Spectral Absorption Characteristics of the Major Components of Dust Clouds

摘要

It is well known that dust clouds selectively absorb radiation in the 700 to 1300/reciprocal cm. atmospheric window region. Studies have shown that dust clouds are composed of the same minerals as surface soils, although in different proportion. Seventy soil samples were examined from a number of locations around the world to determine their compositions and spectral characteristics. The results indicate that there are five major components that selectively absorb radiation in the 700 to 1300/reciprocal cm. region. These are three clay minerals, silica, and calcium carbonate. Absorptivity coefficient spectra of representative soil samples are given in the body of the report, and transmission spectra of all soil samples are given in the appendix. (Author)