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Wavenumber dependent investigation of the terrestrial infrared radiation budget with two versions of the LOWTRAN5 band modelTwo versions of the LOWTRAN5 radiance code are used in a study of the earth's clear sky infrared radiation budget in the interval 30 per cm (333.3 microns) to 3530 per cm (2.8 microns). One version uses 5 per cm resolution and temperature dependent molecular absorption coefficients, and the second uses 20 per cm resolution and temperature independent molecular absorption coefficients. Both versions compare well with Nimbus 3 IRIS spectra, with some discrepancies at particular wavenumber intervals. Up and downgoing fluxes, calculated as functions of latitude, are displayed for wavenumbers at which the principle absorbers are active. Most of the variation of the fluxes with latitude is found in the higher wavenumber intervals for both clear and cloudy skies. The main features of the wavenumber integrated cooling rates are explained with reference to calculations in more restricted wavenumber intervals. A tropical lower tropospheric cooling maximum is produced by water vapor continuum effects in the 760-1240 per cm window. A secondary upper tropospheric cooling maximum, with wide meridional extent, is produced by water vapor rotational lines between 30-430 per cm. Water vapor lines throughout the terrestrial infrared spectrum prevent the upflux maximum from coinciding with the surface temperature maximum.
Document ID
19840049151
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Charlock, T. P.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA; National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Climate and Applied Meteorology
Volume: 23
ISSN: 0733-3021
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
84A31938
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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