EVALUATION OF INFRARED EMISSION OF CLOUDS AND GROUND AS MEASURED BY WEATHER SATELLITES.

Abstract

Of prime interest are the radiation data from that portion of the infrared spectrum known as the atmospheric water-vapor window, ranging from about 8 to 12 microns. Infrared signals received by weather satellites and aircraft depend, in clear air, on surface temperature, atmospheric interference and surface emissivity. For the latter, very different data in literature are found for clouds, water, rocks, etc. In this report correct emissivity data were sought in three ways: (1) Reflectivity of polished rock samples was tested in an infrared spectrograph for 5-16 microns wavelength. Using Kirchhoff's law this method yielded emissivities for near normal incidence. (2) Using an 8-13 microns sensitive radiometer and an aggregate, called emissivity box, the emissivity of many surfaces was measured directly. (3) A summer noon time flight of Tiros over the Mediterranean and the Sahara was evaluated.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0617417

Entities

People

  • Clifford Dalton Kern

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Diffraction
  • Electromagnetic Spectra
  • Emission
  • Emissivity
  • Infrared Spectra
  • Kirchhoff'S Law
  • Literature
  • Physical Properties
  • Radiation
  • Radiometers
  • Reflectivity
  • Spectra
  • Spectrographs
  • Surface Temperature
  • Water Vapor

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Spectroscopy.

Technology Areas

  • Space