Infrared Absorption by Water Clusters.
Abstract
This report summarizes the results of a two-year study of atmospheric infrared 'continuum' absorption attributed to intermolecularly bonded clusters in water vapor. Spectral data are reviewed for water vapor, steam and liquid water. The infrared continuum absorption is discussed in detail and is shown to be explicable on the basis of homogeneous or ion-induced cluster distributions in water vapor, where the cluster population is approximately proportional to the square of the partial water vapor pressure. Thermodynamic consistency between the vapor and liquid phases is discussed for temperatures including the critical (374 C) where the phases become one. Simple oscillator models are shown to give agreement with observed spectral lines, suggesting certain cluster configurations. The ion concentration of moist air versus temperature is discussed, and measurements of ion cluster distributions are considered. Cluster absorption at longer wavelengths including the microwave region is discussed. Conclusions are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA071455
Entities
People
- Hugh R. Carlon
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center