Status of the NOAA Unique CrIS ATMS Processing System (NUCAPS): algorithm development and lessons learned from recent field campaigns

The NOAA operational IR+MW hyper spectral retrieval system was developed to produce cloud-cleared radiances and atmospheric temperature, water vapor and trace gas profiles from hyper spectral infrared sounders such as CrIS, IASI and AIRS, in conjunction with microwave sounders, such as ATMS, AMSU and MHS. These retrieval products are accessible in near real time (about 3 hour delay) through the NOAA Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System. Since February 2015, the NOAA Unique CrIS/ATMS Processing System (NUCAPS) retrievals have been also available to the science community with unprecedented low latency (less than 0.5 hours) through Direct Broadcast.

Our current research aims towards the development of a robust retrieval algorithm suitable for both near real time regional forecast applications and long term climate analyses. This talk is organized into two main parts. We first present an overview on the status of the retrieval system, with a highlight on the latest enhancements to the algorithm. Secondly, we discuss some of the lessons learned during recent intensive field campaigns targeted at validating our products and engaging new user applications.