CRyogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere - CRISTA

Abstract

The distribution of trace gases in the middle atmosphere results from the interplay of photochemistry and dynamics. More and more refined 3-D models of the atmosphere as well as local soundings by balloons and rockets reveal an atmosphere which is highly structured horizonatally, vertically, and in time. The spatial dimensions of such structures span the wide range from global scale planetary waves to local turbulence. Today's remote sensing satellites generally exhibit a good spatial resolution when vertical scales are considered. In the horizontal plane, however, their resolution is limited to the distance between two adjacent orbits. In order to improve the spatial resolution and to detect and analyse small scale structures the experiment CRISTA is planned.