futuregoalsfor c o2coolingrateretrieval（ futuregoalsfor c o2coolingrateretrieval）.docVIP

I. Abstract: We expand upon the methodology for retrieving thermal infrared cooling rate profiles, originally developed by Liou and Xue [1], using radiance data taken at different viewing zenith angles. Specifically, we explore the application of these methods to the retrieval of lower- and mid-stratospheric cooling rates using the ν2 band of carbon dioxide (CO2) with data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument. We can measure the radiative forcing in the stratosphere due to CO2 with diminished retrieval error, but a more complete utilization of angular information is required. We have performed a cross-comparison of the retrieval of the cooling rate profile from AIRS data with the cooling rate profile calculated from the retrieved state vector as given by in situ spectra taken by the Scanning High-Resolution Interferometer Sounder (S-HIS) on two aircraft campaigns: the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (MPACE) and the Aura Validation Experiment (AVE) both in Fall, 2004. The retrieval of cooling rate profiles from radiance data derived from remote sounders is a topic which has so far received little attention in the remote sensing community; as such, there are many different opportunities for cooling rate observations of scientific import. For example, the retrieval of CO2 cooling over polar regions during the spring and during sudden-stratospheric warming events may allow for the direct observation of radiative relaxation associated with polar vortex changes. Also, the comparison of CO2 cooling rates derived from Infrared Interferometer Sounder (IRIS-D) and those derived from current sounders could be performed. Moreover, development of cooling rate retrieval specifics for the window and non-window regions for water vapor and mineral dust would be very useful in terms of quantifying the infrared radiative forcing profile of these two species. II. Introduction: The heating or cooling rate profile is proportional to the net radiative f