ data for small areas centered on AERONET sites, and use
AERONET aerosol and water vapor information along with NCEP ozone data
to perform accurate atmospheric correction. For this purpose we will use
a single validated radiative transfer theory, implemented in code
SHARM-3D, which accurately handles surface BRDF, 3-D radiation effects,
and gaseous absorption at different spatial scales and view geometries.
Extending this idea, we propose to study a concept of the AERONET-based
Calibration Network (ACN) as a contribution to the government
calibration-validation plan. In addition to the algorithm testing and
validation, this work would create a framework for the vicarious
calibration of VIIRS and cross-calibration of different VIIRS
instruments during NPP-NPOESS era. The analysis of the time series of
the surface reflectance record based on the large statistics of AERONET
sites will allow detection of temporal trends in the calibration to
ensure temporal stability of CDRs for climate analysis.

**Proposal Title**: Assessment of NPP Sea Ice Products and Product
Continuity for Regional and Global Studies

**PI Name:** James Maslanik

**PI Address:** 300 Marine Street Boulder CO 80309

**Department:** Dept of Aerospace Engineering

**Organization:** University of Colorado, Boulder

**Phone:** 303/492-8974 **Fax:** 303/492-6421

**E-Mail:** james.maslanik@colorado.edu

**COI:**

**Proposal Summary:** The planned NPP satellite mission promises to
provide a broad suite of data sets (\'\'Climate Data Records,\'\'
CDRs)that extend and improve upon the existing climate data sets
available from sensors such as AVHRR, DMSP OLS, and MODIS. Among these
planned CDRs are a suite of sea ice products that address key
climate-change parameters such as ice concentration, extent, age and
temperature, as well as related products such as sea surface
temperatures and energy fluxes valuable for process studies. The
assessment of the proposed ice-related Environmental Data Records (EDRs)
requires consideration of a wide range of issues such as suitability for
detection of change in basic ice conditions, compatibility with existing
long-term records, and applicability for assimilation within climate and
process models. In addition, the EDR evaluation process requires
identification of possible improvements and consideration of broader
issues such as algorithm documentation, description of algorithm
limitations, and data archival and distribution. The EDR evaluations can
also benefit from consideration of less obvious issues such as how
individual EDRs might complement or benefit from other EDRs, and the
degree to which EDR consistency is affected by sensor degradation or
changes in second-order environmental factors. The proposed NPP Science
Team member offers a broad range of experience in sea ice product
development, assessment, and applications experience directly applicable
to NPOESS EDR evaluation. This experience includes collection and
application of field and aircraft data, sensitivity studies using
forward modeling and synthetic data sets, generation of long-term data
sets (the \'\'AVHRR Polar Pathfinder\'\' series), applications of a
variety of sea ice data for regional and hemispheric-scale climate
change studies, preparation of calibration/validation experiments,
assessment of MODIS and AMSR algorithm theoretical basis documents
(ATBDs), and consulting as a sea ice product expert as part of the
NPOESS sensor competition.

**Proposal Title**: End-to-End Assessment of NPP/VIIRS Ocean Color Data:
From Sensor to Derived Product

**PI Name:** Charles McClain

**PI Address:** National Aeronautics and Space Admn Greenbelt MD 20771

**Department:**

**Organization:** Goddard Space Flight Center

**Phone:** 301/286-5377 **Fax:** 301/286-0268

**E-Mail:** charles.r.mcclain@nasa.gov

**COI:** Wayne Esaias, Gene Feldman, Watson Gregg, Antonio Mannino

**Proposal Summary:** The National Polar-Orbiting Operational
Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP)
Visible Infrared Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will bridge the gap between
the EOS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the
NPOESS VIIRS data records and is key to the development of ocean
biogeochemistry climate data record (CDR) continuity. It is therefore
critical that the VIIRS ocean data products be at the highest quality
possible. Given the sensitivity of ocean color derived products like
water-leaving radiance and chlorophyll-a to even small errors in sensor
calibration, the prelaunch characterizations of the VIIRS instrument
must be rigorously designed and executed, and accompanied by detailed
data analysis. Experience with previous satellite ocean color
instruments such as the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS)
and MODIS has underscored the importance of comprehensive
characterizations, e.g., stray-light, polarization sensitivity, scan
modulation, and temperature dependencies. The important consideration is
that these errors propagate through the atmospheric correction and
impact the post-launch vicarious calibration analyses as well as the
derived products. A detailed understanding of the sensor characteristics
prior to launch is essential for developing the atmospheric correction
algorithm and the design of the postlaunch vicarious calibration
strategy. Refining the characterizations on-orbit is extremely difficult
and every effort to minimize the postlaunch characterization should be
made. The work we propose here is to participate in the specific
activities outlined in the NRA, e.g., workshop attendance, algorithm
evaluations, and refinement of the NPP calibration and validation plan,
with the intent of viewing the various calibration, validation, and
algorithm development efforts as a coupled end-to-end process rather
than as individual independent elements of the program. We will
systematically evaluate each component of the problem from sensor
performance through final derived environmental data records (EDRs) to
understand the potential sources of error and the sensitivity of
subsequent processing products to those errors. We will provide these
assessments in a timely manner and document them as official NASA
technical memoranda and in the refereed literature, as appropriate. Our
team has a long history of involvement and demonstrated expertise in
satellite ocean color remote sensing and is presently involved in NPP
prelaunch activities. Our proposal is to formalize our participation in
the NPP program and to provide services

and analyses beyond what we are currently undertaking.

**Proposal Title**: An Evaluation of OMPS Ozone Measurements for
Producing NPP Climate Data Records

**PI Name:** Richard McPeters

**PI Address:** National Aeronautics and Space Admn Greenbelt MD 20771

**Department:** Atmospheric Chemistry & Dynamic Branch

**Organization:** Goddard Space Flight Center

**Phone:** 301/286-3832 **Fax:** 301/286-1754

**E-Mail:** mcpeters@wrabbit.gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:** Albert Fleig, David Flittner, Ernest Hilsentath, Glen Jaross,
Robert Loughman,

Didier Rault, Richard Stolarski, Charles Wellemeyer

**Proposal Summary:** The proposed research is a three-year effort to
address the suitability of OMPS data products (EDRs) for long term
climate research. Our evaluation of OMPS will proceed in three logical
steps - review, analysis, and testing. First we will review instrument
performance and inflight calibration techniques that will be used to
maintain the accuracy of the three OMPS instruments. Second, we will
analyze the sensitivity of the limb profiling instrument to its error
sources, the most important of which are pointing and aerosol
contamination. For the ozone Mapper and Nadir Profiler instruments we
will modify the various algorithmic ("soft") calibration techniques that
our group has developed for maintaining the accuracy of the TOMS and
SBUV series of instruments for application to the OMPS instruments.
Third, we will test the OMPS algorithms using data from instruments
currently flying (SOLSE, GOME, and OMI for example) that can be
structured to match the OMPS measurements. For these and other sensors
we will test the OMPS algorithms by comparing their results with the
results from the operational systems and comparing both with data from
various ground-based and satellite validation data sources. The result
should be a good understanding of the long term accuracy that can be
expected of OMPS. Finally, we will develop techniques that will allow
the merger of present well established satellite ozone data sets with
data from OMPS instruments on NPP and NPOESS. Our team will also support
evaluation of the OMPS data systems based on our experience with the
Aura OMI data system.

**Proposal Title**: Level 1 Product Assessment During the Pre-Launch and
Early Post-Launch Phase of NPP VIIRS

**PI Name:** Paul Menzel

**PI Address:** 1225 W Dayton St Madison WI 53706

**Department:** Atmospheric Chemistry & Dynamic Branch

**Organization:** Space Science & Engineering Center

**Phone:** 608/263-4930 **Fax:** 608/262-5974

**E-Mail:** paul.menzel@ssec.wisc.edu

**COI:** Christopher Moeller

**Proposal Summary:** It is proposed to place a member on the NPP
Science Team in order to provide consultation, review, data analysis,
and recommendations on the development and assessment of VIIRS Level 1
RDR and SDR. Influence of RDR and SDR quality on Level 2 cloud EDRs will
also be estimated to aid in developing recommendations for Level 1
performance issue mitigation. Experience gained by the proposal team
during the development and assessment of MODIS on Terra and Aqua will be
drawn upon when responding to VIIRS performance issues. We anticipate a
similar close relationship to the NPP Characterization Support Team as
was held with the MODIS Characterization Support Team. Proposed
activities include attending formal reviews and workshops, test data
analysis, generating simulated data sets using radiation models and
aircraft based observations in response to performance issues identified
in the pre-launch phase, and contributing to the formulating correction
algorithms when hardware modifications are not feasible. Participation
in a NASA sponsored field campaign focused on SDR and EDR assessment and
demonstration is anticipated in the final year of the 3 year effort.

**Proposal Title**: Climate Data Records of Sea Surface Temperature for
VIIRS

**PI Name:** Peter Minnett

**PI Address:** 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy Miami FL 33149

**Department** RSMAS/MPO

**Organization:** University of Miami

**Phone:** 305/361-4104 **Fax:** 305/361-4622

**E-Mail:** pminnett@rsmas.miami.edu

**COI:** Robert Evans, Szczodrak, Malgorzata, Kumar, Ajoy

**Proposal Summary:** It is proposed to serve on the NPP Science Team
with oversight of the generation of Climate Data Records (CDRs) for Sea
Surface Temperature (SST) from the infrared channels of the Visible
Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). The PIs have each been
involved in similar studies for over two decades, and bring valuable
experience to the Science Team; of special relevance is their
involvement in the MODIS Oceans Team. The VIIRS activities will make use
of radiative transfer modeling to simulate the VIIRS measurements to
study the error characteristics of the SST retrievals in terms of the
requirements of a CDR, and the use of MODIS data as pre-launch surrogate
VIIRS measurements. Other aspects of their research, such as the
skin-bulk temperature differences, are of direct applicability to this
project. Their involvement in other national and international Science
Teams brings a useful perspective to this project. The PIs have worked
effectively in similar projects in the past, and have contributed to
many aspects of the development of VIIRS heritage instruments. They have
experience in the derivation, refinement and validation of SST
algorithms. The PIs will be assisted in this study by members of the
Remote Sensing Laboratory at RSMAS who have much experience in
processing and analyzing large volumes of satellite data. The resources
at RSMAS are well suited to the foreseen tasks.

**Proposal Title**: Application of NASA AIRS and MODIS Systems
Experience to the Development and Performance Evaluation of CrIS and
VIIRS on NPOESS

**PI Name:** Thomas Pagano

**PI Address:** 4800 Oak Grove Dr. Pasadena CA 91109

**Department** AIRS Project

**Organization:** NASA/JPL

**Phone:** (818) 393-3917 **Fax:**

**E-Mail:** tpagano@jpl.nasa.gov

**COI:**

**Proposal Summary:** The Crosstrack Infrared Sounder (CrIS) and the
Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) are the operational
follow-ons to the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the Moderate
Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The proposed effort will
apply the experience gained on the AIRS and MODIS programs in the area
of instrument performance evaluation and accuracy assessment to the CrIS
and VIIRS. The effort will also apply lessons learned on these programs
in the development cycle to facilitate the successful long-term
performance stability and accuracy of these instruments as needed to
achieve climate-quality observations. The proposed team member, Mr.
Thomas S. Pagano, was the Chief Systems Engineer on the MODIS program at
Raytheon SBRS and is intimately familiar with the design, development
and performance capabilities of the instrument. He is currently the AIRS
project manager having successfully lead the calibration of that
instrument from pre-flight testing through on-orbit evaluation. He
brings with him a team of capable systems calibration analysts from the
JPL AIRS Calibration Team who will support analyses of the NPOESS
sensors as needed. The primary objective of the proposed effort is to
facilitate the successful implementation of the CrIS and VIIRS as
climate-quality instruments to allow continuation of the climate data
records from the AIRS and MODIS instruments. We believe that the
proposed team will provide a wealth of valuable information from the
considerable NASA investment on the EOS program to the NPOESS program.

**Proposal Title**: Assessment of NPP VIIRS Land Biophysical EDRs
(Vegetation Index, Albedo and Land Surface Temperature) for NASA\'s
Global Change Reseach

**PI Name:** Jeffrey Privette

**PI Address:** National Aeronautics and Space Admn Greenbelt MD 20771

**Department:**

**Organization:** Goddard Space Flight Center

**Phone:** 301/614-6630 **Fax:** 301/614-6695

**E-Mail:** jeff.privette@nasa.gov

**COI:** Alfredo Huete, Yuri Knyazikhin, Ranga Myneni, Mohan Nirala,
Crystal Schaaf

**Proposal Summary:** Land biophysical information is required by
NASA\'s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) to help answer key questions on
variability, forcing and consequences in its Carbon, Water Cycle, and
Climate Change themes. Past studies (e.g., Myneni et al., 1997a) with
AVHRR have demonstrated the value of long-term land records, or Climate
Data Records (CDRs). In the EOS era, the MODIS Land Team has generated
advanced CDRs which have already led to important scientific discoveries
(Tsvetsinskaya et al., 2002). The Environmental Data Records (EDRs) from
NPP\'s VIIRS instrument will provide a smaller set of biophysical
products than does MODIS. Thus, the demands on the NPP\'s biophysical
EDRs for climate research are substantial. We propose to assess the
ability of three land EDR suites (vegetation index, albedo, and LST) to
support NASA\'s Global Change research needs. Our work plan focuses on
assessing the sensitivity of the EDRs to earth system signals, the
accuracy (uncertainty) of the EDRs, and the applicability of the EDRs to
scientific research (e.g., NDVI serving as a proxy for LAI, FPAR,
fractional cover, vegetation stress). Through the use of existing remote
sensing data (e.g., Landsat, AVIRIS, Hyperion), software tools and
radiative transfer models, we will characterize EDR performance as a
function of sensor and algorithm (including \'\'upstream\'\' algorithms,
e.g., geolocation) performance. This will allow us to update our
assessments as the VIIRS system (including algorithms) changes during
development. We will also develop transfer functions to create
\'\'pseudo-VIIRS data\'\' from MODIS 1b data. We propose to apply the
EDR algorithms operationally to pseudo-VIIRS data over the 274 test
sites for which MODLAND product subsets are currently generated
(Privette et al., 2002b). We will use the results to assess differences
in like products between the two sensors over this large and diverse
sample. To test its ability to detect climate change responses, the
vegetation index EDR from pseudo-VIIRS data over select regions will be
assessed for its greenness change persistence (Zhou et al., 2001). Our
team includes experts in MODIS and MISR algorithms, NPP VIIRS, EOS
product validation, AVHRR/Pathfinder data, EO-1 hyperspectral
applications for inter-sensor translation, and a wide range of climate
related science applications. We will maintain an active relationship
with NASA\'s NPP Project Office, the VIIRS Operational Algorithm Team
(VOAT), the Shared System Performance Responsibility (SSPR) contractor
(i.e., Northrop Grumman Space Technology Corp.) and the Integrated
Program Office (IPO), such that we can assess the latest algorithmic
changes and feed back our results/concerns of sensor characterization,
EDR algorithm weaknesses, quality assessment (flags) implementation and
validation planning in time for pre-launch tests and post-launch
planning. Our results will help identify algorithm enhancements and
processing needed for CDR continuity.

**Proposal Title**: Assessment of VIIRS Surface Type Environmental Data
Record as a Climate Data Record Using Global MODIS Data

**PI Name:** Kenneth Ranson

**PI Address:** National Aeronautics and Space Admn Greenbelt MD 20771

**Department:** Biospheric Sciences

**Organization:** Goddard Space Flight Center

**Phone:** 301/614-6650 **Fax:** 301/614-6695

**E-Mail:** jon.ranson@gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:** John Townshend, Eric Brown de Colstoun

**Proposal Summary:** Global land cover classifications play an
important role in various aspects of global change studies. Global land
cover classifications allow the monitoring of natural and human-induced
changes in land cover and land use in both the short- and long-term.
Further, these classifications are used as ancillary data to support the
processing of improved satellite data and algorithms needed to reduce
the uncertainties associated with global change studies. Clearly, a
long-term record of land cover and land cover change is needed that
couples past, current and future satellite data in a nearly seamless
fashion.

The algorithm for the Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)
Surface Type Environmental Data Record (EDR), as described in its
Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD), builds upon the lessons
learned and heritage of global land cover classifications from the
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the MODerate
Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We propose here for
membership in the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental
Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) Science Team as
evaluators of the equivalent of these AVHRR and MODIS global land cover
products, the VIIRS Quarterly Surface Types Intermediate Product (IP),
as a Climate Data Record (CDR) for the NPP mission and beyond.

Our evaluation begins where the VIIRS Surface Type ATBD finished, namely
the use of global, yearly MODIS data instead of the precursor AVHRR
data. We propose to produce the needed input data from a full year of
global MODIS data and to use the best possible training data available
to test the suitability of the chosen algorithm against subsets of the
training data and a suite of independent validation data. The outcome of
this extensive testing will be a series of recommendations to the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Integrated
Program Office (IPO) regarding the usefulness of the VIIRS Quarterly
Surface Types IP as a CDR, the appropriateness, robustness, and expected
accuracy of the algorithms being applied, and areas of future algorithm
improvements. We also propose to generate an accurate and well-tested
global land cover classification from the MODIS data that could be used
as an at-launch product for the NPP mission, and act as a bridge between
the AVHRR, MODIS and NPOESS land cover products.

Our considerable experience with past, present and future sensors and
algorithms uniquely qualifies us as potential members of the NPP/VIIRS
Science Team. As the original developers of the VIIRS Surface Type EDR
algorithm and the lead authors of its ATBD, and collaborators in the
first phase of the specifications for the VIIRS sensor, we are very
familiar with multiple relevant aspects of the sensor design,
algorithms, its data processing system and ancillary data requirements.
While we propose to focus on the Surface Type EDR, we could also be
active contributors to all VIIRS land EDRs and to the further
development of the VIIRS calibration and validation plan, and the NPP
science operations concept.

**Proposal Title**: Participation on the NPP Science Team for Climate
Data Records from CrIS: Assessment and Optimization of the Overall
Calibration Accuracy for Climate

**PI Name:** Henry Revercomb

**PI Address:** 1225 W DAYTON ST MADISON WI 53706

**Department:** Space Science & Engrg Ctr

**Organization:** University of Wisconsin Madison

**Phone:** 608/263-6758 **Fax:** 608/263-6738

**E-Mail:** hankr@ssec.wisc.edu

**COI:** Fred Best, Robert Knuteson, Daniel LaPorte, David Tobin

**Proposal Summary:** The new era of routine high-spectral-resolution
infrared observations from space, kicked off by the Atmospheric Infrared
Sounder (AIRS), offers a new standard in calibration accuracy for
climate that needs to be fully assessed and optimized. The objective of
the proposed effort is to help make sure that the Cross-track Infrared
Sounder (CrIS) instruments and algorithms for NPP and beyond can extend
the high standard set by the NASA EOS mission into the coming decades.
We will assess the adequacy of the radiometric and spectral performance
and calibration of CrIS for creating Climate Data Records, and will
identify improvements when possible. Special effort is justified because
accurate calibration is even more critical for climate than for weather
applications, the primary thrust of the original CrIS requirements. The
Principal Investigator of this proposal and his Co-Investigators have
extensive experience with sensor design, testing, evaluation, operation,
and data analysis for instruments similar to CrIS. Their successful
pioneering efforts began in the late 70\'s and included development of
aircraft and ground-based interferometer sensors \[High-resolution
Interferometer Sounder (HIS), Scanning HIS (S-HIS), and Atmospheric
Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI)\] that demonstrate the kind of
experience needed for this pre-launch phase of the CrIS NPP program. The
investigators have also had extensive science/review team involvement,
including AIRS Science and CrIS Operational Algorithm team membership
and even led the UW Phase A instrument design effort that ultimately
became CrIS. For the Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform
Spectrometer (GIFTS) instrument development, they are also responsible
for the reference blackbodies and level 1 processing algorithms. Recent
work demonstrates a continued detailed involvement with calibration and
characterization issues especially important for climate. Examples
include: (1) Work with AERI, Marine AERI, and S-HIS that achieve highly
accurate absolute calibration and SSTs, (2) Identification of a CrIS
design problem that left un-addressed would have led to unacceptable
performance errors, and (3) Validation of AIRS with S-HIS that
demonstrates differences generally of order 0.1 K, not order 1 K! This
proposal is aimed at achieving a full understanding of CrIS and
optimizing its application for climate.

**Proposal Title**: Assessment of Aerosol, Albedo, and Surface Type
Environmental Data Records (EDRs) from VIIRS

**PI Name:** Crystal Schaaf

**PI Address:** 675 Commonwealth Avenue Boston MA 2215

**Department:** Dept. of Geography and Center for Remote Sensing

**Organization:** Trustees of Boston University

**Phone:** 617/358-0503 **Fax:** 617/353-8399

**E-Mail:** schaaf@bu.edu

**COI:** Mark Friedl, Feng Gao, Shulin Liang, Alan Strahler

**Proposal Summary:** In order to acertain whether the VIIRS EDRs can
provide long term land products of consistently high qualityfor climate
studies, we propose to assess: \* the land aerosol algorithm, \* the
land albedo algorithm, and \* the land surface type algorithm. The land
aerosol algorithm is the first building block of most of the land EDRs.
Utilizing a dark target approach, it retrieves aerosol properties that
are, in turn, used to produce the surface reflectances that are the
primary input for higher-level products in the land product chain. The
land albedo EDR relies on twoapproaches to obtain daily albedo values
for the globe. The heritage algorithm is the MODIS BRDF/Albedo
algorithm, which depends on these atmospherically-corrected cloud-free
directional surface reflectances forinputs and is used for most land
surfaces. An innovative direct assimulation approach is utilized for
bright backgrounds, such as snow or bright desert, where the atmospheric
correction of aerosols can be problematic. The land surface type
classification algorithm also relies on high quality surface
reflectances, using vegetation indexes to map the world\'s surface
types. The investigators of this proposal are uniquely qualified to
evaluate this key land product chain, as they includethe authors of both
albedo approaches as well as the authors of the heritage MODIS Land
Cover algorithm. They have also participated in the international
evaluation of the AVHRR-based IGBP DISCover Land Cover product and are
currently involved in the international GLC2000 evaluation effort under
the auspices of the CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites)-LPV
(Land Product Validation) activity. Moreover, one investigator has
served as the MODIS validation scientist for both the MODIS surface
reflectance and the MODIS albedo algorithms, in addition to his role as
validation scientist for the NOAA/NASA PathfinderAVHRR Land Project and
the NASA Earth Observer-1 (EO1) Project Team. Thus, our research team is
uniquely qualified to assess the suitability of the NPP VIIRS
implementation of heritage algorithms and the stability of the resulting
EDRs for the long term climate data record.

**Proposal Title**: NPP Science Team for Climate Data Records (CDR\'s):
ATMS Contributions to Sounding Products

**PI Name:** David Staelin

**PI Address:** 77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE CAMBRIDGE MA 2139

**Department:** Dept of Electrical Engr & Comptr Sci

**Organization:** Massachusetts Institute of Technology

**Phone:** 617/253-3711 **Fax:** 617-258-7864

**E-Mail:** staelin@mit.edu

**COI:** Philip Rosenkranz

**Proposal Summary:** Among the most important CDRs to be produced by
the NPP are global temperature and humidity profiles, based largely on
merged data from CrIS and ATMS. These CDRs and instruments are the focus
of this proposal. Microwave/IR data fusion is the best known approach to
retrieving these sounding CDRs because the relative insensitivity of
microwave frequencies to clouds is critical to compensation of the
infrared radiances for cloud effects and to detection of impacted CDRs.
Fortunately the Aqua-AIRS/AMSU/HSB and NAST aircraft experiments are
yielding a rich array of results that are relevant to NPP and these key
CDRs. The investigators for this NPP proposal have been members of the
Aqua AIRS/AMSU/HSB Science Team since its inception, and have been
conducting extensive aircraft observations with the National Polar
Observational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Airborne Sensor
Testbed\--Microwave (NAST-M). The investigators propose to help ensure
full technology transfer from these related instruments and flight
programs to the new instruments CrIS and ATMS. Most of the effort
proposed here focuses on the unique features of CrIS/ATMS and their
implications for NPP CDR retrieval methods and their quality. The
specific proposed activities include: participation in several technical
meetings annually, review of sensor and algorithm documents, performance
of appropriate data simulation studies, provision of needed technical
information relevant to NPP instruments and algorithms, and contribution
to: a) an algorithm analysis and improvement report, b) a science
operations concept document, and c) further development of the NPP
Calibration-Validation Plan.

**Proposal Title**: Evaluation of NPOESS Retrieval Algorithms :
Atmospheric Correction , Ocean Color Products , and Snow / ICE Products

**PI Name:** Knut Stamnes

**PI Address:** Castle Point on the Hudson Hoboken NJ 7030

**Department:** Dept of Physics & Engineering Physics

**Organization:** Stevens Institute of Technology

**Phone:** 201/216-8194 **Fax:** 201/216-8114

**E-Mail:** kstamnes@stevens-tech.edu

**COI:** Wei Li, Hans Eide, Robert Spurr

**Proposal Summary:** The goal of the proposed work is to help ensure
that algorithms proposed for the NPOESS mission have sufficient accuracy
so that corresponding data products have thequality and stability
required for long-term climate studies. This will be done by carrying
out a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of data products produced
by the proposed vendor-supplied algorithms. The present proposal will
focus on the evaluation of aerosol, ocean color and snow/ice products to
be derived from the VIIRS sensor. The investigation will use a suite of
accurate forward model discrete ordinate radiative transfer tools in
conjunction with standard inverse modeling methods in order to assess
systematically the accuracy and performance of vendor-supplied
algorithms and to carry out a thorough error analysis on data products
derived therefrom. If an algorithm is found to be deficient,
recommendations for improvements will be made. This forward/inverse
modeling approach, based on rigorous simulations of the radiative
transfer process throughout the coupled atmosphere-surface system, and
simultaneous retrieval of atmospheric and surface parameters, will be
used to over the ocean to:

1\. evaluate the adequacy of ocean color EDRs including chlorophyll
concentration;

2\. evaluate the adequacy of aerosol optical thickness EDR over water;

3\. evaluate the adequacy of aerosol particle size EDR over water;

4\. provide an error analysis for the ocean color EDRs;

5\. evaluate the potential for assessing aerosol single scattering
albedo over water.

and over snow/ice surfaces to:

1\. evaluate the adequacy of snow cover EDRs;

2\. evaluate the adequacy of aerosol optical thickness EDR over snow/ice
surfaces;

3\. evaluate the adequacy of aerosol particle size EDRs over snow/ice
surfaces;

4\. provide an error analysis for the snow EDRs;

5\. evaluate the potential for mapping sea ice as well as snow cover;

6\. evaluate the potential for obtaining information about snow vertical
structure;

7\. evaluate the potential for assessing aerosol single scattering
albedo over snow/ice surfaces.

**Proposal Title**: NPP CrIS Sensor: Calibration and Radiative Transfer
for the Climate Record

**PI Name:** Larrabee Strow

**PI Address:** 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore MD 21250

**Department:** Department of Physics

**Organization:** University of Maryland Baltimore Cnty

**Phone:** 410/455-2528 **Fax:** 410/455-1072

**E-Mail:** strow@umbc.edu

**COI:** Chris Barnet

**Proposal Summary:** We propose to participate in the development of
the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) on NPP. We will concentrate on
three related, but distinct topics. First, we will evaluate, and
hopefully participate in, the pre-launch characterization and
calibration of the instrument, especially with regard to spectral
calibration and ILS shape characterization, and their effects on
radiometric and forward model accuracy. Our second activity will be to
evaluate the IPO contractor CrIS forward model, both relative to
AQUA-AIRS observations, and relative to the AIRS fast forward radiative
transfer model. Finally, we will support simulation studies by other
potential CrIS NPP Science Team Members (Joel Susskind, NASA/GSFC, Evan
Fishbewin NASA/JPL) by producing a CrIS fast forward radiative transfer
model that is compatible with the AIRS fast forward model, which they
plan to use both in simulation, and to perform retrievals on pseudo-CrIS
radiances derived directly from AIRS observations. In addition, we will
develop a CrIS forward model system that can allow studies of the
effects of an in-homogenous field-of-view on the CrIS radiances and
retrievals, which may be a potential shortcoming of the CrIS instrument.

**Proposal Title**: Assessment of NPOESS Aerosol Algorithm Enhancement
Using VIIRS and OMPS Observations

**PI Name:** Omar Torres

**PI Address:** NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt MD 20771

**Department:** Joint Ctr for Earth System Technology

**Organization:** University of Maryland Baltimore Cnty

**Phone:** 301/614-5551 **Fax:** 301/614-5903

**E-Mail:** torres@tparty.gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:** Paul Ginoux

**Proposal Summary:** One of the scientific objectives of the National
Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) is to
measure the relevant aerosol properties needed to study the impact of
atmospheric aerosols in the global climate. To achieve that objective,
NPOESS contemplates the retrieval of information on aerosol optical
thickness and Angstrom coefficient, a parameter related to the size of
the aerosol particles. In addition, NPOESS observations will be used to
obtain the concentration of different types of suspended matter.

The NPOESS aerosol environmental data records (EDRs), will be produced
by the application of inversion algorithms to radiance observations in
the visible and near infrared by the Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer
Suite (VIIRS). In addition, the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS)
will make measurements at near ultraviolet wavelengths, that can be used
to augment the scientific value of the NPOESS aerosol EDR's.

Theoretical analysis and practical applications in the last few years
have demonstrated the advantages of near UV observations as a
complementary tool to visible and near IR measurements in the remote
sensing of aerosols. Near ultraviolet observations are particularly
useful in the detection and characterization carbonaceous and mineral
dust aerosols, and in the quantification of their absorptive properties.

We propose to contribute towards the accomplishment of the NPOESS
scientific objectives, by evaluating the existing VIIRS algorithms to
produce the planned aerosol EDRs, and their adequacy as equivalent
climatic data records (CDRs). We will assess the feasibility of
enhancing the scientific value of the NPOESS aerosol EDR's, by examining
the possibility of making use of OMPS near ultraviolet observations to
complement VIIRS visible and near IR measurements. Potential
improvements to the NPOESS aerosol algorithm include the capability of
aerosol retrieval over arid and semi-arid areas of the world, and the
quantification of aerosol absorption.

**Proposal Title**: Evaluation of NPP/VIIRS Land Surface Earth Data
Record With Respect to Climate Change Objectives

**PI Name:** Eric Vermote

**PI Address:** 2181 LeFrak Hall College Park MD 20742

**Department:** Department of Geography

**Organization:** University of Maryland College Park

**Phone:** 301/614-5521 **Fax:** 301/614-5269

**E-Mail:** eric@kratmos.gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:** Nazmi Saleous

**Proposal Summary:** A consistent long record of remote sensing data is
crucial for trend analysis in climate studies. The launch of MODIS with
its accurate onboard calibration approach and superior spectral
characteristics has advanced our understanding of atmospheric effects
and lead to improvements in the atmospheric correction process over
Land. We propose to evaluate the VIIRS visible to mid-infrared Level 1
data (instrument characterization and calibration) and the Land surface
reflectance and temperature Earth Data Records in the context of the
accuracy and stability necessary to establish long term data record and
the continuity to the equivalent MODIS products. We will use the MODIS
data to evaluate the current EDR's based on their Algorithm Theoretical
Basis Documents and the code delivered to TRW. MODIS data will be
sampled, averaged and modified to best represent the at-launch VIIRS
Level 1 data. Surface EDR's will then be evaluated using this "synthetic
dataset" by comparison with their equivalent MODIS standard products in
order to test their announced accuracies. Concurrently, we will use the
MODIS data currently stands as a 3 years data records of Terra (started
March 00) and 9 months of Aqua (started July, 2003), to actually
established the Land Surface MODIS products as climate record and shows
how continuity is established between MODIS Terra and MODIS Aqua data
using the overlap period. This exercise is critical for the long term to
link the VIIRS/NPP and NPOES record to the MODIS one (and the AVHRR 20
years record) and make sure the climate trend can be detected. We will
look at Climate Data Record and continuity under 3 different aspect, the
radiometric stability (level 1), the surface reflective properties and
their derivatives (directional surface reflectance, BRDF/albedo,
Vegetation Indices, LAI/FPAR ), the Land surface longwave emissions
(Temperature).

**Proposal Title** Assessment and Evaluation of the Atmospheric
Correction Algorithm for the NPP VIIRS Ocean Color EDRs

**PI Name:** Menghua Wang

**PI Address:** 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore MD 21250

**Department:** Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology

**Organization:** University of Maryland Baltimore County

**Phone:** 301/286-6421 **Fax:** 301/286-0268

**E-Mail:** wang@simbios.gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:**

**Proposal Summary:** The focus of this proposed research is for the
assessment and identification of needed improvements of the atmospheric
correction algorithm for the NPP VIIRS ocean color EDRs, i.e., *the
spectrum of water-leaving radiances*. Therefore, the long-term
consistent ocean color data with minimal biases both in spatial and
temporal dependents can be provided. The goal is to achieve from ocean
color EDRs to CDRs, which emphasize the continuity and reproducibility
(with required accuracy) of observations while minimizing time-dependent
observing and processing biases. We propose to first update and refine
the VIIRS atmospheric correction algorithm with experiences learned from
the SeaWiFS and MODIS ocean color missions. The updated VIIRS algorithm
is the baseline for the further algorithm evaluation and identification
of

problem areas where the algorithm refinements are needed. In addition,
studies are proposed to assess various uncertainties with the in-orbit
vicarious calibration on the VIIRS ocean color EDRs. The specific
proposed items include:

\(1\) Implementation of the various algorithm modifications and
refinements, which are

proved to be effective in processing SeaWiFS and MODIS ocean color data,
into the VIIRS atmospheric correction algorithm.

\(2\) Assessment of spatial and temporal uncertainties of the ocean
color EDRs that are

processed using the VIIRS atmospheric correction algorithm. These
include evaluation of

correction algorithm to remove the VIIRS instrument polarization
sensitivity, effects of

absorbing aerosols, Case-II waters, aerosol lookup tables with
polarization, aerosol models, ancillary data variability, solar-sensor
geometry, Earth curvature, and some other effects.

\(3\) Implementation of the vicarious calibration technique for the
VIIRS ocean color EDRs and assessment of its efficacy with various
spatial and temporal uncertainties and some other effects. In
particular, studies are proposed to investigate effectiveness of the
vicarious calibration obtained with solar-sensor geometry, water type,
and aerosols specific to a fixed site (e.g., MOBY in Hawaii) to be
applied to the global ocean color product retrievals.

In addition to simulation studies, it is important to evaluate the VIIRS
algorithm with

satellite measurements (e.g., SeaWiFS and MODIS) and in situ data (e.g.,
SeaBAS database). The data analyses can be achieved using the SeaWiFS
Data Analysis System (SeaDAS) software, which is freely available and
widely distributed.

**Proposal Title** Evaluation of the NPP VIIRS Geolocation Appraoch in
Support of the Land Climate Data Records

**PI Name:** Robert Wolfe

**PI Address:** 4400 Forbes Blvd. Lanham MD 20706

**Department:**

**Organization:** Raytheon Technical Services Company

**Phone:** 301-614-5508 **Fax:** 301-614-5269

**E-Mail:** Robert.E.Wolfe.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

**COI:** Masahiro Nishihama

**Proposal Summary:** Accurate geolocation is essential to produce
Climate Data Records over time and heterogeneous land surfaces using the
moderate resolution NPP VIIRS. In particular, accurate operational
geolocation is needed for generating the temporally composited VIIRS
products needed to support accurate retrieval of biophysical parameters
on multi-day temporal scales, and to enable inter-comparisons of
multi-day composites. The NASA EOS mission has demonstrated that it is
possible to operationally produce geolocation data to the sub-pixel
accuracies needed to generate Climate Data Records from the MODIS
instruments, a precursor for VIIRS. Our experience in the operational
geometric characterization of the MODIS instruments on the EOS Terra and
Aqua satellites, in developing the MODIS geolocation algorithms, and in
understanding the key geolocation ancillary data requirements, will
enable us to understand the detailed geometric characterization of the
VIIRS instrument and NPP satellite, to understand the ancillary data
requirements, and to evaluate the accuracy of the operational VIIRS
geolocation algorithm.