Title of Presentation: INFLAME - In-situ Net Flux within the Atmosphere of the Earth
Primary (Corresponding) Author: Martin G. Mlynczak
Organization of Primary Author:
Co-Authors: David G. Johnson, Charles Boyer, Tim Shekoski, Don Robinson, Ed Kist, Dave Kratz, Chuck Antill
Abstract: Abstract. We are developing a set of Michelson interferometers to measure directly the net fluxes of visible and infrared radiation within the Earth’s atmosphere. The In-situ Net Flux within the Atmosphere of the Earth (INFLAME) project is focused on developing and demonstrating the technology necessary to provide accurate measurements of the rates of radiative heating and cooling within the atmosphere. This will be accomplished by deploying the INFLAME interferometers on an aircraft and measuring the net fluxes of radiation at several altitudes within the atmosphere. The derivative of the net flux with respect to altitude yields the divergence of the net flux, which is directly proportional to the rate at which radiation is heating or cooling the atmosphere. Accurate direct measurements of the net flux remain one of the outstanding challenges in the field of atmospheric radiation. In our presentation we will review the science that drives the need for net flux measurements as well as the design of the INFLAME instrument, and the current project status. INFLAME is now in year two of a planned three-year development effort and is supported by the Instrument Incubator Program of the Earth-Sun System Technology Office (ESTO).