Status: this preprint was under review for the journal AMT. A revision for further review has not been submitted.
Observations of water vapor within a mid-tropospheric smoke plume using ground-based microwave radiometry
Darren R. Clabo
Darren R. Clabo
Program in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, 57701, USA
Abstract. This study presents an analysis of the water vapor mixing ratio contained within multiple mid-tropospheric smoke plumes as diagnosed by a ground-based passive microwave radiometer. Measurements from the radiometer were compared to smoke opacity as diagnosed from visible satellite imagery on three different days: 12, 16, and 20 August 2013. It was found that the water vapor mixing ratio within the smoke plume could be as much as 20–250 % higher than the mixing ratio within the ambient, non-smoke environmental air. Significant intra-smoke plume variability also existed and the mixing ratio was found to be higher (lower) in more optically thick (thin) areas of the plume. This study demonstrates that a radiometer is valuable tool that can be used to remotely measure the water vapor content within smoke plumes.
Received: 22 Feb 2016 – Discussion started: 12 Apr 2016
This research was completed to better understand the total moisture content within smoke plumes resulting from biomass fires. The study utilized a passive microwave radiometer to examine the smoke plumes as they passed over western South Dakota at altitudes from 3- to 6-km above ground level. Results show that the mixing ratio values within the smoke plumes were from 20–250 % higher than within the ambient, non-smoke environmental air.
This research was completed to better understand the total moisture content within smoke plumes...
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