Engineering topics

Ackerman, Steven A.

Publications and source records attributed to Ackerman, Steven A..

39 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS1989

Using the radiative temperature difference at 3.7 and 11 microns to track dust outbreaks

The radiative temperature difference between 3.7 and 11 microns (Delta T) is investigated as a possible method for tracking dust outbreaks. Theoretical calculations indicate that the technique would be most sensitive to dust loading during the day when the Delta Ts are enhanced by reflection of 3.7-micron solar radiation. The feasibility of tracking dust outbreaks is demonstrated by comparing satellite observations with surface estimates of visibility. Theoretical calculations also demonstrate the potential of inferring the dust layer optical depth from these spectral measurements.

Ackerman, Steven A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Shortwave radiative parameterization of large atmospheric aerosols - Dust and water clouds

A parameterization of the single scattering properties of an aerosol for a dust layer in the solar spectral region is presented. The parameterization scheme accounts for the microphysical changes of an aerosol layer and is applied to dust and water clouds. A scaling parameter is presented which describes, simply and effectively, the optical properties of an aerosol layer with a large effective size parameter.

Ackerman, Steven A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Radiative energy budget estimates for the 1979 southwest summer monsoon

A major objective of the summer monsoon experiment (SMONEX) was the determination of the heat sources and sinks associated with the southwest summer monsoon. The radiative component is presented here. The vertically integrated tropospheric radiation energy budget is negative and varies significantly as a function of monsoon activity. The gradient in the latitudinal mean tropospheric cooling reverses between the winter periods and the late spring/early summer periods. The radiative component of the vertical profile of the diabatic heating is derived. These profiles are a strong function of the stage of the monsoon as well as the geographic region. In general, the surface experiences a net gain of radiative energy during the late spring and early summer periods. During the winter periods, areas northward of 25 N display net surface losses, while the remaining areas exhibit net gains.

Ackerman, Steven A.↗