Improved measurements of the foreign-broadened continuum of water vapor in the 6.3 microm band at -30 degrees C

Appl Opt. 2009 Mar 1;48(7):1358-65. doi: 10.1364/ao.48.001358.

Abstract

Atmospheric emission in the nu(2) band of water vapor by the foreign-broadened continuum (1300-2000 cm(-1)) is important for retrievals of upper tropospheric water vapor. Previous work reported continuum coefficients retrieved from two downwelling emission measurements made with the Polar Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (PAERI) at temperatures characteristic of the upper troposphere (below -25 degrees C) at Dome C, Antarctica. These results are improved upon here using 19 different measurements. Improvements have been made to the PAERI radiance calibration, the radiance simulations, and the error analysis. Compared to the Mlawer, Tobin, Clough, Kneizys, Davies continuum, the retrieved continuum is found to be 20% to 50% lower from 1350 to 1490 cm(-1) and 0% to 20% higher from 1850 to 1980 cm(-1).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere / chemistry*
  • Calibration
  • Computer Simulation
  • Interferometry*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Radiation
  • Steam / analysis*
  • Temperature*
  • Uncertainty

Substances

  • Steam