Using Dome C for MODIS calibration and characterization

MODIS is a scanning radiometer that has 36 spectral bands with wavelengths from visible (VIS) to long-wave infrared (LWIR). Its observations and data products have significantly enabled studies of changes in the Earth system of land, oceans, and atmosphere. Currently, there are two nearly identical MODIS instruments operated in space: one on the Terra spacecraft launched in December 1999 and another on the Aqua spacecraft lunched in May 2002. MODIS reflective solar bands (RSB) are calibrated on-orbit by a system that consists of a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) on a regular basis. Its thermal emissive bands (TEB) calibration is executed on a scan-by-scan basis using an on-board blackbody (BB). In addition to on-board calibrators (OBC), well-characterized ground targets have been used by MODIS calibration and validation scientists and by the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) to evaluate and validate sensor on-orbit calibration, characterization, and performance. In this paper, we describe current MCST effort and progress made to examine sensor stability and inter-calibration consistency using observations over Dome Concordia, Antarctica. Results show that this site can provide useful calibration reference for a wide range of Earth-observing sensors.

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