Dear Tommy,
The name isotropic_longwave_radiance_in _air measured in W m-2 sr-1 is a measure in air of the longwave (i.e. infrared) energy flux through a unit area per unit time per unit solid angle. I think that this does rather imply that the wavelengths are those measured in air, but the range of wavelengths is not precisely specified. In climate models of the earth the wavelengths of longwave radiation emitted by the surface and atmosphere will typically be in the range of 4 - 25 micrometers. By contrast, "shortwave" would mean solar radiation in the range approximately 0.4 - 4 micrometers. The precise range of wavelengths included in "longwave" and "shortwave" may vary from one model to another. If you wish to specify an exact range of wavelengths I think you could use the standard name radiation_wavelength for a variable giving the upper and lower bounds. I hope this goes some way towards answering your question. Best wishes, Alison ------ Alison Pamment Tel: +44 1235 778065 NCAS/British Atmospheric Data Centre Fax: +44 1235 446314 Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, U.K. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Greathouse, Thomas Sent: 10 June 2008 16:26 To: [email protected] Subject: [CF-metadata] question concerning a CF metafile data name Hello, My name is Thomas Greathouse. I'm a planetary astronomer working at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. I have a question about the definition for spectral radiance. The name "isotropic_longwave_radiance_in_air" implies that the spectral wavelengths are those as measured in air. Is this true? I'm working on a radiative code to add to the EPIC model for the outer planets and I usually work in cm^-1 using spectral wavelengths that are correct for a vacuum. Thanks for any clarification on this and any advice. Cheers, Tommy Dr. Thomas Greathouse Southwest Research Institute Division #15 6220 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, TX 78228 Phone: 210-522-2809 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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