Validation of Aatsr Using the Isar Radiometer – Results since 2004 and a New Approach for a Match-up Quality Indicator

The Infrared Sea surface temperature Autonomous Radiometer (ISAR) was specifically developed for the validation of satellite SSTskin temperature data products, in particular for the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR). Two ISAR instruments have, since March 2004, been deployed on a continuous (one on, one off) basis on the P&O ferry M/V Pride of Bibao, which sails between Portsmouth (UK) and Bilbao (Spain) on a 3day repeat cycle. A number of ancillary measurements, such as wind speed, short wave radiation, long wave radiation, air temperature and humidity are recorded. In presenting the validation results since 2004, we shall discuss the error budget associated with match-ups from a moving platform. A novel quality indicator will be specified, using both ancillary and satellite data. This is proposed as a robust and objective way for specifying the quality of each match-up, which is necessary in order to refine the quality assessment of the data products for AATSR.