Validation of the Aura High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder geopotential heights

The accuracy, resolution and precision of the HIRDLS version 7 algorithms are assessed and data screening recommendations are made. Comparisons with GPH from observations, reanalyses and models including European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis (ERA-Interim), and National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) Reanalysis illustrate the HIRDLS GPHs have a precision ranging from 2 to 30 m and an accuracy of ±100 m up to 1 hPa.

Comparisons indicate HIRDLS GPH may have a slight low bias in the tropics and a slight high bias at high latitudes. Geostrophic winds computed with HIRDLS GPH qualitatively agree with winds from other data sources including ERA-Interim.