Through comparisons of satellite-derived radiances and those predicted by radiative transfer models, this study investigates potential biases in radiances from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard NASA's TERRA satellite. Clear-sky MODIS 6.7-, 11-, and 12-µm radiances will be compared with clear-sky radiances from the GOES-8 imager over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Cloud and Radiation Testbed (CART) site from a six-month period in 2001. The MODIS spectral radiances for these three bands will also be compared with radiances from the GOES-10 imager for all clear sky cases located at the GOES-10 sub-satellite point (-135W, 0N) since November 2000.

Additionally, we investigate potential biases between the radiances observed by 16 infrared bands on MODIS (3.6-14 µm) and those calculated by a radiative transfer model. One goal is to quantify the sensitivity of the results to radiative transfer model input (temperature and moisture profiles, skin temperature, surface pressure, and emissivity) using Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) model data, radiosondes, and CART site observations.