Spectroscopic Imaging of Sub-Kilometer Spatial Structure in Lower Tropospheric Water Vapor

This study maps the sub-kilometer spatial structure in total column water vapor with Visible to Shortwave Infrared (VSWIR) imaging spectroscopy. We describe our inversion approach and validate its accuracy with coincident measurements by airborne imaging spectrometers and the AERONET ground-based observation network. Next we analyze data from NASA’s AVIRIS-NG airborne campaign in India where favorable solar angles enable a uniquely high-resolution measurement of water vapor’s spatial variability and scaling properties. We find second order structure function scaling exponents consistent with convective and non-convective atmospheres. Finally, we conclude by discussing the implications of these measurements and paths toward future campaigns to build upon these results.