Experimental studies of infrared scattering and polarization properties of crystalline clouds to improve atmospheric models for remote sensing of the Earth's atmosphere from space

Results from the latest of a series of joint U.S.-Russian programs investigating atmospheric effects on satellite remote sensing systems are reported. Recent efforts were directed at obtaining metrologically supported experimental data for validation, correction and verification of theoretical models describing scattering and polarization of IR radiation in clouds containing particles in the crystalline phase. On-going experimental investigations are being carried out in fullsize cloud chambers of the State Institution Research and Production Association (RPA) "Typhoon" under conditions comparable with actual atmospheric conditions. A unique instrument and experimental setup has been created at the Institute of Experimental Meteorology (IEM) of RPA "Typhoon". It includes the means to form clouds with prescribed characteristics, a system controlling thermodynamics and microstructure of the particles formed, and an instrumentation complex, spectrometer-polarimeter-indicatrix meter (SPIN), designed for the measurement of the polarization characteristics of radiation scattered by cloud ice particles. The data obtained can be used to develop all-weather observation systems and to define experiments for remote sounding and environmental monitoring of the Earth from space.

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