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Estimation and validation of atmospheric water vapor content using a MODIS NIR band ratio technique based on AIRS water vapor products

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Abstract

Atmospheric water vapor validation needs simultaneous, well-defined, and independent information which are not easily available causing limitations in the development of remote sensing water vapor retrieval algorithms. This study is concerned with the retrieval of total atmospheric water vapor content and its validation. A band ratio method has been used to estimate the water vapor content based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Near InfraRed (NIR) data. The method uses MODIS bands 17, 18, and 19 as NIR bands and band 2 to remove the land cover reflectance. Furthermore, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) has been used for both algorithm development and analysis of the results. The method has been modified to take into account the dry condition of the central parts of Iran. Using some various datasets, the method is implemented and evaluated quantitatively. The validation of the water vapor estimates has been undertaken by an analysis of AIRS data. The validation results shows error as low as 9 % for the estimated water vapor using the MODIS NIR band ratio method.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Remote Sensing Division, Surveying Engineering Department, University College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Mina Moradizadeh & Mohammad R. Saradjian

  2. Surveying Department, Engineering Faculty, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

    Mehdi Momeni

Authors
  1. Mina Moradizadeh
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  2. Mehdi Momeni
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  3. Mohammad R. Saradjian
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Correspondence to Mina Moradizadeh.

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Moradizadeh, M., Momeni, M. & Saradjian, M.R. Estimation and validation of atmospheric water vapor content using a MODIS NIR band ratio technique based on AIRS water vapor products. Arab J Geosci 7, 1891–1897 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0828-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0828-2

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