Remote sensing of the boundary layer

Abstract

Limited information about the boundary layer stratification is obtained from remote infrared spectral measurements in the water vapor window region. A global map of the average strength of the water vapor spectral lines in the 9 micron window region derived from Nimbus 4 IRIS data is presented to indicate this boundary layer information. Presence of deep convective layer in the intertropical convergence zone and trade wind inversion over the subtropical oceanic high pressure systems are appropriately revealed in this map.