THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SEVERAL ABSORPTION-BANDS TO STRATOSPHERIC RADIATIVE DISSIPATION RATES

A narrowband (5 cm(-1)) radiation transfer scheme has been used to cal culate scale-dependent radiative dissipation rates or finite-amplitude temperature disturbances. Eight bands of five atmospheric trace gases have been examined. As previously reported, the CO2 15-mu m bands are dominant, and the O-3 9.6-mu m bands can play a significant role, par ticularly in the lower stratosphere. The minor bands of CO2 (4.3 and 1 0.7 mu m) are unimportant. Of the other gases considered, H2O (integra ted across the longwave spectrum) makes a significant contribution to the dissipation rates in the lower stratosphere. Likewise, the O-3 14. 3-mu m bands contribute to the cooling to space in the lower stratosph ere. The 7.66-mu m CH4 as well as the 7.78-mu m NO2 bands make almost no contribution above the lower stratosphere.