Engineering topics

Prinn, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Prinn, R..

7 records

NASA NTRS1992

Global average concentration and trend for hydroxyl radicals deduced from ALE/GAGE trichloroethane (methyl chloroform) data for 1978-1990

An optimal estimation inversion scheme is utilized with atmospheric data and emission estimates to determined the globally averaged CH3CCl3 tropospheric lifetime and OH concentration. The data are taken from atmospheric measurements from surface stations of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and show an annual increase of 4.4 +/- 0.2 percent. Industrial emission estimates and a small oceanic loss rate are included, and the OH concentration for the same period (1978-1990) are incorporated at 1.0 +/- 0.8 percent/yr. The positive OH trend is consistent with theories regarding OH and ozone trends with respect to land use and global warming. Attention is given to the effects of the ENSO on the CH3CCl3 data and the assumption of continuing current industrial anthropogenic emissions. A novel tropical atmospheric tracer-transport mechanism is noted with respect to the CH3CCl3 data.

Prinn, R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Atmospheric emissions and trends of nitrous oxide deduced from 10 years of ALE-GAGE data

Long-term measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O) obtained during the Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment (ALE) and the Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (GAGE) for a period from 1978 to 1988 are presented and interpreted. It is observed that the average concentration in the Northern Hemisphere is 0.75 +/- 0.16 ppbv higher than in the Southern Hemisphere and that the global average linear trend in N2O lies in the range from 0.25 to 0.31 percent/year. The measured trends and latitudinal distributions are shown to be consistent with the hypothesis that stratospheric photodissociation is the major atmospheric sink for N2O, while the cause of the N2O trend is suggested to be a combination of a growing tropical source and a growing Northern mid-latitude source. A 10-year average global N2O emission rate of (20.5 +/- 2.4) x 10 to the 12th g N2O/year is deduced from the ALE/GAGE data.

Prinn, R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Atmospheric trends in methylchloroform and the global average for the hydroxyl radical

ALE-GAGE (Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment-Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment) data obtained over the seven-year period from July 1978 to June 1985 are presented and interpreted. The data, combined with knowledge of industrial emissions, are used in an optimal estimation inversion scheme to deduce a globally average methylchloroform atmospheric lifetime of 6.3(+ 1.2, - 0.9) years (1 sigma uncertainty) and a globally averaged tropospheric hydroxyl radical concentration of (7.7 + or - 1.4) x 10 to the 5th radicals/cu cm (1 sigma uncertainty). These results provide the most accurate estimates yet of the trends and lifetime of methylchloroform and of the global average for tropospheric hydroxyl radical levels.

Prinn, R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Composition of the Venus atmosphere

After giving an historical account of the development of Venus atmospheric composition explorations and the various instrumental techniques used in them, attention is given to recommended values for the mixing ratios of gases at altitudes below 100 km. Together with the various constituent groups of gases, their observations, and related processes and models, the mathematical background for current one-dimensional photochemical and transport models is given. Excited species are then discussed, and references to upper limits for the abundances of unobserved gases are listed. Available data on isotopic abundances are assessed, and questions pertinent to the further investigation of the Venus atmosphere's origin and evolution are formulated.

Von Zahn, U.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Composition of Jupiter

The chemistry of Jupiter's atmosphere is reviewed. The various molecules that were discovered on Jupiter are summarized. The compounds: methane, ammonia water, ethane, acetylene, carbon monoxide, phosphine, and germane.

Prinn, R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Report of the Terrestrial Bodies Science Working Group. Volume 3: Venus

The science objectives of Pioneer Venus and future investigations of the planet are discussed. Concepts and payloads for proposed missions and the supporting research and technology required to obtain the desired measurements from space and Earth-based observations are examined, as well as mission priorities and schedules.

Kaula, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS1975

A three-dimensional dynamical-chemical model of atmospheric ozone

A three-year integration of a global three-dimensional model including dynamics and simple photochemistry is used to predict ozone. Good agreement with observation is obtained for stratospheric motion patterns, meridional circulations, ozone density as a function of height and latitude, eddy transports of ozone, surface destruction of ozone, and correlations of ozone with other variables. The annual cycle of columnar ozone in high latitudes is present, but at a smaller amplitude than observed. Vertical transport of ozone downward from the main generation level at 30 km is accomplished primarily by small-scale eddy diffusion between 20 and 30 km and again near the ground; large-scale vertical transport dominates in between. The model predicts a secondary maximum in ozone mixing ratio at 45 km somewhat equatorward of the winter polar-night zone. This feature, recently observed from satellite measurements, is thought to be caused by the temperature dependence of reaction rates in the Chapman scheme. The principal deficiency of the model is an underprediction of the spring ozone concentration in high latitudes in the lower stratosphere.

Cunnold, D.↗