Atmospheric Inversion Layer Research Articles

The ammonia mixing ratio in Jupiter's stratosphere

Model calculations show that the far-infrared bands of ammonia are very sensitive to the ammonia distribution above the Jovian atmospheric inversion layer. Observation of the J = 5 and J = 6 ammonia bands at moderate resolution ( R ∼ 700) can differentiate between a cold trap model or the irreversible uv photodestruction model for the ammonia distribution. The amount of core emission is very sensitive to the distribution of ammonia above the Jovian inversion layer.

Microwave radiometric sensing of the marine boundary layer

An experiment performed in 1975 demonstrated that 22‐GHz microwave radiometers could detect, and localize in altitude, long‐period (3–15 min) internal gravity waves on low level atmospheric inversion layers. A second experiment, in June 1976, examined atmospheric structure in finer detail by using two 3° beam width antennas. This has resulted in the first observation and correlation between radiometer beams of short‐period (i.e., 1 to 2 min), Kelvin‐Helmholtz waves. In addition, during unchanging synoptic conditions, the radiometers would follow changes in the height of the inversion base with an average sensitivity of 25 m/K. Using an atmospheric “quiet period” to determine the radiometer noise level, the resulting vertical resolution of the radiometer is shown to be approximately ±1 m, comparable to active sensors. The observed sensitivities were found to be unaffected by the presence of stratus clouds beneath the inversion. A 5.5‐hour train of 10‐ to 11‐min period waves on 19 June 1976 showed recurring internal (gravity) wave propagation from three or four directions. The corresponding radiometer undulations shifted time‐phase 180° with the microbarograph surface pressure undulations when the direction of wave propagation changed. Calculation of wave phase velocities based on meteorological soundings favor second‐mode wave propagation, in agreement with the observed wave velocities and microbarograph periodicities.

Special Projects on Study of Atmospheric Environment in Japan

Recently, in Japan several projects on the study of atmospheric environment have been conducted by Japan meteorological Agency. The aims of these projects are to provide useful informations on the planning of a new establishment of industrial complex from the view-point of conservation of air quality.This paper is dealt with results of the Akita Bay Area Project and also includes results of the Western Seto Area Project and the Mutsu-Ogawara Area Project. Akita Bay Area is located on Japan Sea side of the northern Honshu. Then special emphasis was given on the meteorological observation in atmospheric boundary layer in this project. Especially, distribution of wind and temperature was observed not only horizontally, but also vertically.The author analyzed the surface airflow, air-stream and temperature distribution in atmospheric boundary layer, inversion layer and mixing height in this area.

Mathematical models for the reflection coefficients of dielectric half‐spaces

The reflection coefficients at normal incidence are found for a large class of one‐dimensionally inhomogeneous or stratified half‐spaces, which contain a homogeneous half‐space. The formulation of the problem involves a combination of the classical boundary value technique, and the nonclassical principle of invariant imbedding. Solutions are in closed form and expressible in terms of Bessel functions. All results are given in terms of the ratio of the distance between free space and the homogeneous half‐space to the wavelength in vacuo. One special case is that of an arbitrary number of layers lying on a homogeneous half‐space where the dielectric constant of each layer has a constant gradient. A number of other special cases, limiting cases, and generalizations are developed including one in which the thickness of the top layer obeys a probability distribution, and another formulation that is computationally efficient in which there is an extremely small change in the dielectric constant such as with atmospheric inversion layers.