SPARC SSEC Portable Atmospheric Research Center

The SPARC & SPARClet are outfitted with a uniquely capable suite of instruments

Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI)

The AERI is a ground-based instrument that measures the downwelling infrared radiance (radiant energy) from the Earth’s atmosphere.  The observations have broad spectral content, and sufficient spectral resolution to discriminate among gaseous emitters (e.g. carbon dioxide, water vapor) and suspended matter (e.g. aerosols, water droplets, ice crystals).  These uplooking surface observations can be used to obtain vertical profiles of tropospheric temperature and water vapor, as well as measurements of trace gases (e.g. ozone, carbon monoxide, methane) and downwelling infrared spectral signatures of clouds and aerosols.

High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL)

The HSRL measures absolutely calibrated vertically resolved backscatter and extinction cross-sections.  These observations provide detailed cloud and aerosol profiles with sensitivity to the entire atmospheric column, including cirrus and stratospheric aerosols.

Doppler Lidar

The Halo Photonics Stream Line XR Dopper Lidar is deployed outside of the SPARC and measures wind speed and direction profiles.

Radiosondes

SPARC supports Vaisala RS-41 radiosonde launches for in situ atmospheric profiling.

Surface Met

Surface meteorology station measures air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction.