The effects of surface reflection on estimating the vertical temperature-humidity distribution from spectral infrared measurements

To improve the accuracy of vertical profiles of temperature and moisture re trieved from infrared spectral measurements, the surface emissivity must be accounted for in the solution of the inverse problem (based upon the radia tive transfer equation). A model that accounts for the emission and reflect ion on the lower atmospheric boundary and an algorithm of solution are pres ented. Results using spectral measurements from an airborne radiometer over land surfaces are discussed. The solution of the inverse problem includes the surface emissivity, the surface temperature, and the vertical temperatu re-humidity profile. It is shown that accounting for the surface emissivity in the solution of the inverse problem substantially and positively change s the meteorological profiles.