In a significant advancement for atmospheric science and environmental monitoring, researchers have validated over a decade of carbon monoxide (CO) data retrieved from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) using in situ observations from the In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS). This validation, covering the period from 2008 to 2019, is pivotal for enhancing our understanding of atmospheric composition and its implications for the energy sector.
Lead author B. Barret from LAERO/OMP, Université de Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France, emphasizes the importance of this research: “Our findings not only validate the IASI CO retrievals but also highlight the discrepancies that exist within different algorithms used for data retrieval.” The study compared two algorithms, SOFRID and FORLI, revealing that SOFRID generally provides a better representation of CO variability, especially in the lower troposphere, while FORLI aligns more closely with IAGOS measurements in the middle to upper troposphere.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest. Accurate atmospheric monitoring is crucial for the energy sector, particularly in understanding emissions from various sources and their impact on air quality and climate change. With CO being a significant pollutant linked to combustion processes, improvements in retrieval accuracy can directly influence regulatory policies, emissions tracking, and the development of cleaner technologies.
The study found that both algorithms tend to underestimate total CO columns, with SOFRID showing an average underestimation of 8±16% and FORLI at 6±14%. Notably, the biases vary geographically, with significant differences detected in regions south of 13.5° S and north of 40° N. This geographical variability underscores the need for localized data and tailored approaches in emissions management.
Barret’s team believes that these insights will not only aid users in assessing the quality of IASI CO retrievals but also provide developers with crucial information for refining future retrieval techniques. “Our validation results are a stepping stone for improving the reliability of satellite data, which is essential for effective environmental monitoring and policy-making,” Barret adds.
As the energy sector continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, this research published in ‘Atmospheric Measurement Techniques’ (translated as “Techniques de Mesure Atmosphérique”) presents a vital tool for stakeholders. By enhancing the accuracy of atmospheric measurements, it paves the way for better-informed decisions regarding emissions reduction strategies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.
