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Borucki, W. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Borucki, W. J..

At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

The influence of solar UV variations on climate

The effects on the terrestrial ozone abundance and temperature (and hence on the earth's climate) of periodic variations in the solar spectrum are investigated. Temporal variations of the solar UV spectrum are modeled in accordance with the measurements of Heath and Thekaekara (1977), and the spectrum at wavelengths greater than 2900 A is altered uniformly by small amounts so that the total luminosity remains constant with time. One-dimensional photochemical-radiative-convective models are used to predict the response of the earth's surface to the solar spectral changes. Results show that the data interpreted by Heath and Thekaekara to indicate that the solar UV flux varies by a factor of 2.5 at 1750 A from solar minimum to solar maximum are inconsistent with the historical records of ozone abundance. It is concluded, however, that if the amplitude of solar UV variations increases with increasing period, and if the spectral characteristics variations are similar to the well established solar UV variations over a solar rotation period, these variations could have a significant impact on the earth's climate and the biosphere.

Borucki, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Are solar spectral variations a drive for climatic change

The effects of UV variations on atmospheric ozone content and climate for time scales encompassing the 27-day solar rotation period, the sunspot period, twice the solar magnetic, and also longer time periods are examined. The studies of the relationship between solar UV variations, atmospheric ozone content and atmospheric temperatures were conducted by estimating the impact of such variations on tropospheric temperature. The total luminosity constant is then held and the dependence of the ozone variations on the forcing period is calculated. It is concluded that solar UV variations on time scales of weeks to months occasionally perturb total ozone and stratospheric temperatures by noticeable amounts but result in only minor changes in the troposphere.

Pollack, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Effect of the reaction HO2 + O3 yields OH + 2O2 on stratospheric ozone

It is noted that recent measurements of large values of the rate coefficient for the reaction NO + HO2 yields NO2 + OH lead to model predictions of excessive amounts of stratospheric ozone. This letter shows that a recent measurement of the rate coefficient (k2) for the reaction HO2 + O3 yields OH + 2O2 largely resolves these problems of excessive stratospheric ozone in models. A two-dimensional model of stratospheric trace constituents is used to calculate the concentrations of 35 constituents; the results are compared with experimental measurements of ozone column densities. It is found that the model predictions of excess ozone abundances diminish significantly when the measured value of k2 is employed.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Geographical variations of NO and O3 in the lower stratosphere

Nitric oxide and ozone concentrations in the lower stratosphere have been measured from a high-altitude research aircraft using in situ measuring techniques. Results of several geographical surveys are presented along with predictions of two two-dimensional stratospheric models. Meridional and zonal data were obtained in June 1974 and in June, July, and August 1975. At longitudes 122-158 deg W the meridional data taken between 5 and 80 deg N latitude show an increasing NO concentration with latitude, by a factor of 4 at 21-km altitude and a less marked increase at 18 km. The minimum NO concentration at 21 km is observed at 5 deg N latitude and is about 6 x 10 to the 8th power/cu cm. Zonal data at latitudes 22-38 deg N taken from 55 to 176 deg N longitude show little variation of the NO and O3 concentrations with longitude.

Loewenstein, M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The NASA Ames Research Center one- and two-dimensional stratospheric models. Part 2: The two-dimensional model

The two-dimensional model of stratospheric constituents is presented in detail. The derivation of pertinent transport parameters and the numerical solution of the species continuity equations, including a technique for treating the stiff differential equations that represent the chemical kinetic terms, and appropriate methods for simulating the diurnal variations of the solar zenith angle and species concentrations are discussed. Predicted distributions of tracer constituents (ozone, carbon 14, nitric acid) are compared with observed distributions.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Model predictions of latitude-dependent ozone depletion due to supersonic transport operations

Results are presented from a two-dimensional model of the stratosphere that simulates the seasonal movement of ozone by both wind and eddy transport, and contains all the chemistry known to be important. The calculated reductions in ozone due to NO2 injection from a fleet of supersonic transports are compared with the zonally averaged results of a three-dimensional model for a similar episode of injection. The agreement is good in the northern hemisphere, but is not as good in the southern hemisphere. Both sets of calculations show a strong corridor effect in that the predicted ozone depletions are largest to the north of the flight corridor for aircraft operating in the northern hemisphere.

Borucki, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Effect of nearby supernova explosions on atmospheric ozone

An investigation has been conducted of the probable effects of a nearby supernova event on the ozone layer of the earth. It is found that the ozone depletion, although smaller than that estimated by Ruderman (1974), is still significant, and could, as a result of cosmic rays, extend over periods of time from 1000 to 10,000 years. However, the probability of the occurrence of such an event within the past 100 million years appears to be low. The calculated ozone depletion seems to be the major effect of a supernova on a earth-like planet at a distance in the range from 5 to 10 pc.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Exponential approximation for daily average solar heating or photolysis

When incorporating formulations of instantaneous solar heating or photolytic rates as functions of altitude and sun angle into long range forecasting models, it may be desirable to replace the time integrals by daily average rates that are simple functions of latitude and season. This replacement is accomplished by approximating the integral over the solar day by a pure exponential. This gives a daily average rate as a multiplication factor times the instantaneous rate evaluated at an appropriate sun angle. The accuracy of the exponential approximation is investigated by a sample calculation using an instantaneous ozone heating formulation available in the literature.

Cogley, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Model predictions of latitude-dependent ozone depletion due to aerospace vehicle operations

Results are presented from a two-dimensional model of the stratosphere that simulates the seasonal movement of ozone by both wind and eddy transport, and contains all the chemistry known to be important. The calculated reductions in ozone due to NO2 injection from a fleet of supersonic transports are compared with the zonally averaged results of a three-dimensional model for a similar episode of injection. The agreement is good in the northern hemisphere, but is not as good in the southern hemisphere. Both sets of calculations show a strong corridor effect in that the predicted ozone depletions are largest to the north of the flight corridor for aircraft operating in the northern hemisphere.

Borucki, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A method of using cluster analysis to study statistical dependence in multivariate data

A technique is presented that uses both cluster analysis and a Monte Carlo significance test of clusters to discover associations between variables in multidimensional data. The method is applied to an example of a noisy function in three-dimensional space, to a sample from a mixture of three bivariate normal distributions, and to the well-known Fisher's Iris data.

Borucki, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Possible ozone depletions following nuclear explosions

The degree of depletion of the ozone layer ensuing after delivery of strategic nuclear warheads (5000 and 10,000 Mton) due to production of nitrogen oxides is theoretically assessed. Strong depletions are calculated for 16-km and 26-km altitudes, peaking 1-2 months after detonation and lasting for three years, while a significant depletion at 36 km would peak after one year. Assuming the explosions occur between 30 and 70 deg N, these effects should be much more pronounced in this region than over the Northern Hemisphere as a whole. It is concluded that Hampson's concern on this matter (1974) is well-founded.-

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Preliminary assessment of the potential impact of solid-fueled rocket engines in the stratosphere

Free chlorine atoms produced from HCl deposited by solid-fueled rocket engines react to destroy odd oxygen in the stratosphere. Using a one-dimensional photochemical model, we have computed the reduction of ozone likely to be caused by long-term operation of such vehicles powered by large solid-fueled rocket engines. It is likely that ozone reduction will not be greater than a few tenths of a per cent, although the value is dependent upon ambient NO(x) concentrations.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The Ames two-dimensional stratosphere-mesospheric model

A two-dimensional model of the stratosphere and mesosphere has recently been developed at Ames Research Center. The model contains chemistry based on 18 species that are solved for at each step and a seasonally-varying transport model based on both winds and eddy transport. The model is described and a preliminary assessment of the impact of supersonic aircraft flights on the ozone layer is given.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

An assessment of the potential impact of solid-fueled rocket engines in the stratosphere

The effects of shuttle-emitted HCl on stratospheric ozone are reported. A one-dimensional model of the distribution of trace constituents in the stratosphere and mesosphere is described, and chemical reactions and photodissociation rates in the chlorine chemistry are listed. Analysis of mathematical models is presented, and the results show ozone depletion when emissions are considered to be spread uniformly in the horizontal over a hemisphere and an increase in ozone when emissions are considered in a zone 1000 km wide centered at Cape Kennedy. Sensitivity studies to determine the effects of some assumptions in the model and comparisons with nitric oxide reactions are described. The importance of a two-dimensional model for a proper long term study is noted. Lists of reaction rate coefficients and photodissociation rates for the O-H-N system are included.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

High-speed spectrograph for shock tube studies

Instrument provides information on spatial distribution of electron density of gas flow in high-performance shock tube. System permits measurement of profiles of hydrogen-alpha and -beta lines with enough spectral range to record spectral features from the near ultraviolet to the long-wavelength cutoff of photographic film.

Borucki, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lightning flash detection system

Array of photodetectors and associated circuitry continuously monitors entire horizon to measure distance and direction of lightning flashes.

Borucki, W. J.↗