Precision requirements for space-based X-CO2 data
Publication information:
C. E. Miller, D. Crisp, P. L. DeCola, S. C. Olsen, J. T. Randerson, A. M. Michalak, A. Alkhaled, P. Rayner, D.J. Jacob, P. Suntharalingam, D. B. A. Jones, A. S. Denning, M. E. Nicholls, S. C. Doney, S. Pawson, H. Boesch, B. J. Connor, I. Y. Fung, D. O’Brien, R. J. Salawitch, S. P. Sander, B. Sen, P. Tans, G. C. Toon, P. O. Wennberg, S. C. Wofsy, Y. L. Yung, and R. M. Law. 2007. “Precision Requirements for Space-Based X-CO2 Data”. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 112, D10
Abstract
Precision requirements are determined for space-based column-averaged CO2 dry air mole fraction 
data. These requirements result from an assessment of spatial and temporal gradients in 
the relationship between 
precision and surface CO2 flux uncertainties inferred from inversions of the 
data, and the effects of 
biases on the fidelity of CO2 flux inversions. Observational system simulation experiments and synthesis inversion modeling demonstrate that the Orbiting Carbon Observatory mission design and sampling strategy provide the means to achieve these 
data precision requirements.
data. These requirements result from an assessment of spatial and temporal gradients in the relationship between precision and surface CO2 flux uncertainties inferred from inversions of the data, and the effects of biases on the fidelity of CO2 flux inversions. Observational system simulation experiments and synthesis inversion modeling demonstrate that the Orbiting Carbon Observatory mission design and sampling strategy provide the means to achieve these data precision requirements.