The Impact of an Increase in Atmospheric Methane on the Temperature Field and Subsequent Climatic Effects
Abstract
In this thesis, the direct radiative effects on the temperature field due to the doubling of atmospheric methane are presented, within the context of a globally representative reference atmosphere, and climatic consequences are inferred. Based on the theory of infrared radiative transfer in a plane-parallel atmosphere, this simulation computed the vertical distribution of the change in longwave radiative heating rates that occurs as a result of doubling atmospheric methane. The interaction of methane with other atmospheric constituents which are optically active within the spectral boundaries of the absorption band for CH4 was considered in the analysis of the results. The radiative interaction between water vapor and increased methane was shown to be the dominant reason for a positive change in heating rates in the lower troposphere when methane is doubled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196869
Entities
People
- Jeffrey S. Morrison
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology