Characterization of merged AIRS and MLS water vapor sensitivity through integration of averaging kernels and retrievals.

The article presents an analysis of averaging kernels to evaluate the sensitivity of the Aqua Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) to water vapor. Particular focus is given to the implementation of a method in order to join the AIRS and MILS profiles into an emerged set of water vapor profiles through averaging kernel information. Further, it quantifies the sensitivity of the AIRS to hydrogen dioxide in the upper trophosphere/lower stratosphere.