Engineering topics

Gore, W. J. Y.

Publications and source records attributed to Gore, W. J. Y..

3 records

NASA NTRS1984

The absorption of solar radiation by the Arctic atmosphere during the haze season and its effects on the radiation balance

Measurements of broadband spectral absorption of solar radiation by the Arctic atmosphere during haze events are reported. A preliminary analysis of the data indicates that large changes occur in the radiative transfer processes in the Arctic during haze events. For example, the planetary albedo is estimated to increase by 2.5 percent over the ocean and to decrease by 9 percent over the ice cap. Changes of such magnitude in the radiative parameters have the potential for significant climatic effects. The need for further experimental and modeling efforts is emphasized.

Valero, F. P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Radiative effects of the arctic haze

During the recent Arctic Gas and Aerosols Sampling Project flight series, the absorption of solar radiation by the Arctic haze was measured directly for the first time. Absorpton was measured in three narrow band channels, and the measurements were used to calibrate a high resolution solar flux model, which was then used to compute atmospheric heating rates. Analyses of data from three flights with estimated optical depths of 0.26, 0.17, and 0.31 at 500 nm produced instantaneous solar heating rates of the order of 1.1 to 1.5 K/day. These rates are greater by a factor of 2 to 3 than heating in the absence of the haze. Possible climatic implications are briefly discussed.

Valero, F. P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Radiative flux measurements in the troposphere

A new airborne radiometric system with a time resolution as high as 60 msec has been designed for measuring radiative fluxes in the atmosphere. To verify the instrument performance, the solar constant at the top of the atmosphere has been calculated using the radiative flux densities measured in the troposphere, and the result obtained has been found to agree with the standard value to within 4%. Total heating rates of 0.175 and 0.377 K/h have been determined for hazy and foggy atmospheres, respectively, and aerosol heating rates of 0.065 and 0.235 K/h have been deduced from the total heating rates.

Valero, F. P. J.↗