What is the algorithm employed for determination of AIRS surface temperature?
A. We do not have a separate surface temperature retrieval algorithm. The surface temperature is one of many parameters retrieved by the unified algorithm. You may find the published Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents at the URL: http://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/eos_homepage/for_scientists/atbd/viewInstrum ent.php?instrument=22 The one of interest is the AIRS Level 2 Unified Retrieval Algorithm. There are several references you may also look up. The latest is published in the special AIRS Validation section of the JGR Susskind J., C. Barnet, J. Blaisdell, L. Iredell, F. Keita, L. Kouvaris, G. Molnar, M. Chahine (2006), Accuracy of geophysical parameters derived from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit as a function of fractional cloud cover, J. Geophys. Res., 111, D09S17, doi:10.1029/2005JD006272. An older one is the paper in the IEEE special issue on Aqua, published just after the launch Sisslomd K/. C/ Barnet, J. Blaisdell (2003), Retrieval of Atmospheric and
