Mid-tropospheric δD observations from IASI/MetOp at high spatial and temporal resolution

In this paper we retrieve atmospheric HDO, H2O concentrations and their ratio delta D from IASI radiances spectra. Our method relies on an existing radiative transfer model (Atmosphit) and an optimal estimation inversion scheme, but goes further than our previous work by explicitly considering correlations between the two species. A global HDO and H2O a priori profile together with a covariance matrix were built from daily LMDz-iso model simulations of HDO and H2O profiles over the whole globe and a whole year. The retrieval parameters are described and characterized in terms of errors. We show that IASI is mostly sensitive to delta D in the middle troposphere and allows retrieving delta D for an integrated 3-6 km column with an error of 38 parts per thousand on an individual measurement basis. We examine the performance of the retrieval to capture the temporal (seasonal and short-term) and spatial variations of delta D for one year of measurement at two dedicated sites (Darwin and Izana) and a latitudinal band from -60 degrees to 60 degrees for a 15 day period in January. We report a generally good agreement between IASI and the model and indicate the capabilities of IASI to reproduce the large scale variations of delta D (seasonal cycle and latitudinal gradient) with good accuracy. In particular, we show that there is no systematic significant bias in the retrieved delta D values in comparison with the model, and that the retrieved variability is similar to the one in the model even though there are certain local differences. Moreover, the noticeable differences between IASI and the model are briefly examined and suggest modeling issues instead of retrieval effects. Finally, the results further reveal the unprecedented capabilities of IASI to capture short-term variations in delta D, highlighting the added value of the sounder for monitoring hydrological processes.