Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4726033 Earth-Science Reviews 2011 4 Pages PDF
Abstract

This paper considers the infrared characteristic radiation (IRCR) during the first order phase transitions (crystallization, condensation and sublimation) of water. Experimental results are analyzed in terms of their correspondence to the theoretical model. This model is based on the assumption that the particle's (atom, molecule, or cluster) transition from the higher energetic level in a metastable phase (vapor or liquid) to a lower level in a stable phase (liquid or crystal) produces an emission of one or more photons. The energy of these photons depends on the latent energy of the phase transition and the character of bonds formed by the particle in the new phase. For all investigated substances, this energy falls in the infrared range. Recorded in the atmosphere, many sources of the infrared radiation seem to be a result of crystallization, condensation and sublimation of water during fog and cloud formation. The effect under investigation must play a very important role in atmospheric phenomena: it is one of the sources of Earth's cooling; formation of hailstorm clouds is accompanied by intensive characteristic infrared radiation that could be detected for process characterization and meteorological warnings. IRCR seems to be used for atmospheric energy accumulation and together with the wind, falling water, solar and geothermal energies makes available the fifth source of ecologically pure energy. This phenomenon may either be used to search the water in the atmospheres of other planets.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Geology
Authors
,