Spectral Radiance of Snow and Clouds in the Near Infrared Spectral Region

Abstract

The near infrared spectral radiance measurements of snow and cirrus and cumulus cloud backgrounds taken by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory's flying laboratory are evaluated. From the analysis of the 124 specra obtained, the spectral radiances or reflectance characteristics of snow and cirrus and cumulus clouds between 5500 and 7000/cm (1.82-1.43 micrometers were determined. Snow/cloud discrimination can be made by utilizing a sensor in the 5500 to 7000/ cm spectral region. Based on the analysis of these data, certain snow/cloud design parameters were identified; that is, slope of the spectral radiance, absolute spectral and/or total radiance, and the location and value of the maximum spectral radiance for the snow and cirrus and cumulus cloud backgrounds. Finally, specific recommendations are made for an optimal operational snow/cloud discrimination radiometer. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 17, 1978
Accession Number
ADA063761

Entities

People

  • Francis R. Valovcin

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Signatures
  • Aircrafts
  • Aspect Angle
  • Cirrus Clouds
  • Clouds
  • Cumulus Clouds
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Rate
  • Detectors
  • Discrimination
  • Flying Laboratories
  • Intervals
  • Measurement
  • Radiance
  • Radiometers
  • Standards

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Spectroscopy.