Global plots of NAAPS results are presented in a 4-panel format as individual images
or as 5-day loops containing 25 images (6-hourly plots).
Upper-left: Total optical depth (defined below) at a wavelength of
0.55 microns for all NAAPS components: sulfate, dust, and smoke.
The calculation is described below in the Regional Plots section.
Upper-right: Dust optical depth (defined below) at a wavelength of
0.55 microns.
The calculation is described below in the Regional Plots section.
Lower-left: Sulfate optical depth (defined below) at a wavelength of
0.55 microns.
The calculation is described below in the Regional Plots section.
Lower-right: Smoke optical depth (defined below) at a wavelength of
0.55 microns.
The calculation is described below in the Regional Plots section.
REGIONAL PLOTS
Regional plots of NAAPS results are presented in a 4-panel format as individual images
or as 2-day loops containing 9 images (6-hourly plots).
Upper-left: Optical depth at a wavelength of
0.55 microns for three components: sulfate, dust, and smoke.
Sulfate:
Since July 1, 1999, we use a formulation for the specific extinction based on
Nemesure et al. 1995 (JGR, vol. 100, p26105-26116).
The formulations yields values of 4.5, 5.1, 7.2, 15.0 and 31.6 m^s g^-1
for relative humidities of 30, 50, 70, 90, and 98%, respectively.
The maximum allowed value is 40.3 m^s g^-1 at an RH of 100%.
This approach yields optical depths that are up to ten times larger than
those derived using the earlier approach (see next paragraph) and are in
good qualitative agreement with the NOAA/NESDIS AOD values off the east coast of the
U.S. and China.
Quantitative validation is underway.
Orange and Red shades are used.
Previous to July 1, 1999,
we assumed particles of 0.1 microns radius, no swelling due to
humidity effects and a refractive index of 1.55 + .01i. The specific extinction
derived from Mie theory was less than 1.0 m^2 g^-1.
The contouring begins at 0.01 and doubles in magnitude for each successive contour.
Orange and Red shades are used.
For dust, we assume particles of 1 micron radius and a refractive index of 1.55 + .001i.
The specific extinction is 0.56 m^2 g^-1.
The contouring begins at 0.05 (0.2 previous to 24 March 1999) and doubles in magnitude for each successive contour. Yellow and Green shades are used.
For smoke, we assume particles of 0.01 micron radius and a refractive index of 1.55 + 0.1i.
The specific extinction is 7.1 m^2 g^-1.
The contouring begins at 0.01 and doubles in magnitude for each successive contour. Blue shades are used.
Upper-right: Sulfate mass mixing ratio (micro-g / m^3) at the surface.
The contouring begins at 0.2 micro-g / m^3 and doubles in magnitude for each successive contour.
Lower-left: Dust mass mixing ratio (micro-g / m^3) at the surface.
The contouring begins at 20.0 micro-g / m^3 and doubles in magnitude for each successive contour.
Lower-right: Smoke mass mixing ratio (micro-g / m^3) at the surface.
The contouring begins at 0.2 micro-g / m^3 and doubles in magnitude for each successive contour.
