AMSR / AMSR-E
CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION PLAN

Ver. 4.0 / Mar. 31, 2004
Ver. 3.0 / Sep. 30, 2003
Ver. 2.0 / Feb. 18, 2003
Ver. 1.0 / May 7, 2002

Earth Observation Research and application Center

CONTENTS OVERVIEWRANGE OF THE DOCUMENT
Appendix A: Acronyms
1.
PURPOSE OF AMSR MISSION ...............................................................................1
1.1 Purpose of AMSR Science......................................................................................1
1.2 Purpose of AMSR Calibration ................................................................................1
1.3 Purpose of AMSR Validation .................................................................................1
2.
SCHEDULE................................................................................................................3
2.1 Procedure of Calibration .........................................................................................3
2.2
Procedure of Validation ........................................................................................33.
GENERAL CONCEPTS OF CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION.......................4
3.1 Calibration ..............................................................................................................4
3.1.1 Pre-launch Calibration .....................................................................................4
3.1.2 Post launch Calibration....................................................................................4
3.2 Validation................................................................................................................4
3.2.1 Pre-launch Validation ......................................................................................4
3.2.2 Post launch Validation .....................................................................................4
4.
BASIC PLANS FOR AMSR CALIBRATION ..........................................................5
4.1 Prelaunch Calibration .............................................................................................5
4.1.1 Level 1B brightness temperature .....................................................................5
4.1.2 Measurements of PFM characteristics.............................................................5
4.1.3 AMR ................................................................................................................5
4.2 Post launch Calibration...........................................................................................6
4.2.1 Brightness Temperature Calibration................................................................6
4.2.2 Geometric Calibration......................................................................................85.
BASIC PLANS FOR AMSR VALIDATION ............................................................9
5.1 Prelaunch validation ...............................................................................................95.1.1 Creating match-up data ....................................................................................95.1.2 Ground-based observation and aircraft observation ......................................10
5.2 Post launch validation...........................................................................................125.2.1 Water Vapor...................................................................................................125.2.2 Cloud Liquid Water .......................................................................................15
5.2.3 Sea-surface Wind Speed ................................................................................175.2.4 Precipitation ...................................................................................................18
5.2.5 Sea-ice Concentration ....................................................................................20
5.2.6 Sea-surface Temperature ...............................................................................21
5.2.7 Snow Water Equivalent .................................................................................22
5.2.8 Soil Moisture..................................................................................................25
6.
OPERATION TEAMS .............................................................................................27
Appendix B:
Appendix C:

RANGE OF THE DOCUMENT
This document contains the calibration and validation plans for both the Advanced
Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) that will be carried aboard the Advanced Earth
Observing Satellite-II (ADEOS-II), launched in December 2002, and for Advanced
Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) that is carried aboard NASA’s Earth
Observing Satellite PM1 (EOS-PM1 Aqua), launched in May 2002.
In order to carry out the necessary sensor calibration and standard (research) algorithm
validation within a limited budget, it is necessary for a large number of different researchorganizations and different projects to collaborate.
In case of AMSR/AMSR-E calibration and validation, other science groups will obtainsome truth data. However, this document contains all the AMSR/AMSR-E calibration andvalidation plans irrespective of financing.
This document will be revised whenever any of the plans is changed.
This version is equivalent to the version 5.0 of the Japanese document.

Appendix A
ACMRADEOS-II
AGC
AMeDASAMR
AMSR
AMSR/DCSAMSR-E
ARM
ASSH
AVHRR
AVIRIS
AWS
CAMP
CEOP
CLIVAR
CREST-JST
CRL
CRYSTAL
CSM
EOC
EORC
EOS
EOS-PM1
EOSD
EPIC
ESTAR
GAME
GAME-AAN
GCIP
GEWEX
GHP
GLI
GTS
IGBP
IMH
JAMSTEC
JAXA
JPL
MPM
NASA

Acronyms
Airborne C-Band Microwave Radiometer
Advanced Earth Observation Satellite-II
Automatic Gain Control
Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System
Airborne Microwave Radiometer
Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer
AMSR/Data Collecting System
Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program
Automatic Station of Soil Hydrology
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer
Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer
Automatic Weather Station
CEOP Asia-Australia Monsoon Project
Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period
Climate Variability and predictability study
Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology - Japan Scienceand Technology Corporation
Communication Research Laboratory
the fire-Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Layers
Cold Sky Mirror
Earth Observation Center
Earth Observation Research Center
Earth Observing System
Earth Observing Satellite-PM1 (Aqua)
Earth Observations Sensor Development laboratory
Equatorial Pacific Information Collection
Electrically Scanned Thinned Array Radiometer
GEWEX Asian Monsoon Experiment
GAME-Asia AWS Network
the GEWEX Continental-scale International Project
Global Energy and Water cycle Experiment
GEWEX Hydrometeorology Panel
Global Imager
Global Telecommunications System
International Geosphere and Biosphere Program(Mongolia) Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology
Japan Marine Science & Technology Center
Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency(NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Millimeter-wave Propagation Model
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASDA
NDBC
NWP
PALS
PFM
PI
POS
PR
PSR
PSR/C & A
RASS
SD
SGP
SMMR
SMTMS
SOOH
SSM/I
SST
SWE
T.B.D.
TAO
TB
TMI
TRMM
USDA
V&H
WCRP
WVP

National Space Development Agency of Japan
National Data Buoy Center
Numerical Weather Prediction
Passive and Active L and S band system
Proto Flight Model
Principal Investigators
Position and Orientation System
Precipitation Radar
Polar metric Scanning Radiometer
PSR/C-band & A
Radio Acoustic Sounding System
Snow DepthSouthern Great Plains
Scanning Multi-channel Microwave Radiometer
Soil Moisture-Temperature Measurement System
Satellite Orbital Operation Handbook
Special Sensor Microwave / Imager
Sea Surface Temperature
Snow Water Equivalent
To Be Determined
the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean
Brightness Temperature
TRMM Microwave Imager
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission(United States) Department of Agriculture
Vertical & Horizontal
World Climate Research Programmed
Water Vapor Profiling radiometer

1.

PURPOSE OF AMSR MISSION

1.1

Purpose of AMSR Science

One of ADEOS-II' s core sensors, Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR),
receives at multiple frequencies and polarizations the faint microwave radiation emitted fromthe surface of the earth and from the atmosphere.
Through various types of calibration, the intensity of the microwaves received is converted
to brightness temperature, which is a basic product. Algorithms for estimating physicalquantities are then used to determine eight kinds of physical quantity: water vapor, cloudliquid water, sea-surface wind speed, precipitation, sea-ice concentration, sea-surface
temperature, snow water equivalent, and soil moisture. The main objective for AMSR is toacquire data to determine the status of global water and energy environments.
AMSR's largest antenna aperture is two meters, enabling 6.9 GHz observations withreasonable spatial resolution. Expectations are high for sea-surface temperature; soil moistureand similar parameters that have not been observed with conventional microwave radiometers.
AMSR will observe water vapor, precipitation volume and cloud water as the conventional
radiometers have done, but with a much higher spatial resolution that is expected to improveobservation accuracy. AMSR will analyze frozen soil characteristics and ice and snow at
higher latitudes using 89 GHz channel data with a spatial scale on the order of 5 km.

1.2

Purpose of AMSR Calibration

To assure reliable application, AMSR data must be carefully calibrated. Earth radiation
observed by AMSR is externally calibrated by cosmic radiation (low) and hot load radiation(high). Its calibration is similar to one of the Special Sensor Microwave / Imager (SSM/I).
AMSR data will be checked by comparison with SSM/I for higher frequencies (above 19
GHz). AMSR data for frequencies below 10 GHz will be checked by comparison with model
calculated TB and with data from the Airborne Microwave Radiometer (AMR). Geolocation
errors and scan bias errors will be checked in the initial phase. In the long term, AMSR data
will be monitored in several areas (radiometric noise, gain, antenna rotation speed, and so on).

1.3

Purpose of AMSR Validation

There are the eight AMSR standard products: water vapor, cloud liquid water, sea-surface
wind speed, precipitation, sea-ice concentration, sea-surface temperature, snow waterequivalent, and soil moisture. One of the major objectives of the AMSR validation plan is togenerate the products with required accuracy and to improve the algorithms if necessary. Twostrategic approaches are adopted in the AMSR validation, an operational path and an
experimental one. The former is based on the existing operational real-time data collection
systems, the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) for upper air sounding, precipitation,snow depth, and sea-surface temperature and wind velocity observed by buoys. The routinely

1

observed data, soil moisture and snow, will be also introduced. The JAXA EORC will
undertake to archive the in-situ data, make match-data sets with the AMSR data and deliver
them to the AMSR Principal Investigators (PIs). The experimental path for the AMSR
validation consists of two types of field activities: one is automatic-system-based fieldmeasurement such as water vapor and cloud water measurement by using microwave
radiometers, and the other is field campaign type validation by deploying more sophisticatedsensor systems including the AMR. Pre-launch validation will mainly focus on validation andimprovement of selected algorithms for the AMSR standard products by adopting operational
path using SSM/I and TMI besides several AMR flights and pre-phase observations. As postlaunch validation, the operational path approach will be done based on the heritage of the prelaunch validation only by the efforts of EORC and the PIs of the standard and researchalgorithms. The experimental one will be mainly implemented in cooperation among JAXA,
the AMSR PIs, and some of the international scientific field activities. The both, pre- and postlaunch validation should be carried out under mutual cooperation with the EOS-PM1 / AMSRE team.
International scientific communities have plans for addressing their own scientificobjectives. Some of them such as World Climate Research Programmed (WCRP) andInternational Geosphere and Biosphere Program (IGBP), are closely related to the ADEOS-II
sciences and will be done the success of the ADEOS-II program in the premise. Thoseinternational scientific communities endorsed the ADEOS-II program to contribute to theirown scientific goals. To coordinate the field campaign type validation of AMSR and field
activities of international science projects will contribute considerably to the both goals of
ADEOS-II program and the scientific ones.
For example, the World Climate Research Programmed (WCRP) proposed a CoordinatedEnhanced Observing Period (CEOP) which could take advantage of the new suite of satellites
and instruments expected to be operating in orbit in the 2002- 2004 time frame. The WCRP
design a CEOP as an international experiment to carry out a case study of the influence ofcontinental hydro climatic processes on the predictability of global atmospheric circulationand changes in water resources on time scales up to seasonal. It further recommended that the
CEOP take place over the two-year period October 2001 to September 2003 (it changes withsatellite launch adjournment in October 2002 to December 2004). The CEOP reference sites
under the world climate variability will contribute to the ADEOS-II / AMSR project as test
bets for validation and, in turn, the AMSR validation activities will play an important role on
the CEOP.
The AMSR validation plan should be made based on the possible cooperation andcoordination with international scientific activities.

2

2.

SCHEDULE
Schedules of each work of calibration and validation are shown in Appendix B.

2.1

Procedure of Calibration

・Pre-launch calibration
・AMR modification
・AMR test flight・Post launch calibration
・AMR data acquisition
・Evaluation

2.2

Procedure of Validation

・Truth data acquisition
・Creating match-up data
・Evaluation (algorithm, accuracy and data quality)
・Revision of algorithm

33.

GENERAL CONCEPTS OF CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION

3.1

Calibration

3.1.1 Pre-launch Calibration
Signifies all AMSR pre-launch testing, including AMSR's initial checkout, as officiallydescribed in the Satellite Orbital Operation Handbook (SOOH).
3.1.2

Post launch Calibration

3.1.2.1 Brightness Temperature Calibration
Accuracy of brightness product radiation will be evaluated.
3.1.2.2 Geometric Calibration
Evaluation will include rough beam patterns, inter-channel co-registration and absolute
position accuracy. Antenna rotation speed, attitude notation and the like will be monitored
regularly.
3.1.2.3 Data Quality Evaluation (EOSD and EOS)
Includes evaluations of the quality of initial data, the soundness of all engineering values
and deductive algorithms.

3.2

Validation

3.2.1 Pre-launch Validation
Algorithms created by principle investigators (PIs) will be checked using SSM/I, TMI andother data.
3.2.2

Post launch Validation

3.2.2.1 Evaluation of Accuracy of Physical Quantities (EORC)
Accuracy of physical quantities will be evaluated. Although the method will differ witheach quantity, comparing the physical quantities will generally do evaluation estimated fromAMSR data with independently measured quantities (survey data, aircraft observation data andother similar satellite data).
3.2.2.2 Evaluation of Data Quality
Initial quality will be evaluated, the same as for Level 1. Data insufficiencies resulting fromalgorithm malfunction and the like and image quality when viewed as images will be
evaluated.

44.

BASIC PLANS FOR AMSR CALIBRATION

4.1

Prelaunch Calibration

4.1.1 Level 1B brightness temperature
Level 1B brightness temperature is derived from a linear combination of the measured
antenna temperature (V & H) and cosmic radiation. These coefficients are determined by theleast square method relating brightness temperature and calculated antenna temperature. In themodel for calculating antenna temperature, a uniform ocean surface is assumed, andappropriate geophysical conditions are changed (profile of air temperature and humidity, cloudliquid water, surface wind speed, and SST). AMSR PFM antenna pattern measurements areused in antenna temperature calculation. The number of scans used in averaging the hot loadand cold count will be determined after launch, considering AMSR radiometric noise andstability.
4.1.2 Measurements of PFM characteristics
Information on radiometric noise, accuracy of antenna direction, antenna pattern of mainreflector & CSM, and linearity of receiver gain will be useful in estimating the accuracy of
retrieved geophysical parameters. The hot load temperature must be corrected in Level 1B
processing since there is a temperature difference between the surface and the inside of the hotload (temperature where the sensor is located). Likewise, eight points of measured hot loadand cold count values (sixteen points for 89GHz) must be corrected since there is an error
depending on the relative position between the horn and hot load.
4.1.3 AMR
AMR will fly over the ocean under ADEOS-Ⅱand Aqua to make sure of AMSR/AMSR-E
measurements, particularly for 6 and 10 GHz. Now, AMR has been reconstructed to become asensor calibrated by two points of around 300 and 400 K. Experimental 3 flights will be
conducted from March to April 2000 around Aoga-shima island. Purposes of the flights are tocheck the stability of AMR during each flight of 3 hours, to check the repeatability of AMR
after reconstruction (one time), and to get offsets from antenna to brightness temperature foreach frequencies and polarizations.

54.2 Post launch Calibration
Initial check must be carried out until six months after launch. Monitoring must be carriedout until the end of the sensor observation. In order to carry out monitoring, EORC willproduce necessary items from level 1B every one day.
4.2.1

Brightness Temperature Calibration

4.2.1.1
4.2.1.1.1

Initial check
Absolute calibrationa) Evaluation of CSM count and hot load
Evaluating the data acquired from eight points of measured values of CSM count and hot
load at each frequency. In the first place, relative differences among eight points and timechanging are carefully evaluated. The relations between hot load and count values and also
the relation between hot load and heater on and off are investigated. In the second place, thenumber of the data points used, weight function, the number of scan for averaging, and etc.
are determined. The available term on data is for a week.
b) Scan bias error
The TB bias between scanning positions is sought at each frequency and polarization. For
each scanning position, the available term on data is for one to three months after launch.
c) Correction of 89 GHz difference
AMSR-E has two horn antennas for 89 GHz (A and B). Differences in the incident angles
of horns A and B differ (55.0 degrees and 54.5 degrees) and receiver characteristics may
also cause the brightness temperature to differ. This difference is investigated, and acorrection coefficient is determined as necessary. The available term on data is for two to
three days.
d) Cosmic observation
The cosmic observation with only one revolution around the earth is carried out on the 40days after launch.
4.2.1.1.2 Multiple calibration
Evaluating the calibration of brightness temperature involves a method-based ambiguity, so
a fixed method cannot be achieved. Multiple methods for evaluating calibration are prepared,
and the agreements of results from each method are viewed.
a) Inter-satellite calibration
Mutual calibration of former AMSR-E and SSM/I or AMSR-E and TMI is performed.
The accurate mutual calibration of AMSR and AMSR-E might be difficult since both
AMSR and AMSR-E are the Sun synchronous satellites that bring about a time lag of five
hours on the observation. The accurate mutual calibration of later AMSR-E and TMI also
might be difficult since there are 3K errors with TMI calibration although TMI is the no Sun

6synchronous satellite that brings a time lag within only some ten minutes. Inter-satellite
calibration, thus, is comprehensively evaluated after the results are obtained. The central
frequency and incident angle have already been calculated by using an ocean radioactive
transfer model. The term of calibration is six months.
Using a 0.25 scale grid of the entire sphere compares AMSR-E and SSM/I. The data of
SSM/I is acquired from MSFC. The average values, the numbers, and the scattering of thedata are put in as grid data.
Using a 0.1 scale grid match up data, which are obtained within ten minutes observed,
compares AMSR-E and TMI.
AMSR and AMSR-E data will also be compared with SSM/I data of the past 14 years(1987 to 2000) and so with its climate values every month.
b) Evaluation by model calculation
Absolute values are evaluated by comparing the satellite-observed brightness temperaturecomputed with a radiation transmission model using Truth Data with observed values. By
using upper air observed data over the observational vassal and the small islands, brightness
temperature compared with a radiation model and AMSR observed value are compared. The
condition for comparison must be when it is sunny day with faint wind. The available term
is for three to six months; however, producing match up data will be carried out all the time
during the satellite operation.
### Radiative transfer model・Seawater dielectric constant: Klein and Swift (1977)
・Atmospheric attenuation: Liebe et al. (1993); Millimeter-Wave Propagation Model(MPM)c) Comparison with AMR
After satellite launch, the flight of AMR and the satellite in the same period will be
performed. AMR’s flight altitude is supposed to be 4 to 5 km. POS data, which issimultaneously acquired position and attitude data of the airplane, is used to correct theangle of incidence. The difference between the brightness temperature and the antenna
temperature, that are resulted from the antenna patterns, is supposed to be sought in advanceby using data from test flight over and around Aoga-shima Island. This depends on the
AMR’s flight altitude. AMR cannot validate channels of the 50 GHz band.
4.2.1.2 Monitoring
The following items will be constantly monitored and sensor performance observed.
4.2.1.2.1 Radiometric noise
Radiometric noise is computed from CSM and hot load calibration source data. Monitoringis done for each revolution, seasonal change, short- and long-term trends, and other time scales.

74.2.1.2.2 Calibration counts
Counts of CSM and hot load are monitored.
4.2.1.2.3 Physical temperature
Physical temperatures of the main reflector, calibration sources, receivers, etc. aremonitored.
4.2.1.2.4 Receiver gain variations
Receiver gain variations and AGC telemetry are monitored.
4.2.1.2.5 Scan bias error
Scan bias error, as described in Para. 4.2.1.1.1 b) are monitored regularly.

4.2.2

Geometric Calibration

4.2.2.1

Initial calibration

4.2.2.1.1 Rough evaluation of beam patterns
Beam width is roughly confirmed using coastlines and other domains with major contrast inbrightness temperature and clearly defined boundaries. (However, this is only possible forlow- frequency bands with a large overlap.)
4.2.2.1.2 Inter-channel co-registration
The accuracy of the positional agreement between all frequencies is evaluated using data of
coastlines and regions with clearly defined boundaries. t 89GHz, the accuracy of the positional
agreement between A horn and B horn is evaluated. Based on this, sensor alignment might becorrected if necessary. The available term is for few days to one week.
4.2.2.2

Monitoring

4.2.2.2.1 Antenna rotation speed
Antenna rotation speed is monitored.
4.2.2.2.2 Attitude fluctuations
Attitude data is monitored.

85.

BASIC PLANS FOR AMSR VALIDATION

5.1

Prelaunch validation

5.1.1

Creating match-up data

5.1.1.1 Water Vapor
・SSM/I vs.
GTS/sonde
・SSM/I vs.
microwave radiometer
・TMI
vs.
microwave radiometer5.1.1.2 Cloud Liquid Water
・SSM/I vs.
microwave radiometer
・TMI
vs.
microwave radiometer5.1.1.3 Sea-surface Wind Speed
・SSM/I vs.
Internet/buoy
5.1.1.4 Precipitation
・SSM/I vs.
truth data
・TMI
vs.
truth data
Truth data: radar AMeDAS, rainfall gauge, field campaign data, etc.
5.1.1.5 Sea-ice Concentration
・SSM/I vs.
AVHRR
5.1.1.6 Snow Water Equivalent
・SSM/I vs.
GTS/snow
・SSM/I vs.
snow depth gauge
5.1.1.7 Soil Moisture
・SSM/I vs.
USSR data
・SMMR vs.
USSR data
・TMI
vs.
truth data (US Oklahoma/SGP data, Nagaoka data, GCIP data,
Thai and Tibet AWS data, China routine data)

95.1.2
5.1.2.1

Ground-based observation and aircraft observation
Water Vapor / Cloud Liquid Water

5.1.2.1.1 Hegura-jima Island (Oct. 2000 to Apr. 2002)a) Ground-based microwave radiometer (WVP-1500) observationb) Tipping-bucket rain recorder observationc) Ceilometer observation (only Nov. 2001 to Apr. 2002)
See 7.2.1.3 for more details.
5.1.2.1.2 Minamidaito-jima Island (Nov. 2000 to Apr. 2002)
Ground-based microwave radiometer (WVP-1500) observation
5.1.2.2

Precipitation

5.1.2.2.1 Wakasa Bay (Feb. 2000, Jan. to Feb. 2001)a) Ground-based observationb) Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport radar and NASDA radar (only 2001)
Collaborate with TRMM Team and CREST-JST.
5.1.2.2.2 Tibet (Aug. 2000 to Apr. 2002)a) Automatic weather instrument (AWS) observationb) Transportation of Ground-based microwave radiometer (WVP-1500), Wind profiler,
RASS, etc. (Aug. 2001)
5.1.2.3

Snow Water Equivalent

5.1.2.3.1 Siberia (Nov. 2000 to Apr. 2002)
Automatic snow depth gauge observation
Collaborate with CAMP.
5.1.2.3.2 Tibet (Nov. 2000 to Apr. 2002)
Automatic snow depth gauge observation
Collaborate with CAMP.
5.1.2.3.3 Colorado (Oct. 2001 to Mar. 2002)
Ground-based microwave radiometer observation
5.1.2.4

Soil Moisture

5.1.2.4.1 Oklahoma / SGP'99 (Jul. 7 to 22, 1999)a) Ground-based microwave radiometer observationb) Aircraft observation (PSR/C & A, ACMR, Step-C, PALS, ESTAR);
Conduct jointly with AMSR-E; also collaborate with CREST-JST and CEOP.

10

5.1.2.4.2 Nagaoka (May to Jun. 2000)a) Ground-based microwave radiometer observationb) Ground-based soil moisture observation
Soil type, ground-surface roughness, ground-surface temperature, and vegetation
coverage will be measured under various conditions.
c) Aircraft observation (AMR)
5.1.2.4.3 Tibet (Aug. 2000 to Apr. 2002)a) Soil moisture-temperature measurement system (SMTMS) observationb) Automatic weather instrument (AWS) observationc) Ground-based soil moisture observation (only Aug. 2001)
Collaborate with CAMP.
5.1.2.4.4 Mongolia (Aug. 2000 to Apr. 2002)a) Soil moisture-temperature measurement system (SMTMS) observationb) Automatic weather instrument (AWS) observationc) Automatic Station of Soil Hydrology (ASSH) observation (since Jun. 2001)d) Ground-based soil moisture observation (only Aug. 2001)
Collaborate with CAMP.
5.1.2.4.5 Thailand (Jun. 2000 to Apr. 2002)a) Soil moisture-temperature measurement system (SMTMS) observationb) Automatic weather instrument (AWS) observation
Collaborate with CAMP.

11

5.2

Post launch validation

5.2.1

Water Vapor

5.2.1.1 Outline
The main activity with regard to total water vapor quantity will be validation using theworldwide radio sonde network.
5.2.1.2 Product accuracy
Total water vapor will be calculated for all of the world's oceans and sea areas (excluding
areas of sea-ice). The required accuracy is 3.5 kg/m2 for values in the range 0 to 70 kg/m2.
5.2.1.3

Ground-based observation and vessel observation

5.2.1.3.1 Hegura-jima Island and Minamidaito-jima Island (May 2002 to Sep. 2004)<Ground-based microwave radiometry observation>
Total water vapor will be estimated through use of a ground-based microwave radiometerthat has an observation frequency band around the 20 to 30 GHz region; results will becompared with AMSR/AMSR-E estimated values. By collecting data while scanning throughdifferent azimuth angles and elevation angles, it will be possible to calculate spatial averages
to some extent. In addition, it will be possible to collect data continuously over periods of time.
Since AMSR/AMSR-E estimated values are only valid over sea areas, the microwave
radiometers will be set up on Hegura-jima Island and Minamidaito-jima Island, which are both
small in area and are situated more than 50km from other larger islands. Total water vapor willthen be observed continuously (Oct. 2000 to Sep. 2004). The equipment will basically operate
automatically, although a supervisor will visit each observation site as the need arises. The
supervisor will recover the collected data and inspect the equipment (from the outside only).
The WVP-1500 Water Vapor Profiling Radiometer (which incorporates an azimuth
turntable, a fan (T.B.D.) and a computer for data collection) made by the US company
Radiometrics Corp. will be used.
5.2.1.3.2 The Oceanographic Research Vessel MIRAI (Aug. 2002 to Mar. 2004)<Vessel-based microwave radiometer and radio sonde observations>
Truth data for validation of water vapor estimated from AMSR/AMSR-E data will beacquired using the Oceanographic Research Vessel MIRAI provided by JAMSTEC as theobservation platform. MIRAI will voyage and observe the region from the Arctic Ocean toequatorial ocean for 280 days per year. MIRAI will be the best use for observing various
geophysical parameters about water over the ocean where influenced of land does not affect.
Since AMSR/AMSR-E will estimate water vapor only over the seas, in-situ vessel observation
will be effective to validate AMSR/AMSR-E data.
A microwave radiometer (Water Vapor Radiometer WVR-1100 made by Radiometrics
Corp.) will be carried on MIRAI. Microwave radiometer will measure two wavelength(23GHz and 31GHz) microwaves. Water vapor will be estimated using the microwave
radiometer data and compared with the AMSR/AMSR-E data. Moreover, radio sonde
observation will be carried out from MIRAI. Water vapor estimated from radio sonde data will12

be also used for comparison with AMSR/AMSR-E data. Radio sonde observation will be
carried out simultaneously with the satellites as much as possible.
5.2.1.4 Creating match-up dataa) Match-up with global radio sonde data
Once a day (from May 2002 to Mar. 2005), total water vapor calculated from airtemperature, air pressure and relative humidity profiles collected by radio sonde will becompared with the AMSR and AMSR-E estimated values. With regard to the worldwide
radio sonde data, standard isobaric surface data that is distributed over GTS lines and datathat include singular points will be used.
Since AMSR estimated values exist only for sea areas, radio sondes will be installed inplaces such as small islands. Radio sondes that are not influenced by radiation coming fromland areas will be selected. Datasets that match the radio sonde data with the AMSR and
AMSR-E footprints in both space and time will be created regularly, and validation will be
carried out. It has been agreed that the Meteorological Agency will provide the radio sondedata. The sort data will include both standard isobaric surfaces and singular points.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.

GTS/sonde (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
GTS/sonde (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)b) Match-up with microwave radiometer data
Total water vapor will be calculated from the microwave radiometer data collected atHegura-jima Island and Minamidaito-jima Island. The values will be compared with AMSR
and AMSR-E estimated values.
・AMSR
・AMSR-Evs.
vs.

microwave radiometer (Dec. 2002 to Sep. 2004)
microwave radiometer (May 2002 to Sep. 2004)c) Match-up with vessel observation data
Match-up data between AMSR/AMSR-E and water vapor data calculated from thevessel-based (MIRAI) observations will be created.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.

microwave radiometer (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2004)
microwave radiometer (Aug. 2002 to Mar. 2004)
radio sonde (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2004)
radio sonde (Aug. 2002 to Mar. 2004)

5.2.1.5 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
The match-up datasets will be created at EORC; the Algorithm Development PI willconduct both within EORC and assessment and validation using these datasets. The two
ground-based microwave radiometers will be the property of EORC, and EORC will performthe observations at Hegura-jima Island and Minamidaito-jima Island. In the case of
Minamidaito-jima Island, suitable cooperative tie-ups will be entered into, for example a tie-13

up involving joint research with the Meteorological Agency. In addition, other organizations
within Japan, such as the Meteorological Research Institute, possess similar equipment. It willthus be desirable to seek the cooperation of such organizations in order to form a multipoint
observation network. In particular, in order to obtain data for a number of different latitudes,
observations at high latitudes are required.
The collected data will be analyzed by both the Algorithm Development and Validation PI
and by EORC. JAXA hopes to form multipoint observation network through collaboration
with the AMSR-E Team, ARM, CLIVAR (EPIC), CRYSTAL and the GLI Atmosphere Team.

14

5.2.2Cloud Liquid Water

5.2.2.1 Outline
Cloud liquid water will be validated primarily through comparison with observation values
obtained using ground-based (vessel) radiometers.
Cloud liquid water is a physical quantity that is difficult to validate by quantitative. There
are a number of ways of measuring cloud liquid water. One involves use of video sondes;
another, radar measurement from aircraft. However, even though clouds are scattered widely
through space and cloud formations change rapidly over time, a video sonde takes
observations at one point only. Observations by aircraft are also limited both in the area inwhich they cover and the frequency with which they can be taken. Moreover, suchobservations do not constitute perfectly quantitative measurements. Estimating cloud liquidwater quantity by ground-based microwave radiometer observation is an indirect remotesensing technique. However, the observation background is background radiation from space
where is uniform and remains at a stable level. This means that the accuracy is higher thanestimates from satellite orbits.
Cloud bottom height will be observed by ceilometers. The presumed accuracy of cloudliquid water will be improved by estimating cloud temperature from cloud bottom height data.
5.2.2.2 Product accuracy
Total cloud water will be calculated for all of the world's oceans and sea areas (excluding
areas of sea-ice). The required accuracy is 0.05 kg/m2 for values in the range 0 to 1.0 kg/m2.
5.2.2.3

Ground-based observation and vessel observation

5.2.2.3.1 Hegura-jima Island and Minamidaito-jima Island (May 2002 to Sep. 2004)<Ground-based microwave radiometer and ceilometer observation>
As in 5.2.1.3.1. At Hegura-jima Island, the ceilometer is installed and the cloud bottom
height is observed too. At Minamidaito-jima Island, the data of the ceilometer which isinstalled at the airport can be used.
5.2.2.3.2 The Oceanographic Research Vessel MIRAI (Aug. 2002 to Mar. 2004)<Vessel-based microwave radiometer and ceilometer observation>
As in 5.2.1.3.2. The ceilometer installed on MIRAI is used too.
5.2.2.4 Creating match-up dataa) Match-up with microwave radiometer data
Total cloud water will be calculated from the microwave radiometer data collected atHegura-jima Island and Minamidaito-jima Island. Match-up data between these and AMSR
/ AMSR-E will then be created.
・AMSR
・AMSR-Evs.
vs.

microwave radiometer (Dec. 2002 to Sep. 2004)
microwave radiometer (May 2002 to Sep. 2004)b) Match-up with vessel observation data

15

Match-up data between AMSR/AMSR-E and cloud liquid water data calculated from thevessel-based (MIRAI) observations will be created.
・AMSR
・AMSR-Evs.
vs.

microwave radiometer (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2004)
microwave radiometer (Aug. 2002 to Mar. 2004)

5.2.2.5 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
As in 5.2.1.5

16

5.2.3Sea-surface Wind Speed

5.2.3.1 Outline
Sea-wind velocity will be validated primarily through comparison with observation values
obtained using buoys.
5.2.3.2 Product accuracy
Sea-wind velocity will be calculated for all of the world s oceans and sea areas (excluding
areas of sea-ice). The required accuracy is 1.5 m/s for values in the range of 0 to 30 m/s.
5.2.3.3 Creation of match-up data
Sea-wind velocities obtained using ocean buoys and AMSR / AMSR-E estimated values
will be compared. At present, the buoy data that can be used is from sources such as the
National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), the TAO array, and JAMSTEC. Datasets that matchthe buoy measurements (which include information other than sea-wind velocity such as
wind direction and sea-surface temperature) with the AMSR footprints in both space andtime will be created and validated regularly. The height at which wind velocity observations
are made will vary according to the type of measuring instrument used on the buoy, so thecomparison will be made after adjusting for this factor.
The latest TAO buoy data is always distributed over the Internet, so this will be used. For
NDBC buoys, it will be necessary to use the Internet.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.

GTS/buoy (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
GTS/buoy (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)
Internet/buoy (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
Internet/buoy (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)

5.2.3.4 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
JAXA hopes to collaborate with the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Frontierobservational research program for global change, and CLIVAR.

17

5.2.4

Precipitation

5.2.4.1 Outline
Observations from ground-based radar and rain gauges, etc. will be compared. Since
AMSR-estimated values for precipitation volume exist only for sea areas, it will be necessary
to select observation values for rain gauges that are installed on islands that are as small as
possible.
The AMSR precipitation intensity retrieval will have to satisfy the following requirements.
a) A high-accuracy data set that covers all of the world's oceans and sea areas.
In particular, the presumed accuracy for high latitudes can still be improved, and there isa lack of reliable measurement data.
b) Capable of contributing to the meteorological and water budget research of GEWEX,
CLIVAR, etc.
WCRP has decided to draw up plans for a Cooperative Enhanced Observation Period(CEOP) which will focus mainly on the period 2002 to 2004. Collaboration with CEOP
will be necessary for precipitation validation.
c) Data assimilation with the NWP model must be considered.
In order to fulfill these goals it will be necessary to prepare cases that are complete withas wide a variety of different data as possible.
Sufficient accuracy of land precipitation measurements by the microwave radiometers has
not been confirmed since information on atmosphere above land is relatively limited due tostrong and space-timely variable emission from the surface. Since AMSR/AMSR-E will
estimate geophysical parameter of soil moisture and vegetation water content that affects
emissivity, accurate land precipitation measurement will be possible, comprehensive data
about three-dimensional distribution of precipitation, rain grain size distribution, water vapor,cloud water, air temperature, surface emissivity, and ground temperature must be observed inorder to estimate and validate precipitation with relatively less information.
For this reason, validation measurement for soil moisture will be performed in Tibet Plateau,
and vertical profile of rain grain size distribution, cloud water and water vapor, cloud bottom
and top height, vertical distribution of water vapor and temperature, and air temperature andwind distribution will be acquired by using micro-rain radar, microwave radiometer, lidar,
sonde, wind profiler and RASS instrument. Combination of these acquired data will enable todescribe radiative transfer process when a satellite detects microwave emitted by land surface.
It will also enable to validate algorithms dealing with radiative transfer process. Combined
data will be very valuable as observation data of assimilated precipitation and contribute toestimate precipitation by AMSR/AMSR-E. There are two types of algorithms that has beendeveloped, one to calculate soil moisture supposing no precipitation, and another to calculate
soil moisture supposing either case of precipitation and no precipitation. Comprehensive
observation data will enable to validate later algorithm.
5.2.4.2 Product accuracy
Precipitation volume will be calculated for all of the world's oceans and sea areas(excluding areas of sea-ice). The required accuracy is 10 % for precipitation volumes of up to
20 mm per hour. Accuracy on land will be defined one year after the satellite launch.

18

5.2.4.3 Ground-based, vessel and aircraft observation
Data will be acquired also in land region or snowfall region because precipitation volume
will be calculated also in land region after one year since the satellites launch.
5.2.4.3.1 Wakasa Bay (Jan. to Feb. 2003)a) Ground-based radar observations
Collect Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport radar and private company multiparameter radar data, and direct by compare this data with that of TMI and PR.
Wakasa Bay is the site where solid precipitation can be observed by TRMM.
b) Rain gauge and Disdrometer observations
Observe precipitation on the ground and precipitation grain size.
c) Aircraft observation
NASA will observe by aircraft.
5.2.4.3.2 Tibet (May 2002 to Mar. 2005)a) Automatic weather instrument (AWS) observationb) Wind profiler and rain gauge observations (Jul. to Oct. 2002, Apr., Jul. to Aug. 2004)
5.2.4.3.3 Miyako and Yaeyama Islands (May to Sep. 2003)a) Ground-based precipitation intensity observationb) Japan Meteorological Agency radar observations
Precipitation Intensity Observation Systems will be installed and acquired truth data insmall islands of Miyako and Yaeyama for estimation of precipitation on the ocean.
5.2.4.3.4 The Oceanographic Research Vessel MIRAI (Aug. 2002 to Mar. 2004)a) Vessel-based radar observationsb) Rain gauge and disdrometer observations
5.2.4.4 Creating match-up data
Match-up data between AMSR/AMSR-E and data from the above-mentioned ground-based
observations will be created.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.

Radar AMeDAS (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
Radar AMeDAS (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)
Truth Data (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
Truth Data (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)

5.2.4.5 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
JAXA hopes to collaborate with the Japan Meteorological Agency, the NASA/AMSR-E
Team, the GAME-Siberia Team, CEOP, the TRMM Team, and the AMSR Snowfall and Soil
Moisture Team.

19

5.2.5Sea-ice Concentration

5.2.5.1 Outline
Sea-ice concentration will be validated primarily through comparison with observation
values obtained using other satellites or airplanes.
5.2.5.2 Product accuracy
Sea-ice concentration will be estimated for places like Polar Regions and the Sea of
Okhotsk. The required accuracy is within 10 %.
5.2.5.3

Ground-based, vessel and aircraft observation

5.2.5.3.1

Okhotsk (Jan. to Feb. 2003, Jan. to Feb. 2004, Jan. to Feb. 2005, Jan. to Feb.
2006)a) Aircraft observation (PSR) will be carried out (Jan. to Feb. 2003).
b) Aircraft observation (SAR) will be carried out (Jan. to Feb. 2004, Jan. to Feb. 2005, Jan.
to Feb. 2006).
c) Photographs will be taken and video observation conducted from ships.

5.2.5.3.2

Antarctic (Jul. to Sep. 2002, Dec. 2002 to Feb. 2003, Sep. to Nov. 2003, Aug. toOct. 2004, Aug. to Oct. 2005)a) Aircraft observation (PSR and AVIRIS) will be carried out (Aug. 2002, Sep. to Nov.
2003, Aug. to Oct. 2004, Aug. to Oct. 2005).
b) Ground-based observation

5.2.5.4 Creating match-up data
Match-up data between AMSR/AMSR-E and data from the above-mentioned ground-based
observations or other satellites will be created.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.

GLI (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
GLI (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
AVHRR (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
AVHRR (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)
RADARSAT (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
RADARSAT (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)
Truth Data (T.B.D.)
Truth Data (T.B.D.)

5.2.5.5 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
JAXA hopes to carry out joint observations with the AMSR-E Team and to collaborate with
the GLI Cryosphere Group; CRL; and the Japanese, USA and European Antarctic Survey
Teams.

20

5.2.6

Sea-surface Temperature

5.2.6.1 Outline
Sea-surface temperature will be validated, predominantly through comparison with buoy
observation values.
5.2.6.2 Product accuracy
Sea-surface temperature will be estimated for all of the world's oceans and sea areas; thedesired accuracy is 0.5 deg. C for temperatures from -2 to 35 deg. C.
5.2.6.3 Creating match-up dataSea-surface temperatures collected using ocean buoys and AMSR/AMSR-E estimatedvalues would be compared. The buoys that can be used are the same as for sea-windvelocity (sea above). Datasets that match the buoy (fixed and drifting) measurements (which
include information on sea winds as well as on sea-surface temperature) with the AMSR
footprints in space and time will be created and validated regularly.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.

GTS/buoy (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
GTS/buoy (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)

5.2.6.4 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
JAXA hopes to collaborate with the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Frontierobservational research program for global change, and the GLI Ocean Team.

21

5.2.7

Snow Water Equivalent

5.2.7.1 Outline
Profiles of snow water equivalent, snow depth and grain size of snow and snow temperature
will be targeted and they will be validated by acquired truth data. It will also be necessary toobserve the changes in these items over time (in a time series). In addition, it will be necessary
to confirm the influence of forest canopy on snow parameter estimation.
Snowfall will be estimated by microwave radiometer using the characteristic of naturallyoccurred radiation that is emitted by the ground beneath a snow cover and scattered in a snow
pack. The microwave radiometer will measure change in amount of emission. Althoughchange in amount of emission depends on the diameter of snow particle, if fundamentallydepends on the total ice quantity (snow depth x snow cover density) of a snow cover. The
quantity directly obtained with microwave radiometer is snow water equivalent. Snow depth
mainly measured by ground-based observations is usually used to validate snow waterequivalent because there are few measurement points of snow cover density. In addition tosnow water equivalent, snow depth will be also provided as sub product. From a viewpoint ofwater resources, snow water equivalent products are generally applied to investigation. From aviewpoint of snow coverage calamity, snow depth products are generally applied toinvestigation.
Although two algorithms have been currently proposed for snow water equivalent estimatedby AMSR/AMSR-E, results from algorithm comparison test using SSM/I points out following
three problems.
(1) Footprint size data for validation of sensors on satellite has not been acquired.
(2) Effects of vegetation, especially taiga have not been sufficiently evaluated.
(3) Snow metamorphosis leads to deterioration of estimation
Consequently, special observation plan considering these problems will be necessary forvalidation of snow cover.
To deal with the problem (1), (a) it will be necessary to perform simultaneous satellite
observation considering footprint scale data in uniformed observational areas as much as
possible, and (b) the system configuration of ground observation that produce variety offootprint will be necessary. The observations that will be performed in Tibet Plateau andYakutsk, Siberia are planned to deal with the problems (a) and (b). To deal with the problem(2), validation data will be acquired. The five flat and extensive areas of Tibet Plateau will bechosen for the observations, and the snow depth sensor and the automatic weather station will
be set up in the middle of these four areas. An area of Yakutsk, Siberia will be chosen for
footprint scale observation, and seven automatic snow depth sensors will be set up in this area.
The six of these seven sensors will be set up in taiga, and the rest one will be set up out of
taiga. In all these areas, snow density and snow grain size will be estimated during the winterfor the problem (3). To deal with (3), it will be necessary to perform in-situ measurement andobserve state variable of snow (change in grain size) and microwave brightness temperatureduring a winter; however, it will be very difficult to perform in-situ measurement
simultaneously with footprint scale satellite observations. For this reason, we work out our
strategy for validation with long-term observation using the microwave radiometer on the
ground and will acquire fundamental data. The results will be reflected on algorithms and22

products will be validated by footprint size data. Long-term ground observations will be
performed in Rocky Mts. Colorado with the cooperation of the AMSR-E team from Universityof Colorado.
WCRP has decided to draw up plans for a Cooperative Enhanced Observation Period(CEOP) which will focus mainly on the period 2002 to 2004. Collaboration with CEOP will benecessary for snowfall validation.
5.2.7.2 Product accuracya) SWE: 20 % or 10 mmb) SD: 20 % or 5 cm
5.2.7.3 Ground-based and aircraft observation
Ground-based observations using both ultrasonic wave snow depth gauges and manual
observation will be conducted in areas of GAME concentrated observation in Tibet andSiberia. Ground data, such as data on snow depth, snow density, snow temperature, grain size,and vegetation moisture content, will be collected.
5.2.7.3.1 Siberiaa) Ground-based snow observation (Nov. 2002 to Mar. 2003, Nov. 2003 to Mar. 2004, Nov.
2004 to Mar. 2005)b) Snow depth measurement using automatic gauges (May 2002, Nov. 2002 to May 2003,
Nov. 2003 to May 2004, Nov. 2004 to May 2005)
5.2.7.3.2 Tibeta) Snow observation on the ground (Jan. 2003, Jan. 2004, Jan. 2005)b) Snow depth measurement using automatic gauges (May to Jun. 2002, Nov. 2002 to Jun.
2003, Nov. 2003 to Jun. 2004, Nov. 2004 to Jun. 2005)
5.2.7.3.3 Coloradoa) Aircraft observation (Feb. to Mar. 2003).
b) Ground-based microwave radiometer observation (Sep. 2002 to Mar. 2003)
5.2.7.4 Creating match-up data
Match-up data between AMSR/AMSR-E and the above-mentioned ground-based
observation data (GTS/snow and snow depth gauge) will be created.
・AMSR
・AMSR-E・AMSR・AMSR-E

vs.
vs.
vs.
vs.

GTS/snow (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
GTS/snow (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)
truth data (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
truth data (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)

23

5.2.7.5 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
JAXA hopes to conduct the joint observation with GEWEX / CEOP and the AMSR-E Teamand to collaborate with the AMSR Precipitation Group, the GLI Cryosphere Group, theFrontier observational research program for global change, and CREST-JST.

24

5.2.8

Soil Moisture

5.2.8.1 Outline
Algorithms that estimate soil moisture using the 6.9 GHz channel will be comparedinternally. Ground-based observations of soil moisture and related parameters will be
conducted under various conditions of vegetation, soil, and climate.
These data will be compared with AMSR, AMSR-E and aircraft AMR data. AMR
observation is necessary to detect influences of land surface heterogeneity on the satellite
observation.
Although four algorithms have been currently proposed for soil moisture estimated by
AMSR/AMSR-E, the algorithm comparison test shows the large gap between the results
produced from each algorithm. For this reason, soil moisture has not been established as
standard products. The two major causes are described as follows.
(1) Foot size truth data for validation of sensors on satellite has not been acquired.
(2) For various land cover condition, data for validation of the sensor on the satellite has notbeen acquired.
Consequently, special observation plan considering these problems will be necessary forvalidation of soil moisture.
To deal with the problem (1), (a) it is necessary to perform simultaneous satellite
observation providing footprint scale data in uniformed observational areas as much as
possible, and (b) it is necessary to perform simultaneous satellite, airborne, and groundobservations considering variety of footprint. The observation that will be performed in
Mongolia is planned to deal with the problems (a). The observation covering an area of 60 km
x 60 km and estimate dense soil moisture, vegetation water content, ground temperate and themoving observation on 100km will be performed. To deal with the problem (b), the airborne
observation that measures large extensive soil moisture distribution will be performed in Iowa.
In order to deal with the problem (2), it is necessary to consider that effects of vegetation
are particularly important. Therefore, the observations will cover Tibet Plateau as bare land,grassland in Mongolia, cassava fields (Manihot utilissima) as crops in Thai, teak grove(Tectona grandis) as deciduous forest in Thai. Also the observations will cover soybean fields
and cornfields in Iowa and grasslands and wheat fields in Oklahoma. In Tibet Plateau,validation data for soil moisture considering the interaction with freezing and melting of
permafrost will be acquired. Acquisition of validation data under such various land cover andhydrological conditions will improve algorithm certainty and produce choices of algorithms
that can be matched off against all conditions.
WCRP has decided to draw up plans for a Cooperative Enhanced Observation Period(CEOP) which will focus mainly on the period 2002 to 2004. The cooperation of CEOP and
AMSR-E team is necessary for validation.
5.2.8.2 Product accuracy
T.B.D.
5.2.8.3 Ground-based and aircraft observation
Ground-based soil moisture observations will be conducted in Thailand, Tibet, and25

Mongolia, where ground data such as soil moisture, vegetation moisture content, groundsurface temperature, ground-surface roughness, and soil texture will be collected. In addition,
Aircraft observation will be conducted as well.
5.2.8.3.1 Thailanda) Ground-based soil moisture observation (May, Sep., Nov. 2002, Aug, Sep. 2003, Feb.,
May, Sep. 2004)b) Ground-based automated observation (Meteorological data, soil moisture) (May 2002 toMar. 2005)
5.2.8.3.2 Tibeta) Ground-based soil moisture observation (Jun. to Oct. 2002, Sep. 2003, Apr., Jul. to Aug.
2004)b) Ground-based automated observation (Meteorological data, soil moisture) (May 2002 toMar. 2005)
5.2.8.3.3 Mongoliaa) Ground-based soil moisture observation (Jun., Aug. 2002, Jun., Aug. 2003, Jun., Aug.
2004)b) Ground-based automated observation (Meteorological data, soil moisture) (May 2002 toMar. 2005)
5.2.8.3.4
Iowaa) Ground-based microwave radiometer observation (Jun. to Jul. 2002)b) Aircraft observation (PSR/C & A, ACMR, Step-C, PALS, ESTAR) (Jun. to Jul. 2002)
5.2.8.3.5
Oklahomaa) Ground-based soil moisture observation (Jun. to Jul. 2003)b) Aircraft observation (PSR/C & A, ACMR, Step-C, PALS, ESTAR) (Jun. to Jul. 2003)
5.2.8.4 Creating match-up data
Match-up data between AMSR/AMSR-E and the above-mentioned ground-based
observation data will be created.
Including matching up with Mongolia routine data and USA (Oklahoma) soil moisture data.
・AMSR
・AMSR-Evs.
vs.

truth data (Dec. 2002 to Mar. 2006)
truth data (May 2002 to Mar. 2006)

5.2.8.5 Relationship to organizational setup and other research projects
JAXA hopes to conduct the joint observation with the WCRP / CEOP and NASA / AMSRE teams and to collaborate with the AMSR Precipitation Team, the GLI Land Team, theFrontier observational research program for global change, and CREST-JST.

26

6.

OPERATION TEAMS
Organization of Cal/Val Planning Team is shown in Appendix C

27

Appendix B

AMSR CAL/VAL PlanAMSR/AMSR-E CAL/VAL PlanWBS

AMSR-E/EOS-PM1(AQUA) Launch -->

Year
Month

7

8

1999
9
10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

2000
6
7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

2001
6
7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

<-- AMSR/ADEOS-II Launch

5

2002
6
7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

31 Mar. 2004

2003
6
7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

2004
6
7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

2005
6
7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2006
2

3

Calibration
Aircraft observation

AMR(Aoga-shima Island)

AMR(Pacific Ocean)

Validation
1 Water Vapor
Microwave radiometer observation
Vessel obeservation
Match-up data sets

(Hegura-jima Island & Minamidaitoh-jima Island)(Vessel MIRAI)
SSM/I vs GTS/Sonde

AMSR & AMSR-E vs GTS/Sonde & Microwave Radiometer
AMSR & AMSR-E vs Vessel observation data

SSM/I & TMI vs Microwave Radiometer2 Cloud Liquid Water
Microwave radiometer observation
Vessel obeservation(Hegura-jima Island & Minamidaitoh-jima Island)(Vessel MIRAI)

Match-up data sets

3 Sea Surface Wind Speed
Match-up data sets

SSM/I & TMI vs Microwave Radiometer

AMSR & AMSR-E vs Microwave Radiometer
AMSR & AMSR-E vs Vessel observation data

SSM/I vs Int./Buoy

AMSR & AMSR-E vs GTS/Buoy & Int./Buoy

4 Precipitation
Aircraft observation

PSR-A etc.(Wakasa Bay)

Ground-based observation(Radar, Precipitation)(Wakasa Bay)

(Wakasa Bay)

(Tibet)(Tibet)(Tibet)(Tibet)Vessel obeservation(Vessel MIRAI)
SSM/I & TMI vs Radar AMeDAS & Field Campaign Data

AMSR & AMSR-E vs Radar AMeDAS & Field Campaign Data

5 Sea Ice Concentration
Aircraft observation

PSR-C etc.(Antarctic)

Ground-based observation(Antarctic)
Match-up data sets

(Wakasa Bay)(Miyako and Yaeyama Islands)

Ground-based automatic observation

Match-up data sets

AMR(Hokkaido)

SSM/I vs AVHRR

PSR-C etc.(Okhotsk)

PSR-C etc.(Antarctic) SAR(Okhotsk)(Okhotsk)(Antarctic)

PSR-C etc.(Antarctic)(Okhotsk)(Antarctic)(Antarctic)

AMSR & AMSR-E vs GTS/Buoy

7 Snow Water Equivalent
Aircraft observation

PSR-C etc.(Colorado)

Microwave radiometer observation

PSR-C etc.(Colorado)(Colorado)(Colorado)

Ground-based snow cover observation(Siberia)(Tibet)(Siberia)(Tibet)(Colorado)
Ground-based snow depth observation

Match-up data sets
8 Soil Moisture
Microwave radiometer observation
Ground-based soil moisture observation(Siberia)(Tibet)(Siberia)(Tibet)SSM/I vs GTS/Snow Depth & Field Campaign Data

(Siberia)(Tibet)(Siberia)(Tibet)AMSR & AMSR-E vs GTS/Snow Depth & Field Campaign Data

(Oklahoma)(Nagaoka)(Iowa)(Oklahoma)(Nagaoka)(Iowa)(Thailand)(Mongolia)

Ground-based automatic observation(Thailand)(Thailand)(Tibet)(Mongolia)(Oklahoma)(Thailand)(Tibet)(Mongolia)

PSR-C etc.(Iowa)

PSR-C etc.(Oklahoma)(Thailand)(Tibet)(Mongolia)

Aircraft observation
Match-up data sets

PSR-C etc.(Oklahoma)
SSM/I, SMMR & TMI vs Truth Data

AMR(Nagaoka)

AMSR & AMSR-E vs Truth Data

(Thailand)

PSR-C etc.(Antarctic)(Okhotsk)

AMSR & AMSR-E vs GLI, NOAA, RADARSAT & Field Campaign Data

6 Sea Surface Temperature
Match-up data sets

SAR(Okhotsk)(Thailand)(Thailand)(Tibet)(Tibet)(Mongolia)

SAR(Okhotsk)(Okhotsk)(Antarctic)

Appendix C

Organization of Cal/Val Planning Team

Organization of Cal/Val Planning TeamAMSR Cal/Val Planning Team
(Coordinator: EORC)JAXA Team

Science Team

EORC

Leader of Calibration

Leader of Validation(Scientist)

(PI)

(PI)

EOSD

ADEOS-II Sensor Team

Standard Algorithm Developing Team

(Ground System Engineer)(Sensor Engineer)(Standard PIs)

Cal/Val Planning Team
(Cal/Val PIs)

Cal/Val Planning Team
(JRA-Selected Scientists)