THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT OF THE ARCTIC ATMOSPHERE.
Abstract
The atmosphere is nearly transparent for solar radiation but most of the terrestrial radiation is trapped by water vapour, carbon dioxide, and clouds. Some of this absorbed heat is radiated back to the earth's surface. This process is generally called the 'greenhouse effect' of the atmosphere. The effect of water vapour in trapping terrestrial radiation is the dominating influence on the direct loss of heat by radiation from ground to space under cloudless conditions. Water vapour alone can trap 3/4 of the terrestrial radiation. With clouds, in summer over the Central Polar Ocean, only 3% of the terrestrial radiation escapes through the atmosphere. The values for two equations representing the 'greenhouse effect' are discussed. Both show very small geographical and temporal variations. The atmospheric greenhouse effect is remarkably stable in all latitudes and climatic zones. This is so because the moisture content of the atmosphere is sufficienently high. Also, the greater cloud amount in high latitudes compensates for the smaller moisture content.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0603034
Entities
People
- E. Vowinckel
Organizations
- McGill University