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The effect of spatial inhomogeneities on the elevation angle dependence of atmospheric thermal emission at millimetric wavelengths
Author(s) -
Gibbins C. J.,
Cherry S. M.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs024i001p00077
Subject(s) - radiometer , elevation (ballistics) , azimuth , wavelength , millimeter , water vapor , thermal , radiometry , microwave radiometer , optics , environmental science , thermal emission , elevation angle , atmospheric sciences , remote sensing , physics , geology , meteorology , astronomy
Significant and consistent deviations from the “secant θ” law describing the elevation angle dependence of atmospheric thermal emission have been observed in radiometric measurements at millimeter wavelengths, which did not occur when observations were made at different azimuthal angles. The presence of a source of water beneath the radiometer beam suggested the possibility of additional, localized, “plumes” of water vapor. This paper considers the effect of such plumes on elevation angle scanning radiometers and suggests a possible method for remote sensing of water vapor plumes.