Variability of the terrestrial window and its physical implications
Tóm tắt
We show that the frequencies of atmospheric molecular thermal vibrations significantly influence the spectral positioning of the terrestrial window. The bandpass filtering process of this window is confined to the region starting from theE-region and extending to an altitude not exceeding about 600 km. This indicates that a significant part of the infrared radiation emanating from lower altitudes is absorbed directly into the ionosphere. Implicitly, the infrared radiation field as viewed downward from the top of the ozonosphere is continuously «mapped» into the ionosphere in terms of temperature and hence ionization variations. This mapping may be a vital cause of ionospheric irregularities. Factors that influence the transmission coefficient of the terrestrial window are mentioned and discussed. In particular, it is shown that if the terrestrial thermal radiation shifts in response to a temperature change in accordance with Wien's displacement law, the terrestrial window cannot correspondingly shift and continue aligning itself approximately with the peak of the spectrum unless different atmospheric molecules dominate the vibrational process. However, whether different molecules dominate the vibrational process or not, a change in atmospheric temperature makes the transmission coefficient of the window change in the same sense. Consequently, the much reported role played by the window in moderating the temperature of the Earth-Atmosphere system is apparently carried out even when the latter temperature changes provided that the accompanying adjustments do not put the spectral location of the window completely off the terrestrial radiation spectrum. Finally it is shown that if certain substances are introduced in sufficient quantities into the troposphere (in gaseous or aerosol forms), the bandpass filtering process of the terrestrial window may consequently operate in the latter and hence cause regional or global warming.
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