Abstract
Stepwise linear regressions for the specification of blackbody surface radiances are computed using a set of 103 model atmospheres chosen originally by Wark et al. and the corresponding simulated values of Nimbus 2 window-channel (10–11 µ) radiances. Two stratifications are considered: (a) precipitable water vapor, u>1, and (b) u<1 gm cm–2. For each of five zenith angles considered, significant contributions are made in both regression formulas by inclusion of parameters representing the radiative transfer effects of water vapor and ozone. This regression formulation makes use of empirically derived expressions related to these effects over long atmospheric paths. The specification of the sample of surface radiances is in accordance with a multiple correlation coefficient, exceeding 0.990 and 0.995 in the respective stratifications. Corrections for atmospheric effects to be applied to Nimbus 2 window-channel radiances in estimating the corresponding surface values are displayed in nomogramic as well as analytic forms.
This coauthor performed his contribution during his tenure as a National Academy of Sciences National Reseach Council Senior Postdoctorial Resident Research Associate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He has since returned to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif.
