Of prime interest are the radiation data from that portion of the infrared spectrum known as the atmospheric water-vapor window, ranging from about 8 to 12 microns. Infrared signals received by weather satellites and aircraft depend, in clear air, on surface temperature, atmospheric interference and surface emissivity. For the latter, very different data in literature are found for clouds, water, rocks, etc. In this report correct emissivity data were sought in three ways: (1) Reflectivity of polished rock samples was tested in an infrared spectrograph for 5-16 microns wavelength. Using Kirchhoff's law this method yielded emissivities for near normal incidence. (2) Using an 8-13 microns sensitive radiometer and an aggregate, called emissivity box, the emissivity of many surfaces was measured directly. (3) A summer noon time flight of Tiros over the Mediterranean and the Sahara was evaluated.

Monthly dispersion patterns of vertically rising balloons for various probability levels are computed for the altitude of 90,000 ft by using the effective vertically integrated standard deviation of the wind. These are representative of conditions at the Holloman AFB - White Sands Missile Range complex. The use of this procedure to obtain a reliable measure of dispersion is verified by testing with individually computed ascent trajectories. The importance of considering interlevel correlation coefficients in estimating dispersion is emphasized by the results of this study. The resulting dispersion patterns afford a means of increasing balloon operational efficiency and effectiveness for the cited area by defining the best locations for target flight launchings, and by giving the probable dispersions for flights launched from a fixed site. The findings of this study can also be of assistance in planning balloon operations at other midlatitude locations. (Author).

An interim summary of the ozone climate over North America has been prepared from AFCRL ozonesonde network observations made during 1963 and 1964 (AD-435 873, -604 880, -623 018). Mean bimonthly distributions of ozone density computed for individual network stations depict the average ozone structure as a function of altitude and season for the first two years of network operation. Data are also presented on the standard deviation of ozone density and the mean seasonal distributions along a meridional cross section extending from the Canal Zone to Greenland. A brief statistical analysis indicates that approximately 35 to 50 percent of the variance in the total ozone amount at middle and high latitudes is given by the fluctuations in ozone density in the 11- to 13-km or 13- to 15-km layers. (Author).