**++Involvement in Satellite Earth Observation Missions++**

---

SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity)/

http://www.esa.int/esaLP/LPsmos.html
http://www.cesbio.ups-tlse.fr/us/indexsmos.html
http://www.icm.csic.es/oce/projects/smos/

SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign Activities at the Valencia Anchor Station

Within the TV programme Medi Ambient of the Valencia Radio Television Network this Campaign was magnificently shown as The Eyes of Science on 11th and 13th December, 2008.

Medi Ambient is a TV programme specialized on information on environmental matters in the Valencia Autonomous Community.

Successful dress rehearsal for SMOS validation As ESA looks forward to the launch of its SMOS Earth Explorer next year, the extensive SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign took place over Germany, Spain and the Mediterranean Sea during last April, 2008. The campaign rehearsed the complex procedures involved in validating the mission's data � data crucial for a better understanding of the Earth's water cycle.

More than 100 people in total, scientists and students from the University of Valencia, Spain, took soil-moisture gravimetric samples and probe readings from the SMOS control area of the Valencia Anchor Station, covering an area of 100 km2 and including different types of vegetation. The measuring activities from the aircraft and on the ground were carried out following periods of a significant rainfall event so that the so-called drying period of the soil could be nicely represented in the data.

Scientific Team

PI of the Valencia Anchor Station Site (Spain): Ernesto Lopez-Baeza(1,2)

Team: R. Acosta(1,3), M.C. Antolin(2), F. Belda(4), A. Cano(1), E. Carbo(2), A. Fidalgo(5), S. Juglea(6), Y. Kerr(6), B. Martinez(7,8), C. Millan-Scheiding(1,2), D. Rodriguez(1), K. Saleh(9), J. Sanchis(1), J.-P. Wigneron(10)

Other Contributors: J.E. Balling(11), C. Domenech(1), EOLAB(8), A.G. Ferreira(1,12), J. Ferrer(5), J. Grant(13), J.Marco(2) C. Narbon(1), B. Navascues(14), E. Rodriguez-Camino(14), N. Skou(10), S. S�bj�rg(10), P. Soriano(2), J. Tamayo(4), S. Tauriainen(15), E. Torre(2), G. Torregrosa(2), A. Velazquez Blazquez(1), S. Vidal(1)

European Space Scientific Officers (ESA) Scientific Officers: C. Bouzinac, S. Delwart, P. Wursteisen

(1) University of Valencia (UVEG), Dept. of Physics of the Earth and Thermodynamics. Climatology from Satellites Group, Valencia, (GCS), Spain
(2) Center for Desertification Research (CIDE). Dept of Territorial Planning, Valencia, Spain
(3) Universidade de S�o Paulo. Laboratorio de Clima e Biosfera, Sao Paulo, Brazil
(4) Meteorological State Agency (AEMet), Meteorological Regional Center of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
(5) Jucar River Basin Authority, (CHJ, Confederaci�n Hidrogr�fica del Jucar), Valencia, Spain
(6) Centre d'Etudes Spatiales de la BIOsph�re (CESBIO), Toulouse, France
(7) UVEG, Dept. of Physics of the Earth and Thermodynamics. Remote Sensing Unit, Valencia, Spain
(8) EOLAB-Spain, S.L., Valencia, Spain
(9) University of Cambridge, Department of Geography, Cambridge, United Kingdom
(10) INRA Bordeaux-Aquitaine, Ecologie fonctionnelle et PHYSique de l'Environnement (EPHYSE), Bordeaux, France
(11) Technical University of Denmark (TUD), Lyngby, Denmark
(12) Funda��o Cearense de Meteorologia e Recursos H�dricos (FUNCEME), Fortaleza, Brazil
(13) Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
(14) Meteorological State Agency (AEMet), Madrid, Spain
(15) Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) or Teknillinen Korkeakoulu (TKK), Laboratory of Space Technology, Helsinki, Finland

Purpose

The general purpose of the SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign is to repeat the Commissioning Phase execution with all centres, all tools, all participants, all structures, all data available, assuming all tools and structures are ready and trying to produce as close as possible the post-launch conditions. The aim is to test the readiness, the ensemble coordination and the speed of operations, and to avoid as far as possible any unexpected deficiencies of the plan and procedure during the real Commissioning Phase campaigns (Bouzinac et al., 2008). A specific added-value objective of the Valencia Anchor Station Team is to validate the ground sampling strategy defined for this campaign (10 x 10 km2) by comparing the ground area-estimated products with the aircraft area-integrated measurements in order to be able to extend the methodology to the larger SMOS footprint representative area (125 x 125 km2). The scientific framework in which context these objectives will be studied is monitoring of soil drying after a significant rainfall event takes place in the study area.

(Bouzinac, C., S. Delwart and P. Wursteisen + members of the validation teams (2008): SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign Plan. ESA-ESTEC)

Coordinates of the different validations zones defined:

VAS:
(39�34�15��N, 1�17�18��W, 813 m)

For 10x10 km2:
UTM (ED50) coordinates:
NW: 643966 4386507
NE: 653735 4388886
SE: 655995 4378531
SW: 646226 4376152
or
NW corner: 39�36�51.83� - 001�19�26.57�
SW corner: 39�31�14.71� - 001�18�00.04�
NE corner: 39�38�02.85� - 001�12�35.08�
SE corner: 39�32�25.66� - 001�11�09.08�

For 50x50 km2:
NW -> 1.698423W 39.683639N
NE -> 1.115635W 39.675642N
SE -> 1.127737W 39.225365N
SW -> 1.706786W 39.233235N

For 125x125 km2:
NW -> 2.563715W 39.799068N
NE -> 1.104126 39.784399N
SE -> 1.134179W 38.658662N
SW -> 2.570636W 38.672758N

Physio-hydrological Units defined in the 10 x 10 km2 area attending to criteria of lithology, geology, climate, soil type, slope, topography, physiography, and vegetation cover (see picture below). An automated wireless network of SM sensors (Theta Probe) has been designed and is currently under development and being implemented over the most significant physio-hydrological units

SM network ■ VAS � SM stations (operative) o SM stations (tbc)

Definition and characteristics of the physio-hydrological units defined

Example of wireless SM station

Activities

Ground Measurements during aircraft operations

Objectives: (i) To measure soil moisture content for the whole 10 x 10 km2 under saturation conditions, i. e., after a significant rain event, and during the soil drying period, i.e., 24, 48 h, 5-7 days, 10-15 days, after precipitation
(ii) To measure SM of each significant and representative hydro-physiological unit:
� Compare different SM measurements within each unit
� Compare different SM measurements in polygones within each
� Compare SM measurements of similar units
� Compare SM measurements of different units
(iii) Establish relationships to unify / fragment units or re-assign polygons in different units
(iv) Provide the approximate average for each unit and for all the units in total within the 10 x 10 km2
(v) Compare SM from the units to that of the total area
(vi) Study the representativity of the automatic SM stations in the whole 10 x 10 km2 area, using the large number of measurements for eachy day of the campaign
(vii) Establish a quick and efficacious methodology to est�mate SM of a large area out of a few measurements, as preparation for Cal/Val
(viii) Compare SM under humid and dry conditions; establish the spatial and temporal dynamics of SM

The campaign at the Valencia Anchor Station Site will begin on 19th April. The first possible campaign flight should be performed before sunrise on 20th April, independently of weather conditions, except if it is actually raining.

The area will be crossed diagonally (SE to NW) and along 5 separate North/Southbound parallel lines displaced by 2 km relative to each other.

Valencia Anchor Station study area with the five flight lines and the diagonal flight line all geo-referenced over an orthophoto of the study area

SM Measurements

Volumetric/Gravimetric soil samples Volumetric probe measurements (Theta Probe)

In each sampling plot, volumetric SM data will be obtained by means of capacitance probes (Delta-T Theta probes) calibrated according to the soil textures obtained in each case and, in parallel, soil samples will be obtained in cylinders of known volumen where volumetric soil moisture will be measured, thus obtaining soil bulk density. From that, soil porosity will be estimated because this parameter is responsible of the soil water retention capacity.

The percent of water in volume obtained will be used as �ground truth� with respect to the SM values obtained with the capacitance probes.

The ground measurements will consist of 20 teams distributed throughout the entire area, (4 teams for the detailed diagonal flight, 4 teams for the harder soil shrub area (left-hand side of the image, teams 5, 6, 7, 8), and 3 teams for the rest of each flight line remaining. Depending on the soil properties and hardiness each group will take a large number of cylinder volumetric samples and an average of 1000 volumetric probe measurements every flight day.

Flight lines over the 10 x 10 km2 area

Detail of the sampling to be carried out by one of the teams (team #10, just an example)

One team more will perform sea surface measurements, for calibration purposes of the radiometers onboard the research aircraft, and according to the Spanish Port System (Puertos del Estado)(tbc)

Vegetation Measurements

From our detailed vegetation map (generated at 1:2000 scale), vegetation over the 10 x 10 km2 area shows a scarce diversity of vegetation species. Within the area, the major vegetation uses are vineyard, almond- and olive-trees, coniferous forests, matorral shrubs (Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Quercus coccifera, Genista scorpius, Ulex parviflorus, Ramnus licioides, Stipa tenacissima, Juniperus communis), and very very scarce areas of cereals (Zea mays and Avena sativa).

Vegetation parameter sampling is not needed to be too intensive. However, accurate estimation of vegetation stage should be achieved through simple measurements over well chosen areas:
� Vegetation height
� Phenologic stage (number of leaves in vineyards/plant, etc) in some fields
� Digital photographs giving general information on the phenology (in orchards)
� LAI measurements in shrubs and matorral areas
� Alometric parameter sampling in tree areas to relate plant dimensions to vegetation characteristics which are required as inputs for the retrieval models
� Vegetation water content sampling

LAI and FVC maps over the area (August 2006, courtesy of EOLAB)

For each of the dominant vegetation types, the sampling to be performed will consist of: branches and leaves of almond, olive, Holm Oak and pine trees, and complete individuals of shrubs. In these samples we will measure all the dimensional parameters and laboratory analysis to estimate biomass.

Soil texture

Soil samples on measured plots will be taken before the campaign to begin laboratory analysis and probe texture calibrations. Each team will measure a statistically significant amount of point measurements in plots distributed throughout the selected area. Of these plots, soil bulk density, percentage of organic material, texture and probe calibration analysis will be determined.

Airborne Operations during the SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign (Tauriainen, 2008)

The flight measurements will be performed using the TKK Short Skyvan research aircraft. The payload for the SMOS Validation Rehearsal campaign will consist of the following instruments:
� L-band radiometer EMIRAD provided by the Technical University of Denmark (TUD)
� HUT-2D L-band imaging interferometric radiometer provided by TKK
� PARIS GPS reflectrometry system provided by IEEC
� IR sensor provided by the Finnish Institute of Maritime Research (FIMR)
� a low resolution digital video camera

Skyvan and its payload

Skyvan transit from Valencia Airport to the Valencia Anchor Station site and operations

Flight lines over the study area including operational and forthcoming stations:
■ VAS
� SM stations (operative)
o SM stations (to be deployed)/

Flight measurements over the VAS site should be followed by sea water measurements for instrument calibration. Therefore the flight should be extended before landing at the Valencia airport to cover a short track over the Mediterranean. The Valencia buoy from the Spanish Port System (Puertos del Estado) could be of interest (tbc)

The Skyvan will be kept at the
Air Nostrum facilities
in the Valencia Manises Airport (see Google location)

Modelling

(i) At CESBIO, modelling work is currently carried out to simulate passive microwave brightness temperatures. Surfex, a SVAT (Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Transfer) model from M�t�o France, is used to characterize the surface according to ground and meteorological data from the Valencia Anchor Station area. Outputs from this surface modelling are used in the L-MEB (L-band Microwave Emission of the Biosphere, Wigneron et al., 2007) model to simulate the surface emission (brightness temperatures) at L-band. These simulations, spatialized at the SMOS pixel, will be compared in a further step with the SMOS measurements during the Commissioning Phase.
(Wigneron J-P, Y. Kerr, P. Waldteufel, K. Saleh, M.-J. Escorihuela, P., Richaume, P. Ferrazzoli, P. de Rosnay, R. Gurney, J.-C. Calvet, J.P., Grant, M. Guglielmetti, B. Hornbuckle, C. M�tzler, T. Pellarin, M. Schwank (2007): L-band Microwave Emission of the Biosphere (L-MEB) Model: Description and calibration against experimental data sets over crop fields. Remote Sens. Env., 107, p. 639-655, 2007)

Meteorological stations available for modelling and spatializing at the SMOS footprint scale

(ii) HIRLAM is currently being applied to the area. Soil Moisture fields will be extracted from HIRLAM analyses during the SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign and compared to the Soil Moisture network, in collaboration with the Spanish AEMet. As a trial, the picture below shows the Soil Moisture field obtained from the output from HIRLAM for 14/07/05, at 00Z. All the HIRLAM analyses will be available for the SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign.

Publications

2011

� Zribi M., Pard� M., Boutin J., Fanise P., Hauser D., Dechambre M., Kerr Y., Leduc-Leballeur M., Reverdin G., Skou N., S�bj�rg S., Albergel C., Calvet J.C., Wigneron J.P., Lopez-Baeza E., Rius A., Tenerelli J. (2011): CAROLS: A New Airborne L-Band Radiometer for Ocean Surface and Land Observations. Sensors. 11(1), 719-742 (2011)

2010

� Cano A., Saleh K., Wigneron J.-P., Antolin C., Balling J.E., Kerr Y., Kruszewski A., Millan-Scheiding C., S�bjaerg S.S., Skou N., Lopez-Baeza E. (2010): The SMOS Mediterranean Ecosystem L-band Characterisation Experiment (MELBEX) over Natural Shrubs. Remote Sensing of Environment, 114 (4): 844-853, (2010) doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2009.11.019

� Juglea, S., Kerr, Y., Mialon, A., Wigneron, J.-P., Lopez-Baeza, E., Cano, A., Albitar, A., Millan-Scheiding, C., Carmen Antolin, M., and Delwart, S. (2010): Modelling soil moisture at SMOS scale by use of a SVAT model over the Valencia Anchor Station. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 14, 831-846, (2010) doi:10.5194/hess-14-831-2010

� Juglea, S. Y. Kerr, A. Mialon, E. Lopez-Baeza, D. Braithwaite, and K. Hsu (2010): Evaluation of PERSIANN database in the framework of SMOS Calibration/Validation activities over Valencia Anchor Station. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 14, 1509-1525, (2010) doi:10.5194/hess-14-1509-2010

2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza & SMOS Cal/Val AO Project no.3252 Team (2008): Valencia Site Data Processing & Model Results. Workshop of the SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands, 18-19 Nov. 200

� K. Saleh, E. Lopez-Baeza, A. Cano, C. Millan, C. Antolin & SMOS Validation Rehearsal Team (2008): SMOS Validation Rehearsal Flights (EMIRAD) VALENCIA. Workshop of the SMOS Validation Rehearsal Campaign NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands, 18-19 Nov. 200

� A. Cano, J.-P. Wigneron, C. Mill�n-Scheiding, C. Antol�n, J.E. Balling, J.P. Grant, A. Kruszewski, K. Saleh, S.S. S�bj�rg, N. Skou and E. Lopez-Baeza (2008): Vegetation Signatures at the VAS Site(MELBEX-1 & 2). SMOS meeting in Bordeaux. INRA, 30-31 October 2008

� K. Saleh, E. Lopez-Baeza, A. Cano, C. Millan, C. Antolin & SMOS Validation Rehearsal Team (2008): SMOS Validation Rehearsal Flights (EMIRAD) VALENCIA. SMOS meeting in Bordeaux. INRA, 30-31 October 2008

� Mill�n-Scheiding, C; Marco, J; Soriano, M.P; Torre, E; Torregrosa, G; �balos, B; Requena, F; Cano, A; Antol�n, C; E. Lopez-Baeza (2008): VAS Soil and Vegetation Characterization. SMOS meeting in Bordeaux. INRA, 30-31 October 2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza & SMOS Cal/Val AO Proposal no.3252 Team (2008): General Presentation of SMOS Activities over the Valencia Anchor Station Cal/Val Sites. SMOS meeting in Bordeaux. INRA, 30-31 October 2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza, R. Acosta, M.C. Antolin, J. Balling, F. Belda, C. Bouzinac, A. Cano, S. Delwart, C. Domenech, A.G. Ferreira, S. Juglea, Y. Kerr, C. Millan-Scheiding, C. Narbon, D. Rodriguez, K. Saleh, J. Sanchis, N. Skou, S. S�bj�rg, S. Tauriainen, A. Velazquez-Blazquez, S. Vidal, J.-P. Wigneron, P. Wursteisen (2008): La Misi�n SMOS: Actividades Preparatorias de Validaci�n en la Valencia Anchor Station. VI Congreso Internacional de la Asociaci�n Espa�ola de Climatolog�a� 6th Internacional Congress of the Spanish Association for Climatology. Cambio Clim�tico Regional y sus Impactos � Regional Climate Change and its Impacts. Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, 8-11 Oct. 2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza, R. Acosta, M.C. Antolin, J. Balling, F. Belda, C. Bouzinac, A. Cano, S. Delwart, C. Domenech, A.G. Ferreira, J. Grant, S. Juglea, Y. Kerr, C. Millan-Scheiding, C. Narbon, D. Rodriguez, K. Saleh, J. Sanchis, N. Skou, S. S�bj�rg, S. Tauriainen, A. Velazquez-Blazquez, S. Vidal, J.-P. Wigneron, P. Wursteisen (2008): Validation Activities Preparation for SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) Land Products at the Valencia Anchor Station. 2008 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference, Darmstadt, Germany, 08 - 12 September 2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza, R. Acosta, M.C. Antolin, J. Balling, F. Belda, C. Bouzinac, A. Cano, S. Delwart, C. Domenech, A.G. Ferreira, J. Grant, S. Juglea, Y. Kerr, C. Millan-Scheiding, C. Narbon, D. Rodriguez, K. Saleh, J. Sanchis, N. Skou, S. S�bj�rg, S. Tauriainen, A. Velazquez-Blazquez, S. Vidal, J.-P. Wigneron, P. Wursteisen (2008): SMOS Land Product Validation Activities at the Valencia Anchor Station. 37th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Session A3.1. on Space Data Utilization for Earth. Current and Future Missions, Montreal, Canada , 13-20 July 2008

� S. Juglea, Y.H. Kerr, A. Mialon, E.Lopez-Baeza, J.C.Calvet, J.P. Wigneron (2008): L-Band brightness temperature simulated from coupled SVAT model and radiative transfer model over the Valencia Anchor Station. EGU General Assembly 2008, Session on Soil moisture estimation using field instrumentation, remote sensing and modelling (HS11.5), Vienna, Austria, 13-18 April 2008

� A. Cano, C. Mill�n-Scheiding, J.-P. Wigneron, C. Antol�n, J.E. Balling, J.P. Grant, A. Kruszewski, K. Saleh, S.S. S�bj�rg, N. Skou and E. L�pez-Baeza (2008): The Mediterranean Ecosystem L-Band EXperiment over vineyards (MELBEX-II). 10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing for the Environment, (Italy), 11 - 14 March 2008

� K. Saleh, Kerr Y.H., Boulet G., Escorihuela M.J, Maisongrande P., Richaume P., de Rosnay P., Wigneron J.-P., L�pez-Baeza E., Grant J.P, Delwart S., Berger M., Panciera R., Walker J.P. (2008): Main outcomes of the CoSMOS/NAFE campaign for the validation of the SMOS soil moisture retrieval algorithm. 10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing for the Environment, (Italy), 11 - 14 March 2008

� J-P Wigneron, Y. Kerr, K. Saleh, P. Richaume, P. de Rosnay, M-J Escorihuela, J.-C Calvet, A. Cano, A. Chanzy, F. Demontoux, J. P. Grant, M. Guglielmetti, P. Ferrazzoli, H. Lauwrence, E. Lopez-Baeza, A. Mialon, T. Pellarin, C. R�diger, G. Ruffi�, M. Schwank, N. Skou, P. Waldteufel, M. Berger, S. Delwart (2008): Parameterisation and calibration of L-MEB in the Level-2 SMOS algorithm. 10th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing for the Environment, (Italy), 11 - 14 March 2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza, R. Acosta, A. Cano, C. Domenech, A.G. Ferreira, C. Millan, C. Narbon, J. Sanchis, A. Velazquez, S. Vidal. Other Contributors: CERES Science Team, CHJ, EOLAB, GIST, GVA-CMA, INM, SMOS Science Group (2008): Advanced Characterisation of the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. GERB International Science Team - GIST 27 Meeting, University of Valencia, 16th � 18th January 2008

2007

� Walker J.P., E. Botha, G. Boulet, J. Balling, M. Bell, A. Berg, M. Berger, D. Biasoni, Y. Chen,E. Christen, R. deJeu, P. deRosnay, C. Dever, C. Draper, J. Fenollar, C. Gomez, J. Grant, J. Hacker, M. Hafeez, G. Hancock, D. Hansen, L. Holz, J. Hornbuckle, R. Hurkmans, T. Jackson, J. Johanson, P. Jones, S. Jones, J. Kalma, Y. Kerr, E. Kim, V. Kuzmin, V. Lakshmi, E. Lopez, V. Maggioni, P. Maisongrande, C. Martinez, L. McKee, O. Merlin, I. Mladenova, P. O'Neill, R. Panciera, V. Paruscio, R. Pipunic, W. Rawls, M. Rinaldi, C. Rudiger, P. Saco, K. Saleh, S. Savstrup-Kristensen, V. Shoemark, N. Skou, S. Soebjaerg, G. Summerell, R. Teuling, H. Thompson, M. Thyer, J. Toyra, A. Tsang, T. Wells, P. Wursteisen and R. Young (2007): The National Airborne Field Experiment Data Sets. MODSIM07, International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, New Zealand, 10-13 December 2007

� Cano A., Jos� Luis A��n, C�ndid Reig, Cristina Mill�n Scheiding and Ernesto L�pez Baeza (2007): Wireless Sensor Network for Soil Moisture Applications. International Conference on Sensor Technologies and Applications, 14-20 October 2007 - Valencia, Spain

� K Saleh Contell, Y. Kerr, MJ Escorihuela, G. Boulet, P. Maisongrande, P. de Rosnay, D. Floricioiu, JP Wigneron, A Cano, E Lopez-Baeza, JP Grant, J Balling, N Skou, M Berger, S Delwart, P Wursteisen, R Panciera, J Walker (2007): The ESA CoSMOS L-band experiment in Southeast Australia. International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) Symposium on -"Sensing and Understanding our Planet"-, Barcelona, 23-27 July 2007

� A. Cano, J-P Wigneron, C. Antol�n, J.E. Balling, E. Lopez-Baeza, J. Fenollar, J. P. Grant, A. Kruszewski, C. Mill�n-Scheiding, K. Saleh, S.S. Sobjaerg, N. Skou (2007): The Mediterranean Ecosystem L-Band characterisation EXperiment (MELBEX) over natural shrubs. International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) Symposium on -"Sensing and Understanding our Planet"-, Barcelona, 23-27 July 2007

� C. Mill�n-Scheiding, C. Antol�n, A. Cano, E. L�pez-Baeza (2007): Uso de Unidades Fisio-Hidrol�gicas en la Monitorizaci�n de la Humedad del Suelo con SMOS [Use of Physio-Hydrological Units for Soil Moisture Monitoring with SMOS]. III Simposio Nacional sobre Control de la Degradaci�n de Suelos y Desertificaci�n. Fuerteventura, 16-20 de Septiembre de 2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza & The Climatology from Satellites Group (2007): Making Sense of Satellite Data. Responding to Climate Change 2007. Research. Space & Earth Observation

2006

� J.-P. Wigneron, Y. Kerr, P. Waldteufel, P. Ferrazzoli, P. Richaume, K. Saleh, J-C Calvet, A. Chanzy, P. de Rosnay, M.-J. Escorihuela, J. Fenollar, J.P. Grant, E. Lopez-Baeza, C. M�tzler, T. Pellarin, M. Schwank, A. Van de Griend, A. Mahmoodi, S. Delwart (2006): Recent Advances in modelling the land surface emission at L-band - Application to L-MEB in the operational SMOS algorithm. 2nd International Symposium Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing Torrent (Valencia), Spain, 25-29 September 2006 (Oral Presentation)

� Ruiz-Calaforra, C., C. Domenech, A. Velazquez, A. Lidon, E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): Application of the dryness temperature-vegetation difference index (TVDI) to the Valencia and Alacant Anchor Station in the context of SMOS mission. 2nd International Symposium Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing Torrent (Valencia), Spain, 25-29 September 2006 (Poster Presentation)

� Lopez-Baeza, E.; Cano, A.; Domenech, C.; Fenollar, J.; Ferreira, G.; Ruiz, C.; Saleh, K.; Velazquez, A.; Vidal, S. (2006): Assessing the quality of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data and products by independent large-scale estimations at the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. Committee on Space Research 36th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Scientificc Commission A3.1 Terrestrial phenomena and land products from space: validation, application and perspectives. Beijing, China, 16 � 23 July 2006. Solicited Presentation

� Wigneron, J.-P., Y. Kerr, P. Waldteufel, P. Richaume, K. Saleh, J. P. Grant, A. Van de Griend, F. Demontoux, G. Ruffi�, P. Ferrazzoli, P. De Rosnay, M-J Escorihuela, J-C Calvet, J. Fenollar, E. Lopez-Baeza (2006): Recent Advances in estimating the L-band microwave signature of natural land surface covers. 1st Workshop on Remote Sensing and Modeling of Surface Properties. See ppt presentation. Paris, France, 20-22 June 2006

� Lopez-Baeza, E. & Climatology from Satellites Group (2006): Validation of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data and products. 26th EARSeL (European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories) Symposium on NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN REMOTE SENSING. Warsaw, Poland, May 29 � June 2, 2006. Invited Presentation

� Lopez-Baeza, E., Fenollar, J, Cano, Grant, JP, Antolin, C, Millan, C, Wigneron, JP, Saleh, K, (2006): The Mediterranean Ecosystem L-Band characterisation EXperiment (MELBEX) over natural shrubs, 6th SMOS Science Workshop, Technical University of Denmark, May 15-17, 2006 (Oral Presentation)

� C. Mill�n-Scheiding, A. Cano, J. Fenollar, E. Carb�, M.C. Antol�n, C. Reig, J. L. A��n & E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): Soil Moisture Characterization at The Valencia Anchor Station, 6th SMOS Science Workshop, Technical University of Denmark, May 15-17, 2006 (Poster)

� J. Fenollar, A. Cano & E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): Campaign COSMOS-2: Supporting Measurements of Soil Moisture, LAI, NDVI and TIR, 6th SMOS Science Workshop, Technical University of Denmark, May 15-17, 2006 (Poster)

� Ruiz Calaforra, C., C. Dom�nech, A. Vel�zquez, A.L. Lid�n Cerezuela y E. L�pez Baeza (2006): Verificaci�n y aplicaci�n del �ndice de sequedad del suelo Temperature � Vegetation Difference Index, con datos de teledetecci�n del sensor MODIS, en la comarca de La Plana Utiel - Requena [Verification and application of the dryness index, Temperature � Vegetation Difference Index, with remote sensing data from MODIS sensor, in La Plana Utiel � Requena region.] 5th Asamblea Hispano Portuguesa de Geodesia y Geof�sica, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain, 30 Jan. - 3 Feb. 2006

� Fenollar, J., K. Saleh, A. Cano, J.E. Balling, S.S. S�bjaerg, N. Skou, J.-P. Wigneron y E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): El Experimento MELBEX (Mediterranean Ecosystem L-Band characterisation EXperiment) en el marco de la Misi�n SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) de ESA [The MELBEX (Mediterranean Ecosystem L-Band characterisation EXperiment) Experiment in the context of the ESA SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) Mission]. 5th Asamblea Hispano Portuguesa de Geodesia y Geof�sica, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain, 30 Jan. - 3 Feb. 2006

2005

� Vall-llossera, M., A. Camps, I. Corbella, F. Torres, N. Duffo, A. Monerris, R. Sabia, D. Selva, C. Antol�n, E. L�pez-Baeza, J.F. Ferrer, K. Saleh (2005): SMOS REFLEX 2003: L-Band Emissivity Characterization of Vineyards. IEEE Transactions Geoscience and Remote Sensing, May 2005, Vol., 43, 973-982

2004

� Saleh, K., Wigneron, J.P., Calvet, J.C., Lopez-Baeza, E., Berger, M., Wursteisen, P., Simmonds, L., Miller, J. (2004): The EuroSTARRS airborne campaign in support of the SMOS mission: First results over land surfaces. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 10 Jan. 2004, Vol. 25, No. 1, 177�194

2003

� M. Berger, Y. Kerr, J. Font, J.-P. Wigneron, J.-C. Calvet, K. Saleh, E. Lopez-Baeza, L. Simmonds, P. Ferrazzoli, B. van den Hurk, P. Waldteufel, F. Petitcolin, A. van de Griend, E. Attema & M. Rast (2003): Measuring the Moisture in the Earth�s Soil - Advancing the Science with ESA�s SMOS Mission. esa bulletin 115 - August 2003, 40-45

� E. L�pez-Baeza, J.-C. Calvet, J. Etcheto, H. Finkenzeller, J. Font, Y. Kerr, J. Miller, J. Wesson, J.-P. Wigneron, M.l Berger, P. Wursteisen, P. Fletcher, E. Attema (2003): EuroSTARRS: Campaign Description. Proc. of the First Results Workshop on EuroSTARRS, WISE, LOSAC Campaigns. ESA SP-525, March 2003, pg. 37-45

� E. Lopez-Baeza, J.-P. Wigneron, J.-C. Calvet, M. C. Antol�n, J-M Bonnefond, G Courrier, F. Ferrer, N. Fritz, F. Froissard, D Garrigou, D Guyon, T. Pellarin, K. Saleh, D. Suquia (2003): EuroSTARRS Ground Sampling design at the Nezer Site, Agre forest and Valencia Site. Proc. of the First Results Workshop on EuroSTARRS, WISE, LOSAC Campaigns. ESA SP-525, March 2003, pg. 203-212

� Ferran Ferrer, C. Antol�n, E. L�pez-Baeza (2003): Spatial distribution of soil moisture content and its relationship to other surface parameters at the Valencia site. Proc. of the First Results Workshop on EuroSTARRS, WISE, LOSAC Campaigns. ESA SP-525, March 2003, pg. 213-223

� K. Saleh, J.-P.Wigneron, J.C. Calvet, E. L�pez-Baeza (2003): STARRS data processing and analysis of L-band brightness temperature over land. Proceedings of the First Results Workshop on EuroSTARRS, WISE, LOSAC Campaigns. ESA SP-525, March 2003, pg. 223-234

� K. Saleh, J.-P.Wigneron, J.C. Calvet, E. L�pez-Baeza (2003): Modelling of L-band brightness temperature over land from STARRS data. Proceedings of the First Results Workshop on EuroSTARRS, WISE, LOSAC Campaigns. ESA SP-525, March 2003, pg. 235-243

� T. Pellarin, J.-P. Wigneron, J.-C. Calvet, P. Ferrazzoli, H. Douville, E. Lopez-Baeza, P. Waldteufel, J. Pulliainen, L. P. Simmonds, M. Berger, Y. H. Kerr (2003): Two-Year global simulation of L-band brightness temperatures over the land surfaces. IEEE Trans. Geosc. Remote Sens., Volume: 41, Issue: 9, Year: Sept. 2003, 2135-2139

2002

� M. Force Torres, F. C�rcel Ferrer, E. L�pez-Baeza & L. Sempere Pay� (2002): Global brightness temperature simulator in the SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) Misi�n Context. Proc. of the Third Int. Congress Man and Soil at the Third Millenium, Ed. by J.L. Rubio, R.P.C. Morgan, S. Asins & V. Andreu. Geoforma Ediciones. Pg.1989-2002

� P. Wursteisen, M. Berger, E. Attema, E. Lopez-Baeza, J.-P. Wigneron, J.-C. Calvet, L. Simmonds, B. Main, J. Miller, H. Finkenzeller, J. Etcheto, A. Camps, J. Font, P. Fletcher, Y. Kerr (2002): Overview of the Activities Performed During the EuroSTARRS-2001 Campaign. Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing, Torrente (Valencia), 16-20 September 2002

� J.-P. Wigneron, E. Lopez Baeza, J.-C. Calvet, K. Saleh, T. Pellarin, M. Berger, L. Simmonds (2002): The EUROSTARSS Experiment over Land Surfaces (SMOS Mission): First Results. Poster Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing, Torrente (Valencia), 16-20 September 2002

Projects

Postgraduate Students: Aurelio Cano, Carlos Domenech, A.Geraldo Ferreira, Cristina Millan, Cecilia Narbon, Diego Rodriguez, Javio Sanchis, Almudena Velazquez, Sara Vidal

ESA SPP : CoSMOS Data Analysis Study
ESA-ESTEC Contract. P.I.: Dr Yann H. Kerr (CESBIO, Toulouse, France)

Validation of SMOS Products over Mediterranean Ecosystem Vegetation at the Valencia Anchor Station Reference Area
ESA SMOS Cal/Val Announcement of Opportunities (ID 3252). P.I.: E. Lopez-Baeza

Thank you Carlos!!!

Validaci�n de Productos, Explotaci�n de Datos y Centro Experto para la Misi�n SMOS. Parte UVEG (MIDAS-5/UVEG)
[Product Validation, Data Exploitation and Expert Center for the SMOS Mission. UVEG Part (MIDAS-5/UVEG)]
Spanish Ministry for Education and Science (National Research Programme on Space). P.I.: E. L�pez Baeza

Calibraci�n de las Medidas Obtenidas por el Radi�metro MIRAS de la Misi�n SMOS y Generaci�n de Mapas de Salinidad y Humedad del Suelo. Parte UVEG (MIDAS-4/UVEG)
[Calibration of SMOS MIRAS Radiometer Measurements and Generation of Maps of Salinity and of Soil Moisture Content. UVEG Part (MIDAS-4/UVEG)]
Spanish Ministry for Education and Science (National Research Programme on Space). P.I.: E. L�pez Baeza

CoSMOS Campaign in Australia Sponshorship
ESA-ESTEC (Oct. 2005 - Dic. 2005). P.I.: E. Lopez-Baeza

Contribuci�n de Espa�a al Desarrollo del Segmento de Tierra de la Misi�n SMOS de la ESA Durante 2004-05 (MIDAS-3)
[Contribution of Spain to the Development of the ESA SMOS Mission Ground Segment During 2004-2005]
Subcontract within Ministry for Education and Culture Project of Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (CSIC) (Dec. 2004 � Dec. 2005). P.I.: E. Lopez-Baeza (P.I. of Main Project: Jordi Font, Inst. Ciencias Mar del CSIC, Barcelona)

Definici�n del Proceso de Datos de la Mision Espacial SMOS en la Estaci�n de Villafranca del Castillo (SMOS-GS-B) (MIDAS-2)
[Data Processing Definition for the SMOS Space Mission at Villafranca del Castillo]
Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology (National Research Programme on Space) (Dic. 2003 - Jun. 2005). P.I.: E. L�pez Baeza (P.I. of Coordinated Project: Jordi Font, Inst. Ciencias Mar del CSIC, Barcelona)

Medidas Radiom�tricas en Microondas y Desarrollo de Algoritmos para la Misi�n SMOS (MIDAS)
[Microwave Radiometric Measurements and Algorithm Development for the SMOS Mission]
Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology (National Research Programme on Space) (Dic. 2001 - Dic. 2003). P.I.: E. L�pez Baeza (P.I. of Coordinated Project: Jordi Font, Inst. Ciencias Mar del CSIC, Barcelona)

Signature Radiometrique des Forets en Bande L: Analyse de la Champagne EuroSTARRS (SMOS Mision)
Programme National �T�l�d�tection Spatiale� (France) (2002 - 2003). P.I.: Dr. J.-P- Wigneron (INRA Bioclimatologie, Bordeaux, France)

Technical Assistance for Deployment of Ground Instruments During EuroSTARRS-2001
Contract ESA-ESTEC no: 15949/02/NL/SF (May 2002 - Nov. 2002). P.I.: E. Lopez-Baeza

Soil Moisture Retrieval by a Future Space-borne Earth Observation Mission
Contract ESTEC-ESA (AO/14662/00/NL/DC) (Nov. 2000 - Feb. 2003). P.I.: Dr. L.P. Simmonds (The University of Reading, UK); E. Lopez-Baeza Coordinator of Task 4 on Definition of campaigns to support data exploitation and assimilation

ACCION ESPECIAL sobre Soil Moisture And Ocean Salinity (SMOS)
[SPECIAL ACTION on Soil Moisture And Ocean Salinity (SMOS)]
Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology (National Research Programme on Space) (1999 - 2000). P.I.: Dr. Jordi Font (Inst. Ciencias Mar del CSIC, Barcelona)

---

EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer)

• http://www.esa.int/esaLP/ASESMYNW9SC_LPearthcare_0.html

Artist Image of EarthCARE

Publications

2012

� Domenech C., E. Lopez-Baeza, D. P. Donovan and T. Wehr (2012): Radiative Flux Estimation from BBR using Synthetic Angular Models in the EarthCARE Mission framework. Part II: Evaluation Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 2012. [under review]

2011

� Domenech, C., E. Lopez-Baeza, David P. Donovan, Tobias Wehr (2011): Radiative Flux Estimation from a Broadband Radiometer Using Synthetic Angular Models in the EarthCARE Mission Framework. Part I: Methodology. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatololy, 50, 974�993 (2011) doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/2010JAMC2526.1

2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza, C. Dom�nech Garc�a, A. Velazquez Blazquez, H.W. Barker, F.H. Berger, A. Lorenz, M. Viollier, M. Capderou, P. Raberanto, D. Donovan, M. Bouvet (2007): Improvement of Angular Dependence Models for the Broadband Radiometer Onboard the ESA EarthCARE Mission. The EarthCARE Workshop. ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 7-9 May 2007

� C. Domenech, D. P. Donovan, H. W. Barker, M. Bouvet, E. Lopez-Baeza (2007): Synergy between active and passive sensors for improving retrieval algorithms. The EarthCARE Workshop. ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 7-9 May 2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza, Cano, A.; Domenech, C.; Estelles, V.; Ferreira, A.G.; Narbon, C.; Sanchis, J.; Velazquez, A.; Vidal, S.; Smith, G.L.; Szewczyk, Z.P.; Labajo, A.; Alonso, S.; Harries, J.E.; Russell, J.E.; Clerbaux, N.; Dewitte, S.; Rius, T.;Torrobella, J.; Pino, D.; Sanchez, J.J.; Tarruella, R. (2207): Validation of broadband radiation balance products at the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. GERB/CERES Ground Validation Campaigns. The EarthCARE Workshop. ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 7-9 May 2007

� Domenech, C., Donovan, D.P., Barker, H.W., Bouvet, M., Lopez-Baeza, E. (2007): Improvement of Broadband Radiance to Flux Conversion by Using the Synergy Between Active and Passive Remote Sensing Instruments. SPIE Europe Remote Sensing 2007, Florence, Italy, 17 - 20 September 2007

2006

� Lopez-Baeza, E., C. Domenech, H. W. Barker, M. Bouvet, D. Donovan, A. Velazquez (2006): The ESA EarthCARE Mission. Development of 3 along-track views angular dependence models for improved radiance to flux conversion. 2nd International Symposium Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing Torrent (Valencia), Spain, 25-29 September 2006 (Oral Presentation)

� Lopez-Baeza, E.; Domenech, C.; Barker, H.W.; Bouvet, M.; Donovan, D.; Velazquez, A. (2006): Development of an extense atmospheric scene database with the 3-D Monte-Carlo EarthCARE Simulator to build 3 along-track views angular dependence models in the framework of ESA EarthCARE Mission. Committee on Space Research 36th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Scientificc Commission A1.1 Atmospheric Remote Sensing: Surface Layer, Troposphere, Stratosphere and Mesosphere. Beijing, China, 16 � 23 July 2006

� Domenech, C., E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): Development of broadband BRDFs from TOA CERES radiances corresponding to large footprints at a global scale. 2nd International Symposium Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing Torrent (Valencia), Spain, 25-29 September 2006 (Poster Presentation)

� Domenech, C., E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): Obtention and classification of broadband low spatial resolution BRDFs from TOA CERES radiances. Committee on Space Research 36th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Scientificc Commission A3.1 Terrestrial phenomena and land products from space: validation, application and perspectives. Beijing, China, 16 � 23 July 2006

� Domenech, C., E. L�pez-Baeza (2006): Obtenci�n y Clasificaci�n de BRDFs de Banda Ancha en Baja Resoluci�n Espacial a partir de Radiancias CERES en Techo de la Atm�sfera [Broadband and Low Spatial Resolution BRDFs Retrieval from CERES Top of Atmosphere Radiances]. 5th Asamblea Hispano Portuguesa de Geodesia y Geof�sica, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain, 30 Jan. - 3 Feb. 2006

2004

� ESA 2004. Mission Experts Division. Scientific Co-ordinator: P. Ingmann. Members of EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group (2004): EarthCARE - Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer . REPORTS FOR MISSION SELECTION. THE SIX CANDIDATE EARTH EXPLORER MISSIONS. ESA SP-1279(1). April 2004. ESA Publications Division, c/o ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, Editor: B. Battrick. ISBN 92-9092-962-6. ISSN 0379-6566

2003

� Bodas-Salcedo, A., Lopez-Baeza, E., Smith, G.L. (2003): A flux retrieval error behavior with CERES/TRMM data. Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere VII. Edited by Schaefer, Klaus P.; Lado-Bordowsky, Olga; Comeron, Adolfo; Picard, Richard H. Proc. of the SPIE, Volume 4882, pp. 1-12 (2003)

� Bodas Salcedo, A., J. F. Gimeno Ferrer and E. L�pez Baeza (2003): Flux retrieval optimisation with an along-track broad-band radiometer. Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 108 No. D2, 2003

2002

� R. Kandel, A. Bodas Salcedo, J.F. Gimeno Ferrer, and E. L�pez-Baeza (2002): Broad-Band Radiometry for EarthCARE. Proc. EarthCARE Workshop (Second international workshop on space-borne cloud profiling radar). CRL/ARS Report02-02, 133-136, TRITON SQUARE, Tokyo, Japan, 17-18 July 2002

� A. Bodas Salcedo, J. F. Gimeno Ferrer, and E. L�pez-Baeza (2002): BBR Radiance to Flux Inversion Analysis. Proc. EarthCARE Workshop 137-143, TRITON SQUARE, Tokyo, Japan, 17-18 July 2002

� A. Bodas Salcedo, J.F. Gimeno Ferrer, E. L�pez Baeza, and J. P. V. Poiares Baptista (2002): Study of the Radiance to Flux Inversion within the Framework of the EarthCARE Mission. Poster Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing, Torrente (Valencia), 16-20 September 2002

� A. Bodas Salcedo, J.F. Gimeno Ferrer y E. Lopez Baeza (2002): Optimizaci�n de un Radi�metro de Banda Ancha en el Marco de la Futura Misi�n EarthCARE. El Agua y el Clima - L'Aigua i el Clima, Jos� A. Guijarro Pastor, Miquel Grimalt Gelabert, Mercedes Laita Ruiz de As�a y Sergio Alonso Oroza (Eds.). Publicaciones de la Asociaci�n Espa�ola de Climatolog�a (AEC), 2002, Serie A, n� 3, pag. 375-385, Planogr�fica Balear, Marratx� (Mallorca), xii+594 pp

2001

� ESA 2001: Members of EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group (2001): The five candidate Earth Explorer Core Missions � EarthCARE � Earth Clouds, Aerosols, and Radiation Explorer. ESA SP-1257(1)

Projects

Postgraduate Students: Carlos Domenech and Almudena Velazquez

Improvement of Angular Dependence Models

Contract ESTEC-ESA (Dec. 2003 � Dec. 2005)

• Partners:
  

University of Valencia (Coordination Institution)
Laboratoire de Meteorologie Dynamique du CNRS (France)
Meteorological Service of Canada
Technische Universitat Dresden (Germany)

• P.I.: E. Lopez-Baeza (Coordinator)
  
• ESA Scientific Coordinator: Dr Marc Bouvet
  
• Objectives of the Study Project
  

1) to develop improved ADMs from instantaneous flux retrieval, specially for broad-band radiometers with a footprint in the order of around 10km and multi-view capability and
2) to evaluate the impact of three-dimensional radiative effects on the accuracy of the derived TOA fluxes

• Overall structure of the Study Plan
  

The work was planned by a close interaction between experimental and theoretical results.

The first task was devoted to the construction of a database from satellite data. The best current source has been the instrument CERES/Terra with its along-track capabilities, once a true along-track (trueAT) scan was implemented attempting to rectify the original configuration which did not take into account the Earth rotation, causing the RAA to be kept constant at 90 degrees. As a consequence of that, there was originally a several footprints distance between a forward and backward sweep even for relatively small (<60 degrees) VZAs. The Study Team proposed the CERES Science Team to introduce a variable trueAT angle as a function of a satellite groundtrack latitude, seeking to minimize the width of an AT swath within VZAs of less than 60 degrees. This correction is now operational in the CERES system.

True CERES along-track scan over the Valencia Anchor Station

The second task defined the scenes upon which the angular models were constructed. The total number of simulated scenes is larger than 200.000, building up significant ensembles with a robust statistical analysis, and including realistic 3D effects. This figure is really huge although it is a minimum number to be able to develop ADMs at a global scale, as EarthCARE will do. The scene definition includes realistic atmospheric situations, considering their spatial and temporal variability as well, defined according to latitude and geometrical observation conditions for a sunsynchronous EarthCARE orbit with Equator crossing time between 13:30 and 14:00 LST on a descending node.

ADM Scene Definition (SW)

ADM Scene Database (SW)

No. of subscenes x geometrical cases [ f(orbital constrain) ] = 214.396 simulations
2.868 Clear-sky ADMs
210.600 Cloud ADMs
918 Dust Storm ADMs

Simulations carried out in the EarthCARE Simulator, a 3D Monte-Carlo photon transport algorithm for shortwave and longwave that includes multiscattering
(Donovan, D. P., Schutgens, N., Baptista, J.-P. V., Barker, H., Blanchet, J.-P., Belaulne, A., Symeyer, W., Quante, M., Schimmer, I., Macke, A., Testud, J., Kato, S., Cole, J., 2004. The EarthCARE Simulator. Users Guide and Final Report. KNMI, ESA/ESTEC, MSC, UQAM, GKSS, U. of Kiel, CETP-UVSQ and Penn. State U.)/

Computational Interface Systems

University of Valencia SGI Altix 3700 Computing System, 72 processors and 160GB central memory

European Space Agency (ESA) Grid on-Demand Services and Infrastructure (GODIS) for Earth Observation Applications. See also http://eogrid.esrin.esa.int/news/fullproject.asp?id=17

ESA Grid On-Demand CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) associated cluster

Broadband Radiometer Optimization Study
Contract ESTEC n�14685/00/NL/JSC through REOSC SAGEM (France) (Oct. 2000 - Jul. 2001). P.I. (sub-contract): E. Lopez-Baeza

Study of the Flux Retrieval Error Behaviour.
Validation Using Real CERES/TRMM Data

Shortwave (SW)(Simulations)

SW RMSE inversion error as a function of the viewing zenith angle (VZA), as obtained from radiative transfer simulations, for ocean and for two different cloud cover intervals, namely clear sky (left) and overcast (right)
The four graphs within each figure correspond to different relative azimuth intervals as indicated in the square brackets
The different curves correspond to different solar zenith angles (SZA) as indicated in the legend
Note the different scaling of the axes

Shortwave (SW)(CERES/TRMM Data)

Study of the Flux Retrieval Error Behaviour using real CERES/TRMM Data
SW flux retrieval error as function of the VZA, using only one azimuthal bin
Cloud cover intervals range from 0 to 50% (left), and from 50 to 100% (right)
Different lines correspond to different solar zenith angle bins

Longwave (LW)

Left: LW RMSE inversion error as a function of the VZA, as obtained from radiative transfer simulations. The results correspond to any surface type (ocean, land, vegetation) for six different cloud cover values
Right: LW flux retrieval error as function of the viewing zenith angle for two cloud cover intervals, from 0 to 50%, and from 50 to 100%, from real CERES/TRM data

Generation of Realistic Synthetic Cloud Images to Study the Influence of the Spatial Structure of the Scene

The size of the cloud fields are 512 x 512 km2. The resolution is 500 m (~ size of the Multispectral Imager, MSI, also onboard the EarthCARE Platform)
See Alejandro Bodas' Doctoral Thesis: Optimizaci�n de un Radi�metro de Banda Ancha en el Marco de la Misi�n EarthCARE (ESA). Estudio del Proceso de Inversi�n de Radiancias a Flujos. Universitat de Val�ncia, Facultat de F�sica, 2003 (In Spanish)

---

GERB (Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget)/

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/spat/research/atmos_missions/gerb/
http://www.ssd.rl.ac.uk/gerb/
http://gerb.oma.be/gerb//

1st GERB-2 MSG-1 Images
Very first GERB images taken on 12 December 2002 at 16.25 UTC, showing total radiances (left) and short wave radiances (right)

1st GERB-1 MSG-2 Images
The Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) flying on MSG-2 captured its first image on 31 January 2006, just a week after the first SEVIRI image.

Left SHORTWAVE, right TOTAL. These are raw images before calibration and optimisation of the instrument. The image is slightly truncated at the South Pole due to the high inclination of the MSG satellite during commissioning.

Publications

2011

� Ferreira, A.G., E. Soria-Olivas, A.J. Serrano L�pez and E. Lopez-Baeza (2011): Estimating net radiation at surface using artificial neural networks: a new approach. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, Vol. 106, Nos. 1-2, 263-279 DOI 10.1007/s00704-011-0488-7 (2011)

2008

� A. Vel�zquez Bl�zquez, A. Geraldo Ferreira, G.L. Smith, E. L�pez Baeza, and SCALES team (2008): Current Status of the Validation Methodology for GERB at the Valencia Anchor Station Area. CERES/GERB Science Team Meeting, NASA GISS, 27-31 October 2008

� A.G. Ferreira, A. Vel�zquez Bl�zquez, E. Soria, E. Lopez-Baeza, J. Sanchis Mu�oz (2008): Study of the Relationship Between Surface Net Radiation and Soil Heat Flux by Using Valencia Anchor Station Ground Measurements and GERB/SEVIRI Data. 2008 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference, Darmstadt - Germany, 8 � 12 September 2008

� A. Velazquez, E. Lopez-Baeza, et al. (2008): Current status of the validation methodology for GERB at the Valencia Anchor Station. GIST 27, University of Valencia, 16th � 18th January 2008

� E. Lopez-Baeza, R. Acosta, A. Cano, C. Domenech, A.G. Ferreira, C. Millan, C. Narbon, J. Sanchis, A. Velazquez, S. Vidal. Other Contributors: CERES Science Team, CHJ, EOLAB, GIST, GVA-CMA, INM, SMOS Science Group (2008): Advanced Characterisation of the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. GERB International Science Team - GIST 27 Meeting, University of Valencia, 16th � 18th January 2008

2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza, Cano, A.; Domenech, C.; Estelles, V.; Ferreira, A.G.; Narbon, C.; Sanchis, J.; Velazquez, A.; Vidal, S.; Smith, G.L.; Szewczyk, Z.P.; Labajo, A.; Alonso, S.; Harries, J.E.; Russell, J.E.; Clerbaux, N.; Dewitte, S.; Rius, T.;Torrobella, J.; Pino, D.; Sanchez, J.J.; Tarruella, R. (2007): Validation of broadband radiation balance products at the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. GERB/CERES Ground Validation Campaigns. The EarthCARE Workshop. ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 7-9 May 2007

� Vel�zquez Bl�zquez, A., A. Cano, N. Clerbaux, S. Dewitte, C. Dom�nech, V. Estell�s, A.G. Ferreira, L. Gonzalez, J. Jorge Sanchez, N.G. Loeb, D. Pino, A. Rius, G. L. Smith, Z. P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, S. Vidal, E. Lopez-Baeza (2007): Simulation of CERES and GERB TOA Products over the Valencia Anchor Station for GERB Validation Purposes. Joint 2007 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference and the 15th American Meteorological Society (AMS) Satellite Meteorology & Oceanography Conference. Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 24-28 September 2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza & The Climatology from Satellites Group (2007): Making Sense of Satellite Data. Responding to Climate Change 2007. Research. Space & Earth Observation

2006

� Lopez-Baeza, E.; Cano, A.; Domenech, C.; Fenollar, J.; Ferreira, G.; Ruiz, C.; Saleh, K.; Velazquez, A.; Vidal, S. (2006): Assessing the quality of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data and products by independent large-scale estimations at the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. Committee on Space Research 36th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Scientificc Commission A3.1 Terrestrial phenomena and land products from space: validation, application and perspectives. Beijing, China, 16 � 23 July 2006. Solicited Presentation

� Lopez-Baeza, E.; A. Velazquez; S. Alonso; S. Dewitte; C. Diaz-Pabon; C. Domenech; J.E. Harries; J. Jorge; A. Labajo; N. Pineda; D. Pino; A. Rius; J.E. Russell; G.L. Smith; Z. P. Szewczyk; R. Tarruella; and J. Torrobella (2006): [CERES SCALES GROUND VALIDATION CAMPAIGNS FOR GERB. ASSESSMENT OF THE VALENCIA ANCHOR STATION CAPABILITIES. (In the framework of EUMETSAT/ESA MSG-RAO Project no. 138 GIST Proposal for Calibration/Validation of SEVIRI and GERB (PI: J.E. Harries) Proceedings of the 3rd MSG RAO Workshop, 15 June 2006. Helsinki, Findland (ESA SP-619, August 2006), pg. 11-17

� Lopez-Baeza, E. & Climatology from Satellites Group (2006): Validation of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data and products. 26th EARSeL (European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories) Symposium on NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN REMOTE SENSING. Warsaw, Poland, May 29 � June 2, 2006. Invited Keynote

2005

� A. Velazquez Blazquez, S. Alonso, A. Bodas-Salcedo, C. Domenech, J. Gimeno, J. Jorge Sanchez, A. Labajo, N. G. Loeb, D. Pino, A. D. Sanchis, G. L. Smith, Z. P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, E. Lopez-Baeza (2005): Comparison of top of the atmosphere GERB measured radiances with independent radiative transfer simulations obtained at the Valencia Anchor Station reference area. 11th SPIE International Symposium on Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere X. Bruges, Belgium, 19�22 Sept. 2005

� E. Lopez-Baeza, S. Alonso, A. Comer�n, R. Diaz-Pabon, C. Domenech, J.F. Gimeno-Ferrer, J. Jorge, A. Labajo, N. Pineda, D. Pino, A. Rius, F. Rocadenbosch, K Saleh, M. Sicard, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, and A. Velazquez (2005): A High-Quality Dataset of Land-Surface and Atmospheric Measurements for the Comparison/Crosscalibration of Data From Large Scale Optical Earth Observation Sensors in Space. The Valencia Anchor Station. Proceedings of the Workshop on Inter-Comparison of Large Scale Optical and Infrared Sensors. ESA/ESTEC 12-14 October 2004. ESA-WPP-244, Feb. 2005

2004

� Velazquez, A., E. Lopez-Baeza, G.L. Smith and Z. Peter Szewczyk (2004): CERES Operations for the Valencia Anchor Station in Support of GERB Validation Efforts. CERES SCALES Campaigns. Poster 13th Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography. Norfolk, Virginia(US), 20�23 Sep. 2004

� Lopez-Baeza, E., Belda, F., Bodas, A., Crommelynck, D., Dewitte, S., Domenech, C.; Gimeno, J.F., Harries, J.E., Jorge Sanchez, J., Pineda, N., Pino, D., Rius, A., Saleh, K., Tarruella, R., Velazquez, A. (2004): SCALES: SEVIRI and GERB CaL/VaL area for large-scale field experiments. Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere VIII. Edited by Schaefer, Klaus; Comeron, Adolfo; Carleer, Michel R.; Picard, Richard H. Proc. of the SPIE, Volume 5235, pp. 134-148 (2004)

2000

� J.E.Harries, R. Mossavati, E. Lopez-Baeza, S. Dewitte, N. Clerbaux, G.L. Smith, P. Allan, M. Bates, J. Muller, and R. Stuhlmann (2000): Exploiting the GERB/SEVIRI synergy for data validation, new algorithm development and scientific applications (Proposals 138, 142 & 143). Proc. of the First MSG RAO Workshop. Bologna, 17 � 19 May 2000. ESA SP-452. October 2000

Projects

Postgraduate Students: Almudena Velazquez, A. Geraldo Ferreira and Sara Vidal

Calibraci�n de las Medidas Obtenidas por el Radi�metro MIRAS de la Misi�n SMOS y Generaci�n de Mapas de Salinidad y Humedad del Suelo. Parte UVEG (MIDAS-4/UVEG)
[Calibration of SMOS MIRAS Radiometer Measurements and Generation of Maps of Salinity and of Soil Moisture Content. UVEG Part (MIDAS-4/UVEG)]
Spanish Ministry for Education and Science (National Research Programme on Space). P.I.: E. L�pez Baeza

�rea de Calibraci�n/Validacion para Experimentos de Campo en Gran Escala con SEVIRI/GERB (SCALES)
[SEVIRI/GERB Cal/Val Area for Large Scale Field Experiments]
Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology (National Research Programme on Space) (Oct. 2002 � Sep. 2005). P.I.: E. Lopez Baeza

GIST Proposal for Calibration/Validation of SEVIRI and GERB
MSG-RAO ESA-EUMETSAT (AOID 138) (2000-2005). P.I.: Professor J. Harries (ICSTM, UK)

GIST Proposal for Development of Algorithms to Aid Interpretation of GERB and SEVIRI Data
MSG-RAO ESA-EUMETSAT (AOID 142) (2000-2005). P.I.: Professor J. Harries (ICSTM, UK)

GIST Plan for Scientific Exploitation of SEVIRI/GERB Data
MSG-RAO ESA-EUMETSAT (AOID 143) (2000-2005). P.I.: Professor J. Harries (ICSTM, UK)

---

CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System)/

http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/ceres/ASDceres.html
http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/PAPS/CERES_Spain.html

Courtesy NASA Earth Observatory (Gracias, Almudena!!!)

CERES en modo RAPS (Rotating Azimuth Plane Scanning)

CERESev116_1.mpeg/

CERES PAPS (Programmable Azimuth Plane Scanning) over the Valencia Anchor Station (June 2003)

CERES PAPS (Programmable Azimuth Plane Scanning) over the Valencia Anchor Station (February 2004)

CERES PAPS (Programmable Azimuth Plane Scanning) over the Valencia Anchor Station (September 2005)

Publications

2012

� Domenech C. and E. Lopez-Baeza (2012): Analysis of broad-band surface BRDFs derived from TOA shortwave CERES measurements for surfaces classified by the IGBP land cover. International Journal of Remote Sensing (2011) [in press]

2008

� A. Vel�zquez Bl�zquez, A. Geraldo Ferreira, G.L. Smith, E. L�pez Baeza, and SCALES team (2008): Current Status of the Validation Methodology for GERB at the Valencia Anchor Station Area. CERES/GERB Science Team Meeting, NASA GISS, 27-31 October 2008

• E. Lopez-Baeza, R. Acosta, A. Cano, C. Domenech, A.G. Ferreira, C. Millan, C. Narbon, J. Sanchis, A. Velazquez, S. Vidal. Other Contributors: CERES Science Team, CHJ, EOLAB, GIST, GVA-CMA, INM, SMOS Science Group (2008): Advanced Characterisation of the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. GERB International Science Team - GIST 27 Meeting, University of Valencia, 16th � 18th January 2008

� A. Velazquez, E. Lopez-Baeza, et al. (2008): Current status of the validation methodology for GERB at the Valencia Anchor Station. GIST 27, University of Valencia, 16th � 18th January 2008

2007

� Vel�zquez Bl�zquez, A., A. Cano, N. Clerbaux, S. Dewitte, C. Dom�nech, V. Estell�s, A.G. Ferreira, L. Gonzalez, J. Jorge Sanchez, N.G. Loeb, D. Pino, A. Rius, G. L. Smith, Z. P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, S. Vidal, E. Lopez-Baeza (2007): Simulation of CERES and GERB TOA Products over the Valencia Anchor Station for GERB Validation Purposes. Joint 2007 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference and the 15th American Meteorological Society (AMS) Satellite Meteorology & Oceanography Conference. Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 24-28 September 2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza, Cano, A.; Domenech, C.; Estelles, V.; Ferreira, A.G.; Narbon, C.; Sanchis, J.; Velazquez, A.; Vidal, S.; Smith, G.L.; Szewczyk, Z.P.; Labajo, A.; Alonso, S.; Harries, J.E.; Russell, J.E.; Clerbaux, N.; Dewitte, S.; Rius, T.;Torrobella, J.; Pino, D.; Sanchez, J.J.; Tarruella, R. (2007): Validation of broadband radiation balance products at the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. GERB/CERES Ground Validation Campaigns. The EarthCARE Workshop. ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 7-9 May 2007

� E. Lopez-Baeza & The Climatology from Satellites Group (2007): Making Sense of Satellite Data. Responding to Climate Change 2007. Research. Space & Earth Observation

2006

� Velazquez Blazquez, A., S. Alonso, C. Domenech, J. Gimeno, J. Jorge Sanchez, A. Labajo, N. G. Loeb, D. Pino, T., Rius, A. D. Sanchis, G. L. Smith, Z. P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, E. Lopez-Baeza (2006): Use of CERES dedicated observations to assess the Valencia Anchor Station capabilities for the validation of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data. 2nd International Symposium Recent Advances in Quantitative Remote Sensing Torrent (Valencia), Spain, 25-29 September 2006 (Poster Presentation)

� Lopez-Baeza, E.; Cano, A.; Domenech, C.; Fenollar, J.; Ferreira, G.; Ruiz, C.; Saleh, K.; Velazquez, A.; Vidal, S. (2006): Assessing the quality of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data and products by independent large-scale estimations at the Valencia and the Alacant Anchor Stations. Committee on Space Research 36th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Scientificc Commission A3.1 Terrestrial phenomena and land products from space: validation, application and perspectives. Beijing, China, 16 � 23 July 2006. Solicited Presentation

� A. Velazquez Blazquez, S. Alonso, C. Domenech, J. Gimeno, J. Jorge Sanchez, A. Labajo, N. G. Loeb, D. Pino, T., Rius, A. D. Sanchis, G. L. Smith, Z. P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, E. Lopez-Baeza (2006): Use of CERES PAPS observations over the Valencia Anchor Station to validate low spatial resolution remote sensing data and products. 12th Conference on Atmospheric Radiation. Madison, Wi, 10 �14 July 2006

� Lopez-Baeza, E.; A. Velazquez; S. Alonso; S. Dewitte; C. Diaz-Pabon; C. Domenech; J.E. Harries; J. Jorge; A. Labajo; N. Pineda; D. Pino; A. Rius; J.E. Russell; G.L. Smith; Z. P. Szewczyk; R. Tarruella; and J. Torrobella (2006): [CERES SCALES GROUND VALIDATION CAMPAIGNS FOR GERB. ASSESSMENT OF THE VALENCIA ANCHOR STATION CAPABILITIES. (In the framework of EUMETSAT/ESA MSG-RAO Project no. 138 GIST Proposal for Calibration/Validation of SEVIRI and GERB (PI: J.E. Harries) Proceedings of the 3rd MSG RAO Workshop, 15 June 2006. Helsinki, Findland (ESA SP-619, August 2006), pg. 11-17

� Lopez-Baeza, E. & Climatology from Satellites Group (2006): Validation of low-spatial resolution remote sensing data and products. 26th EARSeL (European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories) Symposium on NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN REMOTE SENSING. Warsaw, Poland, May 29 � June 2, 2006. Invited Presentation

� Velazquez Blazquez, A., S. Alonso, C. Domenech, J. Gimeno, J. Jorge Sanchez, A. Labajo, N.G. Loeb, D. Pino, T. Rius, A. Sanchis, G.L. Smith, Z.P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, E. Lopez-Baeza (2006): Evaluaci�n de la capacidad de la Valencia Anchor Station de validaci�n de productos de teledetecci�n de baja resoluci�n espacial mediante observaciones CERES exclusivas sobre la zona de la estaci�n. [Assessment of the Valencia Anchor Station capabilities for the validation of low-spatial resolution remote sensing products through the use of CERES dedicated observations]. 5th Asamblea Hispano Portuguesa de Geodesia y Geof�sica, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain, 30 Jan. - 3 Feb. 2006

2005

� A. Velazquez Blazquez, S. Alonso, A. Bodas-Salcedo, C. Domenech, J. Gimeno, J. Jorge Sanchez, A. Labajo, N. G. Loeb, D. Pino, A. D. Sanchis, G. L. Smith, Z. P. Szewczyk, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, E. Lopez-Baeza (2005): Comparison of top of the atmosphere GERB measured radiances with independent radiative transfer simulations obtained at the Valencia Anchor Station reference area. 11th SPIE International Symposium on Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere X. Bruges, Belgium, 19�22 Sept. 2005

� E. Lopez-Baeza, S. Alonso, A. Comer�n, R. Diaz-Pabon, C. Domenech, J.F. Gimeno-Ferrer, J. Jorge, A. Labajo, N. Pineda, D. Pino, A. Rius, F. Rocadenbosch, K Saleh, M. Sicard, R. Tarruella, J. Torrobella, and A. Velazquez (2005): A High-Quality Dataset of Land-Surface and Atmospheric Measurements for the Comparison/Crosscalibration of Data From Large Scale Optical Earth Observation Sensors in Space. The Valencia Anchor Station. Proceedings of the Workshop on Inter-Comparison of Large Scale Optical and Infrared Sensors. ESA/ESTEC 12-14 October 2004. ESA-WPP-244, Feb. 2005

2004

� Velazquez, A., E. Lopez-Baeza, G.L. Smith and Z. Peter Szewczyk (2004): CERES Operations for the Valencia Anchor Station in Support of GERB Validation Efforts. CERES SCALES Campaigns. Poster 13th Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography. Norfolk, Virginia(US), 20�23 Sep. 2004

� Lopez-Baeza, E., Belda, F., Bodas, A., Crommelynck, D., Dewitte, S., Domenech, C.; Gimeno, J.F., Harries, J.E., Jorge Sanchez, J., Pineda, N., Pino, D., Rius, A., Saleh, K., Tarruella, R., Velazquez, A. (2004): SCALES: SEVIRI and GERB CaL/VaL area for large-scale field experiments. Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere VIII. Edited by Schaefer, Klaus; Comeron, Adolfo; Carleer, Michel R.; Picard, Richard H. Proc. of the SPIE, Volume 5235, pp. 134-148 (2004)

2000

� J.E.Harries, R. Mossavati, E. Lopez-Baeza, S. Dewitte, N. Clerbaux, G.L. Smith, P. Allan, M. Bates, J. Muller, and R. Stuhlmann (2000): Exploiting the GERB/SEVIRI synergy for data validation, new algorithm development and scientific applications (Proposals 138, 142 & 143). Proc. of the First MSG RAO Workshop. Bologna, 17 � 19 May 2000. ESA SP-452. October 2000

Projects

Postgraduate Students: Almudena Velazquez and Carlos Domenech

---

EPS/MetOp (EUMETSAT Polar System / MetOp)/

http://www.eumetsat.int/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=47&l=en http://www.esrin.esa.it/esaME/index.html
http://www.esa.int/esaME

Principle of the Joint Polar System Operations

Publications

� E. Lopez-Baeza; M. Anton Martinez; A. Cano; C. Domenech; A.G. Ferreira; A. Labajo; D. Pino; T. Rius; G.L. Smith; Z.P. Szewczyk; J. Tamayo; A. Velazquez; S. Vidal; (2006): EPS METEOROLOGICAL PRODUCTS VALIDATION AT THE VALENCIA ANCHOR STATION (EPS MET PRO VAS). ESA Publications Division. Special Publication SP-618

Projects

Postgraduate Students: A. Geraldo Ferreira, Aurelio Cano, Carlos Domenech, Almudena Velazquez, Sara Vidal

Meteorological Products Validation at the Valencia Anchor Station (EPS Met Pro VAS)
Joint ESA/EUMETSAT EPS/MetOp Research Announcement of Opportunities (AOID 2997). P.I.: E. Lopez-Baeza

---