EOS Validation Program

Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
                    Mail Stop 183-601
                    4800 Oak Grove Drive
                    Pasadena, CA 91109
Phone: (818) 354-8259
FAX: (818) 354-8259
E-mail: toon@mark4sun.jpl.nasa.gov

Bhaswar Sen (JPL)

March 2003
April 2004

It is proposed to evaluate the adequacy of the existing HITRAN data-base to correctly simulate limb transmittance spectra. This will be done by fitting solar occultation spectra measured by the JPL MKIV interferometer during recent balloon flights. These spectra are of very high quality and were measured under closely monitored (by in situ sensors) conditions. Future additions/ammendments to the linelist will be tested in terms of their ability to improve the fits to the measured spectra, and in terms of their consistency with other bands of the same gas. This work would provide an objective basis for quantifying the adequacy of the existing database (i.e. HITRAN) in various spectral regions, and for deciding whether new linelists constitue an improvement over the old. It will also help to prioritize needs for future laboratory studies.