What are the best sources to learn about the molecular spectroscopy of greenhouse gasses for a layman?

Question

I have often cited a spectral database used by scientists studying radiative transfer

http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/hitran//

This may be a bit too advanced for a layman to understand. What are the best sites, from a non-scientist's perspective, for a layman to learn the basics of molecular spectroscopy?

Answer 1

wow, i needed to mug up on that myself, i wasnt allowed to do 3 sciences at my shool, so i only did maths and physics. it's been a gap in my education i have only partially filled over the years.

i did a search, several good undergrad. pages from various uni.s

the simplest i found, which i understood straight off;

http://hplc.chem.shu.edu/NEW/Undergrad/M...

these 2 go into more detail, i have saved them to study later;

http://www.shsu.edu/~chemistry/chemilumi...

http://www.hull.ac.uk/chemistry/courseNo...

Answer 2

I couldn't find any direct reference to the all-trophic aspects of CO2 the carbon atom specifically,from your links. Any crystalline structure is surely going to have a omnidirectional spectrum making it a unique compound in more ways then one. I think this probably leads to it's inhibition/retention factor beyond some other gases also. Probably something you already know but CO2 is what chemist refer to as a gray area, because the chemical and physical properties are at times indistinguishable.This is a hoop toss for me, but something to think about. There is some speculation as methane becoming a predominate  GHG from it's molecular size and it's interactions to other environmental factors and gases.

Answer 3

Interesting link.  It explains a database exists...without actually allowing you to access the database.  Click on "Request Form" and you find:

"After submitting this form, within about two weeks you will be sent instructions,'via e-mail, for accessing (no charge) the HITRAN Compilation."

The form asks for an address...

"Mailing Address (Government facility, academic institution, or industry)"

What good would an understanding of molecular spectroscopy do a layman if he/she has no access to the results?

I did find a list of molecules analyzed (under "HITRAN FACTS"), along with the assumed atmospheric abundance taken from a reference guide published in 1984.

I take it most climate models assume a constant absorption rate as CO2 concentration levels increase....<snickers>

Answer 4

Cindy, when you say stuff like

"You are trying to throw skeptics off by implying that it isn't direct heat from the sun but the light that makes CO2 all that.... VERY NICE TRY!"

I wonder if you understand that heat is a form of light?

I know I shall regret asking, but what in the word does this refer to?  CO2 filled flourescent tubes????

"Next time I change my flourescent bulbs, I will let them cool down first"

Yes it was I who tried to explain emission and absorbtion spectra to you, as I suspect this gentleman is also.  It was a terrible mistake.  You seem to have come away with far more misconceptions than you began with.

Yes of course the asphalt road holds more heat and stays warmer longer.  In solids the molecules are closer together so there are more to hold the heat.  I expect if we had a sky of asphalt it would be real hot.

Now here's another

"If light is heat, then surely those candles could keep me plenty warm"

Infrared light IS heat, and yes your candles do heat your house slightly.  Infrared is just below the red end of the visible spectrum.  Any light from those candles that doesn't escape will bounce around in your hose until it has lost enough energy to become infrared, and probably absorbed by your walls, furniture, or any asphalt you happen to have lying around

Answer 5

Wow, if there were any validity to that theory, then it wouldn't get cooler in the shade or at night.  Keep digging though....

Wow, so smart guy, how come all those CO2 molecules that receive fresh heat and UV rays from the sun, all of a sudden turn cool under a shade?  You are alleging that CO2 absorbs radioactive heat from the sun right?  I mean this is one of the battles that alarmists allege that have absolutely no supportive science or proof whatsoever.  CO2 doesn't retain heat.  CO2 doesn't reflect heat or store it in any way...  So, how does the temperatures increase with 385 parts per million, which equals to 385 divided by 1,000,000, which comes up to 1 2500th of our atmosphere, yet it is all so powerful....  

I get what you are trying to pull.... You are trying to throw skeptics off by implying that it isn't direct heat from the sun but the light that makes CO2 all that....  VERY NICE TRY!

As far as your narrowing the gap allegation...  That would be a good point to prove global warming...  Let's say that the daytime and nighttime temperatures were 80 in the daytime and 20 at night back in the 30's, yet today there is only a 20 degree difference...  Then those global warming nut jobs would have something tangible... However, that isn't the case now is it?  By the way, I am a nuclear propulsion engineer....  So, even though I am not a climate scientist, I can however, recognize their BS when they cry global warming.

As far as your column of air thing.... Hmmmmm....  So, you are assuming the molecules are the same density at higher elevations?  That's interesting because the last time I checked, the atmosphere loses density as you increase in atmosphere, so I do not believe your column of air the same diameter as the trunk, can be compressed to equal the molecules within the rest of the tree.  Maybe moisture alone but you are again trying to throw out a speculative theory that has no relevance but sounds as if you know what you are talking about.

Wow, thank you so very much Tuba!  Next time I change my flourescent bulbs, I will let them cool down first... LOL  Oh yea, I remember now that it was you that touted that fantastic light spectrum thing that CO2 had the capability of absorbing....  How has that theory worked out for you?  LOL  Yep, back on the floor again.

It's funny you said that about light being heat....  I have always wondered why all those candles in my bathroom don't warm up my bathroom?  I still have to turn on that heater....  If light is heat, then surely those candles could keep me plenty warm since they are light and they do light up the room....  I also wonder why asphalt, being so dark, how it absorbs and retains so much heat?  Is it really light that we cannot see.  I have always wondered if a road stays warmer or that CO2 in the air?  I would dare to wager quite a bit that asphalt holds FAR MORE heat than CO2 could ever hold...