TES/Aura L1B Spectra Special Observation Low Resolution V006

A nadir sequence within the TES Global Survey was a fixed number of observations within an orbit for a Global Survey. Before April 24, 2005, it consisted of two low-resolution scans over the exact ground locations. After April 24, 2005, Global Survey data consisted of three low-resolution scans.

The Nadir standard product consisted of four files, each file composed of the Global Survey Nadir observations from one of four focal planes for a single orbit, i.e., 72 orbit sequences. The Global Survey Limb observations used a repeating sequence of filter wheel positions. Special Observations could only be scheduled during the 9 or 10 orbit gaps in the Global Surveys and were conducted in any of three basic modes: stare, transect, step-and-stare.

The mode used depended on the science requirement. A Global Survey consisted of observations along 16 consecutive orbits at the start of a two-day cycle, over which 4,608 retrievals were performed (1,152 nadir retrievals and 1,152 retrievals in time-ordered sequence for each limb observation). Each observation was the input for retrievals of species volume mixing ratios (VMRs), temperature profiles, surface temperature, and other data parameters with associated pressure levels, precision, total error, vertical resolution, total column density, and other diagnostic quantities.

Each TES Level 2 standard product reported information in a swath format conforming to the HDF-EOS Aura File Format Guidelines. Each Swath object was bounded by the number of observations in a global survey and a predefined set of pressure levels representing slices through the atmosphere. Each standard product could have had a variable number of observations depending upon the Global Survey configuration and whether averaging is employed.

Also, missing or bad retrievals were not reported. The Global Survey Limb observations use a repeating sequence of filter wheel positions. Special Observations can only be scheduled during the 9 or 10 orbit gaps in the Global Surveys and are conducted in any of three basic modes: stare, transect, step-and-stare.

The mode used depends on the science requirement.