Land Surface Temperature Retrieval From Landsat 9 TIRS-2 Data Using Radiance-Based Split-Window Algorithm

The thermal infrared sensor-2 (TIRS-2) carried on Landsat 9 is the newest thermal infrared (TIR) sensor for the Landsat project and provides two adjacent TIR bands, which greatly benefits the land surface temperature (LST) retrieval at high spatial resolution. In this article, a radiance based split window (RBSW) algorithm for retrieving LST from Landsat 9 TIRS-2 data was proposed. In addition, the split-window covariance-variance ratio (SWCVR) algorithm was improved and applied to Landsat 9 TIRS-2 data for estimating atmospheric water vapor (AWV) that is required for accurate LST retrieval. The performance of the proposed method was assessed using the simulation data and satellite observations. Results reveal that the retrieved LST using the RBSW algorithm has a bias of 0.06 K and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.51 K based on validation with the simulation data. The sensitivity analysis exhibited a LST error of <1.75 K using the RBSW algorithm when the uncertainties in input parameters (i.e., AWV, emissivity, and at-sensor radiance) were considered. There is a marginal discrepancy between LST retrievals using the estimated AWV and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer AWV, with a difference in bias of −0.14 K and RMSE of 0.22 K, which indicates that the improved SWCVR method can provide an optional means to obtain AWV inputted in LST retrieval. With regard to the validation using the in situ measurements, the retrieved LST from Landsat 9 TIRS-2 data exhibits a bias of 0.44 K and RMSE of 1.98 K, respectively, showing a higher accuracy than the USGS Landsat LST product with bias of 1.21 and RMSE of 2.56 K. In conclusion, the proposed algorithm combining RBSW algorithm and improved SWCVR algorithm for LST retrieval from Landsat 9 has a good accuracy without dependence on external atmospheric data, and it is expected to be a reliable method for LST generation from Landsat 9 TIRS-2 data.