Infrared Aircraft Spectra Over Desert Terrain 85 μ to 16 μ

Abstract

Spectra in the 8.5–16-μ interval, taken at various altitudes over relatively uniform desert terrain, show attenuation of upwelling radiation by atmospheric gases and haze through the entire spectral interval. Equivalent blackbody temperatures, even in the clearest part of the window, show a drop that could introduce serious errors into remote sensing of surface temperatures. Surface emissivity characteristics are discernible at low altitudes but are somewhat masked by ozone at 10-km altitudes.