The Geostationary Remote Infrared Pollution Sounder (GRIPS):
Measurement of the Carbon Gases from Space
Mark Schoeberl, Hal Bloom, Ryan Spackman, Science and Technology Corporation
Chad Fish, Space Dynamics Laboratory
Marty McHugh and Larry Gordley, GATS
Abstract
We describe the science motivation for the measurement of carbon gases, our instrument
concept and its earth remote sensing capabilities. Carbon gases, CO, CH4 and CO2, are
key components of climate change and air quality. CO, with the shortest lifetime, is
produced by fires and industrial processes. It plays a role in ozone formation and is a
surrogate for black carbon aerosols and smoke. CH4, is a powerful greenhouse gas
produced by biogenic process, leaks from pipelines and extraction complexes, and fires.
CH4 sources and sinks are highly uncertain. CO2 is also a powerful greenhouse gas, but
despite years of study, its sinks are still uncertain. Using the combination of these gases
we can fingerprint sources of pollution. We have developed an instrument concept that
would provide rapid temporal and high spatial resolution measurements of these carbon
gases from space.
Our instrument, the Geostationary Remote Infrared Pollution Sounder (GRIPS) is
designed to quantify the concentration, sources and fluxes of these gases over the extrapolar Western Hemisphere. One advantage of the geostationary orbit is that more
measurements in cloud free regions can be made in a few days than can be made in
several weeks of low earth orbit measurements. A second advantage is that we can
resolve the diurnal component of the gas concentration. This allows better tracking of
plumes and identification of sources. Unlike the thermal infrared sensors on AIRS,
MOPITT and IASI, GRIPS uses the near and short wave infrared to make measurements
in the boundary layer, where the sources and sinks are active.
In this presentation we focus on the unprecedented science opportunity afforded by
GRIPS’ to monitor carbon-rich gaseous pollutants over the greater Brazil region and
attendant societal benefits. We also take this opportunity to welcome and encourage new
partnerships between communities in Brazil and US through our support of the 1st South
America’s GEO weather/environment satellite program.