First direct space-based observation confirms CO2 increase alters Earth's outgoing longwave radiation as predicted

João Teixeira, R. Chris Wilson, and Heidar Th. Thrastarson

8h ago· 6 min readenInsight

Summary

This study presents the first direct observational evidence from space of the spectral signature of increased atmospheric CO2 on Earth's outgoing longwave radiation, isolated from temperature and water vapor effects. Using data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the Aqua satellite, the researchers developed a methodology to select ensembles of atmospheric profiles with similar temperature and water vapor but different CO2 concentrations, allowing them to isolate the CO2 radiative effect. The observed spectral radiance changes closely match theoretical estimates, providing experimental confirmation of the CO2 greenhouse effect predicted by climate models.

Source

Twitter / XFirst direct space-based observation confirms CO2 increase alters Earth's outgoing longwave radiation as predictedacp.copernicus.org

Key quotes

· 5 pulled

We present a direct measurement of the impact of increased atmospheric CO2 on the spectra of the Earth's longwave radiation obtained from space.

The goal of this study is to experimentally confirm that the direct effects of CO2 increase on the Earth's outgoing longwave spectra follow theoretical estimates.

By analyzing the spectral radiances measured from space by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), corresponding to the selected ensembles of profiles, the effects of increased CO2 on the spectra can be isolated from the temperature and water vapor effects.

As far as the authors are aware, this is the first time that the spectral signature of the increase in CO2 (isolated from temperature and water vapor changes) has been directly observed from space.

The results illustrate the impact of the increase in CO2 on the longwave spectra and compare well with theoretical estimates.

Snippet from the RSS feed

Abstract. We present a direct measurement of the impact of increased atmospheric CO2 on the spectra of the Earth's longwave radiation obtained from space. The goal of this study is to experimentally confirm that the direct effects of CO2 increase on the E

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