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Low-altitude infrared propagation in a coastal zone: refraction and scattering
Stephen M Doss-Hammel1, Carl R Zeisse, Amalia E Barrios
1Atmospheric Propagation Branch of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, California 92152-7385, USA. hammel@spawar.navy.mil
Abstract:
Midwave and long-wave infrared propagation were measured in the marine atmosphere close to the surface of the ocean. Data were collected near San Diego Bay for two weeks in November 1996 over a 15-km horizontal path. The data are interpreted in terms of effects expected from molecules, aerosol particles, and refraction. Aerosol particles are a dominant influence in this coastal zone. They induce a diurnal variation in transmission as their character changes with regular changes in wind direction. A refractive propagation factor calculation is introduced, and it is systematically applied to the model and to the data analysis. It is shown that this refractive propagation factor is a necessary component of a complete near-sea-surface infrared transmission model.