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Characterization of Polar Mesospheric Clouds Using Infrared Measurements from HALOEMeasurements from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) revealed the infrared signature of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs), for the first time, HALOE PMC observations at eight wavelengths (2.45 - 10 microns) show remarkable agreement with model PMC spectra based on ice particle extinction, and thus provide the first confirmation that water ice is the primary component of PMCs. Because PMCs respond to changes in temperature and water vapor, they are considered an indicator of global climate change. We propose to further the understanding of PMCs using a decade of infrared measurements form HALOE. This effort will characterize PMC spectral properties, extinction profiles, and size distributions. Using this information, HALOE measurements will be used to make simultaneous retrievals of H2O3, and temperature, in the presence of PMCs. The simultaneous retrievals of particle properties, H2O3, and temperature will be used with HALOE NO data to provide a significant step forward in the knowledge of PMC characteristics and formation conditions. We will challenge fundamental theories of PMC formation, and investigate changes in PMC properties and related conditions over the length of the HALOE measurement record. HALOE has been operating without flaw since it was launched on October 11, 1991. Consequently, ten southern and ten northern PMC seasons have been observed thus far, providing a wealth of data for the study of PMC and related parameters.
Document ID
20020080785
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Contractor or Grantee Report
Authors
Hervig, Mark E.
(G and A Technical Software, Inc. Newport News, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
June 9, 2002
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
GATS-090602
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-02013
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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