Optical Extinction Coefficients Beneath Marine Stratus Clouds. Comparison of Coefficients Calculated from Observed Aerosol Spectra with Coefficients Specified by the Navy Aerosol Model
Abstract
Vertical profiles of extinction coefficients for wavelengths of 0.53, 3.75, and 10.59 micro meters were calculated from observed profiles of the liquid water aerosol spectra in marine stratus layers. These profiles were obtained for air masses characterizing marine and continental air masses. A recently developed Navy aerosol model specifies optical extinction by aerosols at the surface as a function of wind speed, relative humidity (less than saturate), and air mass type. The capability of the model to duplicate the observed profiles below cloud base was determined. The surface model was applied to the above-surface conditions by assuming various vertical profiles of relative humidity below cloud base. Comparison of the observed and model profiles were made for various combinations of surface wind speed, humidity profiles, and air mass type. These comparisons indicated that the model could not reproduce the observed profiles of optical extinction by aerosols below marine stratus clouds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 02, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA132011
Entities
People
- V. R. Noonkester