INFRARED ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF ATMOSPHERIC DUST,
Abstract
Based on the microspectrophotometric analysis of 287 atmospheric dust samples taken within the surface boundary layer over White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, from May 1966 through October 1967, a representative infrared absorption spectrum spanning the wavenumber range from 4000 to 250/cm is presented. The strongest absorption band is centered at 1027/cm, within the 1250 to 770/cm atmospheric window, and is silicate induced. Two other strong broad absorption bands are the carbonate band at 1425/cm and the silicate band at 468/cm. Temporal variations in the absorption spectra of the dust are observed primarily in the varying relative intensities of the 1027 and 1425/cm absorption bands and in the occasional enhancement of the 1027/cm band caused by sulfates in the dust. This study indicates a close similarity between the absorption spectra of the atmospheric dust and the absorption spectra of the small particle fraction of area soils, and between the representative dust spectrum and a spectrum of a synthetic mixture (by weight) of 80% silicates, 16% carbonates, and 4% nitrates. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0836883
Entities
People
- Abel J. Blanco
- Glenn B. Hoidale
Organizations
- Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory