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The global distribution of water vapor in the middle atmosphere of VenusNear-IR measurements are presented of the mean vertical and horizontal distribution of water vapor in the Venus clouds as measured by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter IR radiometer, and comparisons are made with previous data. Six thermal channels were used to generate several hundred thousand readings for determination of the mean mixing ratio. Averaging was performed as a function of the solar zenith angle, with profiles retrieved with a relaxation method applied to radiance data at 45 microns. Consideration was given to mean cloud models and temperature profiles obtained from the five temperature sounding channels scanning from 11.5-15 microns. Laboratory tests were effected to validate the transmission functions. The results included a maximum column abundances above the cloud optical depth in the early afternoon in the equatorial regions. Mixing ratio enhancement was highest on the dayside and at high altitudes, with a mean ratio of 0.0001 at a 40% uncertainty level. Day-to-day fluctuations in the pressure level at 11.5 microns was larger than 10%, far below the factors of 2-3 determined by other investigators.
Document ID
19830039396
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schofield, J. T.
(Oxford Univ. Oxford, United Kingdom)
Taylor, F. W.
(Oxford University Oxford, United Kingdom)
Mccleese, D. J.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1982
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
83A20614
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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