Infrared Fourier-spectrometer experiment from Venera-15

Interpretation of the Fourier-spectrometer experiment gave new knowledge about the structure and variability of the Venus atmosphere in the altitude range from 60 to 100 km during the time interval from 12 Oct. to 14 Dec. 1983. The IR-spectra made it possible to retrieve simultaneously temperature profile and optical cloud properties and gave hints to the composition of the upper cloud layer and the cloud top altitude, SO2 and H2O mixing ratios, and aided in a search for unknown minor constituents. Based on these results the whole radiation balance (considering multiple-scattering by aerosols and exact gas transmittances (line by line)) has been modelled. The gross-structure of the meridional circulation (Hadley-cell) was estimated. A linear barotropic model was developed to investigate the zonal wind profiles at 70 km altitude and the instability of planetary waves