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Turco, R. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Turco, R. P..

86 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Properties of the stratospheric aerosol layer studied with a one-dimensional computer model

Aerosol particle effects are often neglected in theoretical studies of stratospheric phenomena. In reality, the particulate matter normally found above the tropopause may influence the terrestrial radiation balance, catalyze heterogeneous chemical interactions, and serve as a tracer of atmospheric motions. The paper proposes a one-dimensional model of the stratospheric aerosol layer, and it is used to compare aerosol theory with observational data. The model considers gaseous sulfur photochemistry and the physical aerosol processes of nucleation, coagulation, sedimentation, and diffusion. Calculations of the effects on the aerosol layer of stratospheric injections of aluminum oxide particles by Space Shuttle engines and of sulfur dioxide molecules by volcanic activity are performed. The relation between measured aerosol variability and changes in stratospheric air temperatures and vertical transport rates are discussed.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The NASA Ames Research Center one- and two-dimensional stratospheric models. Part 1: The one-dimensional model

A one-dimensional model of stratospheric trace constituents is described in detail. Specifically, the numerical solution of the species continuity equations, including a technique for treating the stiff differential equations representing the chemical kinetic terms, and an appropriate method for simulating the diurnal variations of the species concentrations, are discussed. A specialized treatment of atmospheric photodissociation rates is outlined in the text. The choice of a vertical eddy diffusivity profile and its success in predicting the vertical tracer distributions (carbon 14, methane, and nitrous oxide) are also discussed.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

On the formation and destruction of chlorine negative ions in the D region

We have investigated the possible reactions of chlorine atoms, chlorine monoxide, and hydrogen chloride with D region negative ions. The mesospheric concentrations of the neutral chlorine gases have been predicted with a diurnally varying one-dimensional model of the upper atmosphere. Despite the low abundances of chlorine compounds in air their high reactivity leads to the formation of substantial quantities of clorine negative ions at high altitudes. The concentration of chlorine ions is limited in daylight by rapid reactions with oxygen and hydrogen atoms and at night by the competitive production of other stable ions. The presence of chlorine negative ions in the upper atmosphere is consistent with in situ mass spectrometer observations of charged species. The abundance of chlorinated ions in the D region may be correlated with mesospheric nitric oxide and water vapor concentrations.

Turco, R. P.↗
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 NTRS1975

Chlorofluoromethanes in the stratosphere and some possible consequences for ozone

Inert chlorofluoromethanes are used by man as refrigerants and aerosol propellants. These substances eventually escape and diffuse upward into the stratosphere. At great enough heights, UV sunlight can photodissociate these chlorofluorocarbons into chlorine atoms which will catalytically destroy ozone molecules. Chlorofluoromethane production has been increasing steadily in recent years to its present level of about a megaton per year, and chlorofluorocarbon usage will probably continue to grow in the future. Calculations with a one-dimensional time-dependent atmospheric model suggests that, if projected increases in chlorofluoromethane use materialize and there is no tropospheric destruction mechanism for these gases, the total global abundance of ozone may be reduced by more than 20 per cent over the next 50 years. If the residence times for these fluorocarbons in the troposphere are in the range of 10-30 years, however, predicted ozone depletions would be significantly smaller.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A comparison of several computational techniques for solving some common aeronomic problems

Several numerical integration techniques for solving common aeronomic problems involving species rate equations are compared for speed and accuracy. A newer technique that defines families of species that are nearly conserved is found to be superior to an iterative technique when both methods are applied to simple test problems. The 'conservation' technique is also found to be more economical than the more complex Gear (1969) integration scheme for comparable accuracy.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Diurnal variations of HOx and NOx in the stratosphere

The diurnal variations of odd hydrogen (OH, HO2, H2O2) and odd nitrogen compounds (NO, NO2, HNO3) are investigated by using a one-dimensional time-dependent model containing both chemistry and eddy transport. These variations are discussed in terms of relevant processes.-

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 NTRS1974

The effect of SST emissions on the earth's ozone layer

The work presented here is directed toward assessment of environmental effects of the supersonic transport (SST). The model used for the purpose includes vertical eddy transport and the photochemistry of the O-H-N system. It is found that the flight altitude has a pronounced effect on ozone depletion. The largest ozone reduction occurs for NO deposition above an altitude of 20 km.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A model of carbon compounds in the stratosphere and mesosphere.

A photochemical model with vertical transport is employed to compute profiles of CO, CH4, CH3, CH2, CHO, CH2O, CH3O, CH3O2, and CH4O2 from 10- to 90-km altitude. The upper boundary condition is taken as diffusive equilibrium at 120 km, and the lower boundary condition as chemical equilibrium or a flux condition at 10 km. The results are in reasonable agreement with observations and with the results of other model studies.

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1970

An investigation of the ionospheric D region at sunrise

The growth over sunrise of the C and D layers of the ionosphere is investigated. The model which is analyzed includes the negative ion species O(-), O2(-), O3(-), O4(-), NO3(-), CO3(-), and CO4(-). Ionization sources due to galactic cosmic rays, precipitated electrons, ionization of NO by scattered Lyman alpha radiation, and the direct solar radiation ionization are also included. The photodetachment of most of the negative ions is discussed, as well as the time variation of these parameters. The time variations of the electron, negative ion, and positive ion densities are calculated over sunrise. From these data, the mesospheric C and D layer development is plotted. Several model parameters are varied until the best agreement with experimentally determined electron densities is obtained. The results are discussed in light of several atmospheric parameters including the O and NO concentrations and the electron-ion recombination coefficient.

Turco, R. P.↗