On the opacity of Martian dust storms derived by Viking IRTM spectral measurements.
Abstract
In this paper, a procedure to estimate the opacity of Martian dust storms from the spectral measurements made by the Viking infrared thermal mapping instrument is developed. Methods are also produced to estimate the surface temperature and the effective temperature of the dust cloud from these observations, in conjunction with the lander opacity observations. The derived opacities, for various locations on the planet, show the basic trends identified in the lander measurements. At the height of the second dust storm 9-micron opacities of approximately 3 are derived, which correspond to values of approximately 5 at visible wavelengths. The analysis of zonally averaged data for the southern hemisphere at the time of the second major dust storm indicates dust opacities of approximately 2-3 remaining at 1800-2400 LT, with the maximum opacity occurring in the late afternoon period.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- December 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JB084iB14p08301
- Bibcode:
- 1979JGR....84.8301H
- Keywords:
-
- Dust Storms;
- Mars Atmosphere;
- Opacity;
- Thermal Mapping;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Atmospheric Temperature;
- Emissivity;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Mars Surface;
- Radiative Transfer;
- Satellite-Borne Photography;
- Spectrum Analysis;
- Surface Temperature;
- Viking Lander 1;
- Mars Atmosphere:Dust Storms;
- Mars Atmosphere:Opacities