Infrared Sky Radiance Distributions in the Marine Boundary Layer.
Abstract
This report describes an alternative method for inferring the effects of aerosols on atmospheric transmittance. Spatial distributions of infrared sky radiance in the 3 to 5 micrometer (SWIR) and 8 to 12 micrometer (LWIR) spectral bands were measured at low elevation angles above the sea surface, then compared with the corresponding clear sky radiance. The infrared aerosol transmittance was inferred from the ratio of measured radiance to calculated clear sky radiance along the horizon line of sight (LOS). Results show that only the LWIR band can be used to infer aerosol transmittance reliably. The radiance along the horizon LOS originates predominately in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere; therefore, reasonably accurate horizon radiance of transmittance predictions could be made from meteorological data within this low altitude. Keywords: Infrared sky radiance distributions; Atmospheric transmittance; Aerosols.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180050
Entities
People
- D. Law
- W. J. Schade