| The infrared spectrum observed with the GIFTS will also measure the distribution of other trace gases (e.g., CO, O3, CH4, and N2O) with an altitude resolution dependent on the final specifications selected for the GIFTS. Although the measurement of radiatively active chemical constituents, besides H2O, is not a primary objective, it is noted for its potential contribution to other Earth science goals. The GIFTS will provide, at the very minimum, a validation of the potential utility of geosynchronous FTS observations for studying atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gas dynamics from large-scale source regions to the global atmosphere. Quantifying this export is emerging as a major need for international environmental policy and provides another important operational application of the technology demonstrated by GIFTS. |