Instrumentation

Science goals during INTEX-B/MILAGRO for the J-31:

a) Characterize the distributions, properties, and effects of aerosols and water vapor advecting from Mexico City and biomass fires toward and over the Gulf of Mexico (i.e. Aerosol Optical Depth And Extinction Spectra (354-2138  nm), Water Vapor Columns and Profiles, Aerosol Radiative Impacts: In Clear Sky (Direct Effect) & Via Clouds (Indirect Effect))

b) Test the ability of Aura, other A-Train & Terra sensors, & airborne lidar to retrieve aerosol, cloud, and water vapor properties

c) Characterize surface spectral albedo and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) to help improve satellite retrievals

d) Quantify the relationships between the above and aerosol amount and type.

Instruments involved aboard the J-31 aircraft :

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The Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR) was instrumented on the Sky Research Jetstream-31 (J-31) based out of Veracruz, Mexico.  The J31 was equipped to measure solar radiation and how that energy is affected by Earth’s surfaces and the pollution above it.