Qualitative Description of Obscuration Factors in Central Europe
Abstract
This report qualitatively describes, in elementary terms, the obscuration factors that affect electro-optical (E-O) systems. The obscuration factors are classified into four categories: clear atmosphere, natural obscurants, battlefield obscurants, and land/air interface. Basic radiation laws, Rayleigh and Mie scattering, and the changes that a beam of electromagnetic energy encounters in an atmosphere free from clouds and obstructions to visibility are discussed in the chapter on the clear atmosphere. The effects of fog, rain, snow, drizzle, clouds, haze, and dust storms upon E-O systems are discussed in the chapter on natural obscurants. Battlefield obscurants are dust, smoke, and fire resulting from battle and intentional smoke. The chapter on land/air interface discusses the effect of terrain, vegetation, and ground cover upon obscuration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA094145
Entities
People
- Hubert H. Monahan
- Marvin D. Kays
- Mary Ann Seagraves
- Robert A. Sutherland
Organizations
- Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory