Introduction to ASL

The Atmospheric Spectroscopy Laboratory focuses on understanding atmospheric behavior important for global climate change and weather forecasting. We concentrate on measurements utilizing high spectral resolution measures from space, high altitude aircraft, and tall mountains. Our particular expertise is modelling infrared atmospheric radiation, especially with regard to spectral lineshapes.

Research Topics

A major part of our research is involved in the analysis of data from the first of a new generation of high resolution infrared satellite instruments, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). AIRS is being used to improve numerical weather forecasts, as well as monitoring long-term global climate change. We participated in the instrument calibration, and are currently developing algorithms for the retrieval of atmospheric parameters from the satellite measured radiances. Besides AIRS, we are also involved with the upcoming IASI and CrIS instruments.