On the Interpretation of Infrared Solar Spectra for Altitude Distribution of Atmospheric Trace Constituents.
Abstract
The quantitative interpretation of infrared sunset spectra in terms of mixing ratio profiles of atmospheric constituents requires a detailed consideration of the airmass and pressure distribution along the sunset ray. A comptuer program has been developed for determining the airmass and pressure distribution along this ray. Since infrared absorptions are pressure-dependent, a technique has been developed for treating this pressure dependence in analyzing absorption over such paths. The technique uses an approximation which maintains computational accuracy for such paths while reducing the computer time required for the calculations. The interpretation of such spectra is further complicated if the concentration of the constituent of interest varies with solar zenith angle (e.g. NO). Calculations were performed using time-varying profiles for NO and NO2. These calculations show that, if this time variability is not taken into account, the inferred profiles are greatly in error in the case of NO and marginally in error for NO2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA069495
Entities
People
- A. Goldman
- D. G. Murcray
- D. K. Rolens
- G. R. Cook
- L. R. Megill
Organizations
- University of Denver