Radiative flux measurements in the troposphere

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Appl. Opt.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.21.000831· OSTI ID:5505665

Valero, F P.J.; Gore, W J.Y.; Giver, L P.M.

The results of radiative flux-density measurements in the troposphere, made using an especially designed radiometer mounted on a Cessna 402B aircraft, are reported. The radiometer incorporates several well-known principles that result in highly accurate determinations of radiative fluxes in the atmosphere. Heating rates for gases and for aerosols are calculated, using measurements and radiosonde data. Instrument performance is verified by calculating the solar constant at the top of the atmosphere, using the radiative flux densities measured in the troposphere. Total heating rates of 0.175 and 0.377 K h/sup -1/ are determined for hazy and foggy atmospheres, respectively. Aerosol heating rates of 0.065 and 0.235 K h/sup -1/ are deduced from the total heating rates. Environmental noise measurements during data acquisition are presented. The solar constant value of 1387 +- 21 W m/sup -2/ derived from the experiments agrees within 4% of the standard value.

• Research Organization: NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035
• OSTI ID: 5505665
• Journal Information: Appl. Opt.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Opt.; (United States) Vol. 21:5; ISSN APOPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140100 -- Solar Energy-- Resources & Availability
500100* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROSOLS
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
FOG
HEATING
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATION HEATING
SOLAR CONSTANT
SOLS
TROPOSPHERE