Some Considerations Concerning the Measurement of the Atmospheric Temperature Field by Electromagnetic Means

A system for determining atmospheric temperature structure by using an electromagnetic radiometer probe is described. The relationship between the electromagnetic sensor reading and atmospheric conditions is developed for both the microwave and infrared sensor utilizing a unified approach for the two cases. It is shown that, with the assumption of horizontal homogeneity, several alternate procedures for inversion of sensor readings to yield the spacial-temperature field are possible. One of these procedures which was used to invert theoretical radiometer readings from an assumed atmospheric structure is described in detail. The results of the inversion which was accomplished with the aid of a UNIVAC 1105 computer are included.