Development and Application of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder Ozone Retrieval Products for Operational Meteorology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center has worked closely with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R series and the Joint Polar Satellite System Proving Grounds to develop and transition unique ozone products derived from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) ozone retrievals to the Ocean Prediction Center (OPC). These products were developed to aid identification of stratospheric air and enhance situational awareness of rapid cyclogenesis and hurricane-force wind events during which stratospheric air may play a key role. OPC forecasters have used the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites Meteosat Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager red, green, blue (RGB) air mass imagery to identify regions of stratospheric air for their unique weather forecasting challenges; however, the qualitative nature of the new RGB product facilitated a need for quantitative products to enhance forecaster confidence in the RGB air mass imagery. To enhance forecaster interpretation and confidence in the RGB air mass imagery, SPoRT created the total column ozone and ozone anomaly products from hyperspectral infrared sounder ozone retrievals. AIRS Version 6 Level-2 ozone retrievals were utilized to create hourly ozone products over a northwest hemisphere domain. An example case study from February 24-27, 2014, shows the utility of the ozone products in enhancing interpretation of the RGB air mass imagery for anticipating rapid cyclogenesis and hurricane-force winds in the North Atlantic.