Observations and Modeling of Atmospheric Radiance Structure
Abstract
The overall purpose of the work that we have undertaken is to provide new capabilities for observing and modeling structured radiance in the atmosphere, particularly the non-LTE regions of the atmosphere. This purpose is well served by the work reported below. It is supplemented by the transition of some of our modeling and simulation capabilities to the Air Force, in the form of codes that we have developed and advice or assistance related to their use. Several investigations related to atmospheric radiance structure have been carried out. We used auroral data from the MSX UVISI Spectrographic Imagers in the EUV, visible, and NIR wavelengths to demonstrate the excellent spatial and temporal resolution of those instruments, and their utility for studying radiance structure. We identified small perturbations in the 4.3 micro below-the-horizon data from the MSX SPIRIT III radiometer as originating in the stratosphere, helping to confirm that the structure was produced by upwelling thunderstorm-produced gravity waves. We derived and implemented a new transfer-function algorithm in Atmospheric Radiance Code (ARC), and demonstrated its functionality. It enables rapid and repetitive non-LTE calculations to be carried out, which is essential for forward modeling of radiance structure. We participated in the development of the first non-LTE kinetic temperature retrieval algorithm, which will be useful for returning profiles above 100 km using data from the SABER instrument aboard NASA's TIMED satellite, and we used ARC for related model development and validation purposes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA408917
Entities
People
- Peter P. Wintersteiner