AMSU is a cross-track scanning total power radiometer, which is divided into two physically separate modules that interface with the spacecraft independently. The AMSU-A/AMSU-B (MHS) measures scene radiance in the microwave spectrum. The data from this instrument is used to and provide temperature profile, cloud liquid water, cloud ice water, precipitation and surface measurements including snow cover, sea ice concentration. land surface emissivity and temperature. The data are also used as proxy data for demonstration of NPOESS Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS). The combined channel and capability of AMSU-A and AMSU-B (MHS) will be similar to those provided from the ATMS. The products demonstrated here include total precipitatble water, cloud water, precipitation, snow cover, sea ice concentration, surface temperature and emissivity, and atmospheric profiles of temperature and water vapor.
The quality of these operational products will be continuously improved in the next few years and compared to that from NPP contractors. More importantly, we demonstrate the augmentation to the capability of ATMS sensor, which is primarily designed for temperature and water vapor profiling. NOAA will develop its own unique products.
