Microphysical Studies of Noctilucent Clouds.
Abstract
Very little is understood about the microphysics of noctilucent clouds. It is not known whether the ice crystals comprising them are of cubic habit, as has been suggested, or whether they are hexagonal, as in tropospheric clouds. It has not been established whether the crystal habit and the crystal growth rates are influenced or controlled by the nuclei present in the upper atmosphere, or whether temperature and humidity conditions play the dominant role in that respect as in the troposphere. It is clear, however, that the size and shape of the individual crystals determine their optical properties and therefore determine how noctilucent clouds interact with transmissions of electromagnetic waves. Our experiments were aimed at revealing the habit of noctilucent cloud particles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA300324
Entities
People
- Bernard Vonnegut
Organizations
- State University of New York at Albany