Ground-based remote sensing for the detection of greenhouse gases by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry: optimization of retrieval strategies and its validation

Abstract

The work is based on the high-quality ground-based remote sensing Fourier Transform InfraRed spectrometer for the inversion of precise total column amounts and vertical profiles of different atmospheric trace gases. The thesis is focused on the optimization of the retrieval strategies for the greenhouse gases water vapour and methane. For this purpose the inversion code PROFFIT is applied. The vertical distribution of water vapour and tropospheric methane as derived from our remote sensing measurements are compared against very precise in-situ measurements. Thus, the quality of our retrieved products are documented. These studies have been carry out at the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center (IARC-AEMET), Canary Island, 28.30 N, 16.50 W.