Local thermodynamic equilibrium of carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere

摘要: The rotational and vibrational temperatures of the v2 2v2 modes carbon dioxide in upper atmosphere have been derived from transmission spectra measured by ATMOS instrument on Spacelab 3 over height range 60–110 km. temperature profiles are found to be nearly identical, which leads conclusion that CO2 (v2) level is local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) within experimental errors up 95 km, very so at least 110 (2v2) close LTE limit its retrieval, i.e., 93 interpretation those measurements using a non-LTE model [Lopez-Puertas et al., 1986] supports fast rate for deactivation CO2(v2) atomic oxygen, similar Sharma Wintersteiner [1990]. This provides independent confirmation, qualitatively different type measurement, authors radiative cooling atmospheres Earth around an order magnitude greater than our 1986 predicted. It also has implications thermospheric other terrestrial planets, as well expanding possibilities future remote sensing mesosphere lower thermosphere, since can sounded higher previously believed.