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At least 181 records · Page 10

Anomalous DOC Signatures Reveal Iron Control on Export Dynamics in the Pacific Southern Ocean

Here we shed light on two mechanisms that stimulate deep particle export via upper-ocean iron fertilization in the Southern Ocean: deep frontal mixing and melting of sea ice. We present data collected a decade apart in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean when, serendipitously, seasonal Antarctic ice melt was anomalously low (2008) and anomalously high (2017). In 2008, the low ice melt year, we concluded that vertical mixing of iron into the euphotic zone via deep-mixing fronts was the primary stimulant of export that reached depths of ~1500 meters. This process was evidenced by localized enhancements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations up to 4 μmol C kg-1 beneath seven branches of fronts embedded within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). We used these enhanced DOC concentrations in the bathypelagic as primary indications of the depths and locations of recent export, as it is a logical residue of such. In 2017, the year in which sea ice melt was anomalously high, we concluded that the main driver of a widespread export event to the seafloor was the lateral influx of iron within the melt. Indications of this event included substantial enhancements of DOC concentrations (2 - 31 6 μmol C kg-1), elevated beam attenuation, and enhanced surface iron concentrations associated with a layer of low salinity water at a nearby station. Further, significant deficits of upper ocean silicic acid during the 2017 occupation indicated that deep export was likely stimulated by an iron-fueled diatom bloom. This analysis highlights the impact of iron supplied from frontal vertical mixing and sea ice melt on export and ultimately for long-term carbon sequestration in the Southern Ocean, as well as the utility of deep DOC enrichments as signatures of particle export. Understanding the impact that ice melt events have on carbon export is crucial given that anomalous events are occurring more often as our climate changes.

Dissolved Organic Carbon↗

Polarimetric Signatures of Initiating Convection During MC3E

One of the goals of the Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) field campaign was to provide constraints for space-based rainfall retrieval algorithms over land. This study used datasets collected during the 2011 field campaign to combine radiometer and ground-based radar polarimetric retrievals in order to better understand hydrometeor type, habit and distribution for initiating continental convection. Cross-track and conically scanning nadir views from the Conical Scanning Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) were compared with ground-based polarimetric radar retrievals along the ER-2 flight track. Polarimetric signatures for both airborne radiometers and ground-based radars were well co-located with deep convection to relate radiometric signatures with low-level polarimetric radar data for hydrometeor identification and diameter estimation. For the time period of study, Z(sub DR) values indicated no presence of hail at the surface. However, the Z(sub DR) column extended well above the melting level into the mixed phase region, suggesting a possible source of frozen drop embryos for the future formation of hail. The results shown from this study contribute ground truth datasets for GPM PR algorithm development for convective events, which is an improvement upon previous stratiform precipitation centered framework.

Emory, Amber↗

MMIC linear-phase and digital modulators for deep space spacecraft X-band transponder applications

The design concepts, analyses, and development of GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) linear-phase and digital modulators for the next generation of space-borne communications systems are summarized. The design approach uses a compact lumped element quadrature hybrid and Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFET)-varactors to provide low loss and well-controlled phase performance for deep space transponder (DST) applications. The measured results of the MESFET-diode show a capacitance range of 2:1 under reverse bias, and a Q of 38 at 10 GHz. Three cascaded sections of hybrid-coupled reflection phase shifters were modeled and simulations performed to provide an X-band (8415 +/- 50 MHz) DST phase modulator with +/- 2.5 radians of peak phase deviation. The modulator will accommodate downlink signal modulation with composite telemetry and ranging data, with a deviation linearity tolerance of +/- 8 percent and insertion loss of less than 8 +/- 0.5 dB. The MMIC digital modulator is designed to provide greater than 10 Mb/s of bi-phase modulation at X-band.

Mysoor, Narayan R.↗

Deep Impact Sequence Planning Using Multi-Mission Adaptable Planning Tools With Integrated Spacecraft Models

The Deep Impact mission was ambitious and challenging. JPL's well proven, easily adaptable multi-mission sequence planning tools combined with integrated spacecraft subsystem models enabled a small operations team to develop, validate, and execute extremely complex sequence-based activities within very short development times. This paper focuses on the core planning tool used in the mission, APGEN. It shows how the multi-mission design and adaptability of APGEN made it possible to model spacecraft subsystems as well as ground assets throughout the lifecycle of the Deep Impact project, starting with models of initial, high-level mission objectives, and culminating in detailed predictions of spacecraft behavior during mission-critical activities.

Deep Impact Mission↗

Deep impact sequence planning using multi-mission adaptable planning tools with integrated spacecraft models

The Deep Impact mission was ambitious and challenging. JPL's well proven, easily adaptable multi-mission sequence planning tools combined with integrated spacecraft subsystem models enabled a small operations team to develop, validate, and execute extremely complex sequence-based activities within very short development times. This paper focuses on the core planning tool used in the mission, APGEN. It shows how the multi-mission design and adaptability of APGEN made it possible to model spacecraft subsystems as well as ground assets throughout the lifecycle of the Deep Impact project, starting with models of initial, high-level mission objectives, and culminating in detailed predictions of spacecraft behavior during mission-critical activities.

Seybold, Calina C.↗

Growth Rate of Deep Convective System Cloud Shields: Satellite Observations and Km-Scale Radiative Convective Equilibrium Simulations

Deep convection gives rise to large upper level clouds that strongly interact with radiation and are important to the climate energy budget. From an object-oriented perspective, these individual deep cloud systems are characterized by a well depicted cloud shield life cycle, starting with small cloud extents that grow at varying rates before decaying and vanishing. A simple formulation of the growth rate of the cloud shield has been proposed that links together the growth rate on the convective part of the cloud, the mass flux of both the convective and stratiform parts of the cluster and a simple removal sink term (Elsaesser et al., 2022). In this presentation we first show using a suite of satellite observations (infrared from geostationary satellites, GPM radar, etc.) that the functional form of the proposed equation is well suited to quantify the shield growth rate. We then focus on RCE simulations, with deep cloud system objects post processed, to explore the relative role of each term of the growth rate budget. Three different models are used in the same RCEMIP-like configurations. The results show that the budget equation works very well for each model, although the time constants require model-dependent adjustments. We will further show in Vienna the commonalities and the specificities of each model.

Deep convection↗

Mars Solar Balloon Landed Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer

A Mars surface lander Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) is described to measure the chemical composition of abundant and trace volatile species and isotope ratios for noble gases and other elements. These measurements are relevant to the study of atmospheric evolution and past climatic conditions. A Micromission plan is under study where a surface package including a miniaturized GCMS would be delivered to the surface by a solar heated hot air balloon based system. The balloon system would be deployed about 8 km above the surface of Mars, wherein it would rapidly fill with Martian atmosphere and be heated quickly by the sun. The combined buoyancy and parachuting effects of the solar balloon result in a surface package impact of about 5 m/sec. After delivery of the package to the surface, the balloon would ascend to about 4 km altitude, with imaging and magnetometry data being taken for the remainder of the daylight hours as the balloon is blown with the Martian winds. Total atmospheric entry mass of this mission is estimated to be approximately 50 kg, and it can fit as an Ariane 5 piggyback payload. The GCMS would obtain samples directly from the atmosphere at the surface and also from gases evolved from solid phase material collected from well below the surface with a Sample Acquisition and Transport Mechanism (SATM). The experiment envisioned in the Mars Micromission described would obtain samples from a much greater depth of up to one meter below the surface, and would search for organic molecules trapped in ancient stratified layers well below the oxidized surface. Insitu instruments on upcoming NASA missions working in concert with remote sensing measurement techniques have the potential to provide a more detailed investigation of mineralogy and the extent of simple volatiles such as CO2 and H2O in surface and subsurface solid phase materials. Within the context of subsequent mission opportunities such as those provided by the Ariane 5 piggyback payload based Micromissions, it is essential to implement an even broader chemical analysis and to enable a significant extension of previous isotope measurements. Such a development would enhance the presently very active study of questions of atmospheric evolution and loss and past climatic conditions. The method selected to implement this program can be based on well-established mass spectrometry techniques. Sampled gas is chemically and physically processed to separate the gas mixture into components using gas chromatograph and related enrichment techniques. This allows trace species to be identified and reveals isotopic distributions in many cases with improved precision. Samples of interest, such as organic molecules, may lie deep below the highly oxidized surface layer and the suggested program includes enhanced sampling techniques to measure volatiles preserved in solid phase material deep below the surface as well as gas from the well mixed atmosphere.

Mahaffy, P.↗

Orbit Determination and Navigation of the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)

This paper provides an overview of the required upgrades necessary for navigation of NASA's twin heliocentric science missions, Solar TErestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) Ahead and Behind. The orbit determination of the STEREO spacecraft was provided by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF) in support of the mission operations activities performed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The changes to FDF s orbit determination software included modeling upgrades as well as modifications required to process the Deep Space Network X-band tracking data used for STEREO. Orbit results as well as comparisons to independently computed solutions are also included. The successful orbit determination support aided in maneuvering the STEREO spacecraft, launched on October 26, 2006 (00:52 Z), to target the lunar gravity assists required to place the spacecraft into their final heliocentric drift-away orbits where they are providing stereo imaging of the Sun.

Mesarch, Michael↗

Orbit Determination and Navigation of the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)

This paper provides an overview of the required upgrades necessary for navigation of NASA's twin heliocentric science missions, Solar TErestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) Ahead and Behind. The orbit determination of the STEREO spacecraft was provided by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF) in support of the mission operations activities performed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The changes to FDF's orbit determination software included modeling upgrades as well as modifications required to process the Deep Space Network X-band tracking data used for STEREO. Orbit results as well as comparisons to independently computed solutions are also included. The successful orbit determination support aided in maneuvering the STEREO spacecraft, launched on October 26, 2006 (00:52 Z), to target the lunar gravity assists required to place the spacecraft into their final heliocentric drift-away orbits where they are providing stereo imaging of the Sun.

Mesarch, Michael A.↗

Language Model For Earth Science: Exploring Potential Downstream Applications As Well As Current Challenges

The use of deep learning techniques to build transformer language models such as SciBERT and GPT3 have transformed the natural language technology (NLT) landscape. These new NLTs are being used in speech to text and vice versa, auto-mated text classification, sentiment analysis, topic modeling, text summarization, and cognitive assistants. While Earth science has no shortage of unstructured data such as journal and conference papers, little efforts have focused on harnessing NLTs for knowledge extraction and supporting the scientific process. This paper surveys the use of language models in different science. BERT-E, a new Earth science-specific language model, is presented. BERT-E is generated using a transfer learning solution. A language model that has already been trained for general Science (SciBERT) is fine-tuned using abstracts and full text extracted from various Earth science-related articles. A downstream keywords classification application is used for evaluation, and the use of BERT-E shows improved performance. The need to develop a robust set of benchmarks in evaluating the language model such as BERT-E is discussed. Finally, example applications are presented to inspire additional ideas for applications using domain-specific language models.

R Ramachandran↗

Improving Trust in Deep Neural Networks with Nearest Neighbors

Deep neural networks are used increasingly for perception and decision-making in UAVs. For example, they can be used to recognize objects from images and decide what actions the vehicle should take. While deep neural networks can perform very well at complex tasks, their decisions may be unintuitive to a human operator. When a human disagrees with a neural network prediction, due to the black box nature of deep neural networks, it can be unclear whether the system knows something the human does not or whether the system is malfunctioning. This uncertainty is problematic when it comes to ensuring safety. As a result, it is important to develop technologies for explaining neural network decisions for trust and safety. This paper explores a modification to the deep neural network classification layer to produce both a predicted label and an explanation to support its prediction. Specifically, at test time, we replace the final output layer of the neural network classifier by a k-nearest neighbor classifier. The nearest neighbor classifier produces 1) a predicted label through voting and 2) the nearest neighbors involved in the prediction, which represent the most similar examples from the training dataset. Because prediction and explanation are derived from the same underlying process, this approach guarantees that the explanations are always relevant to the predictions. We demonstrate the approach on a convolutional neural network for a UAV image classification task. We perform experiments using a forest trail image dataset and show empirically that the hybrid classifier can produce intuitive explanations without loss of predictive performance compared to the original neural network. We also show how the approach can be used to help identify potential issues in the network and training process.

Lee, Ritchie↗

A bimodal search strategy for SETI

The search strategy and resultant observational plan which was developed to carry out a comprehensive Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) over that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum known as the terrestrial microwave window is described. The limiting sensitivity achieved was parameterized and calculated for Deep Space Network antennas as well as several radio astronomy observatories. A brief description of the instrumentation to be employed in the search and the classes of signals to be looked for is given. One observational goal is to survey the entire sky over a wide range of frequency to a relatively constant flux level. This survey ensures that all potential life sites are observed to some limiting equivalent isotropic radiated power depending upon their distance. A second goal is to survey a set of potential transmission sites selected a priori to be especially promising, achieving very high sensitivity over a smaller range of frequency.

Gulkis, S.↗

Networks consolidation program

The Networks Consolidation Program (NCP) goals were defined to include the planning, designing, and implementing of a single network of ground tracking stations. The proposed consolidated network is to make use of facilities that are now included in the Goddard Ground Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network as well as the existing JPL Deep Space Network. These facilities are to be combined and modified to provide a consolidated network capable of supporting the set of planetary and Highly Elliptical Earth Orbiter missions that are planned for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System era. The history of activities and events that led to the decision to consolidate the NASA ground tracking and data networks are traced. A summary of the management and planning activities that have taken place at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Goddard Space Flight Center, and at the NASA Headquarters Office of Space Tracking and Data Systems, with respect to the NCP, from the time of decision in October 1979 to the present, are discussed.

Yeater, M. L.↗

Extraction of helium from individual interplanetary dust particles by step-heating

Fragments from 20 individual particles, collected in the earth's stratosphere and believed to be interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), were subjected to step-heating to see if differences in the release pattern for He-4 could be observed which might provide clues to the origin of the particles. Comparisons were made to the release pattern for 18 individual lunar surface grains heated in the same manner. Twelve of the IDP fragments contained an appreciable amount of He-4, 50 percent of which was released by the time the particles were heated to approximately 630 C. For the 18 individual lunar grains, the corresponding average temperature was 660 C. The He-3/He-4 ratios found for these fragments agreed well with those found for deep Pacific magnetic fines believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, and were comparable to those which have been observed for the solar wind and lunar surface soil grains. Four of the IDP fragments contained appreciably less He-4, and this was released at a higher temperature. The remaining four fragments had too little He-4 to permit a determination. From Flynn's analyses of the problem of the heating of IDPs in their descent in the atmosphere, the present results suggest that the parent IDPs of the 12 particles which contained an appreciable amount of He-4 suffered very little heating in their descent and are likely of asteroidal origin, although one cannot rule out the possibility that at least some of them had a cometary origin and entered the earth's atmosphere at a grazing angle.

Nier, A. O.↗

Cosmic ray transverse gradient for a Hale cycle

We have used neutron monitor data obtained at Deep River and Huancayo as well as the vertical underground telescope data obtained at Embudo to compute the cosmic ray transverse gradient (G(sub theta)) for the 1965 to 1990 period. The computed mean value of G(sub theta) for a given qA epoch, changes sign with the change in the solar magnetic polairty in accordance with the predictions of some contemporary hypotheses. Also, we find that the magnitude of G(sub theta) undergoes a significant time variation during a given polarity epoch. It has the largest value near the solar polar field reversal epoch boundaries, when magnetic polarity in the solar northern hemisphere is positive (qA greater than O). For each of the three solar polar field reversals, the change in the magnitude of G(sub theta) is steeper across the epoch boundaries. There is a good correlation between G(sub theta) and the tilt angle of the helisopheric neutral current sheet (HNCS). Our results are in agreement with the reported piecemeal measurements of the latitudinal gradient made by spacecrafts, at different times, at lower primary energies, at far off distances from Earth's orbit. As such, their global significace is appreciable. Even so, it is not clear yet how these findings reflect upon the drift hypothesis in its present form. However, they do affirm the important role played by the tilt angle of HNCS in the modulation processes.

Ahluwalia, H. S.↗

A new model for Mars atmospheric dust based upon analysis of ultraviolet through infrared observations from Mariner 9, Viking, and Phobos

We propose key modifications to the Toon et al. (1977) model of the particle size distribution and composition of Mars atmospheric dust, based on a variety of spacecraft and wavelength observations of the dust. A much broader (r(sub eff) variance approximately 0.8 micrometers), smaller particle size (r(sub mode) approximately 0.02 micrometers) distribution coupled with a 'palagonite-like' composition is argued to fit the complete ultraviolet-to-30-micrometer absorption properties of the dust better than the montmorillonite-basalt, r(sub eff) variance = 0.4 micrometers, r(sub mode) = 0.40 dust model of Toon et al. Mariner 9 (infrared interferometer spectrometer) IRIS spectra of high atmospheric dust opacities during the 1971-1972 Mars global dust storm are analyzed in terms of the Toon et al. dust model, and a Hawaiian palagonite sample (Rousch et al., 1991) with two different size distribution models incorporating smaller dust particle sizes. Viking Infrared Thermal Mapper (IRTM) emmission-phase-function (EPF) observations at 9 micrometers are analyzed to retrieve 9-micrometer dust opacities coincident with solar band dust opacities obtained from the same EPF sequences (Clancy and Lee, 1991). These EPF dust opacities provide an independent measurement of the visible/9-micrometer extinction opacity ratio (greater than or = 2) for Mars atmospheric dust, which is consistent with a previous measurement by Martin (1986). Model values for the visible/9-micrometer opacity ratio and the ultraviolet and visible single-scattering albedos are calculated for the palagonite model with the smaller particle size distributions compared to the same properties for the Toon et al. model of dust. The montmorillonite model of the dust is found to fit the detailed shape of the dust 9-micrometer absorption well. However, it predicts structured, deep aborptions at 20 micrometers which are not observed and requires a separate ultraviolet-visible absorbing component to match the observed behavior of the dust in this wavelength region. The modeled palagonite does not match the 8-to 9-micrometer absorption presented by the dust in the IRIS spectra, probably due to its low SiO2 content (31%). However, it does provide consistent levels of ultraviolet/visible absorption, 9-to 12-micrometer absorption, and a lack of structured absorption at 20 micrometers. The ratios of dust extinction opacities at visible, 9 micrometers, and 30 micrometers are strongly affected by the dust particle size distribution. The Toon et al. dust size distribution (r(sub mode) = 0.40,r(sub eff) variance = 0.4 micrometers, r(sub cwmu) = 2.7 micrometers) predicts the correct ratio of the 9- to 30-micrometer opacity, but underpredicts the visible/9-micrometer opacity ratio considerably (1 versus greater than or = 2). A similar particle distribution width with smaller particle sizes (r(sub mode) = 0.17, r(sub eff) variance = 0.4 micrometers, r(sub cwmu) = 1.2 micrometers) will fit the observed visible/9-micrometer opacity ratio, but overpredicts the observed 9-micrometer/30-micrometer opacity ratio. A smaller and much broader particle size distribution (r(sub mode) = 0.002, r(sub eff) variance = 0.8 micrometers, r(sub cwmu) = 1.8 micrometers) can fit both dust opacity ratios. Overall, the nanocrystalline structure of palagonite coupled with a smaller, broader distribution of dust particle sizes provides a more consistent fit than the Toon et al. model of the dust to the IRIS spectra, the observed visible/9-micrometer dust opacity ratio, the Phobos occulation measurements of the dust particle sizes (Chassefiere et al., 1992), and the weakness of surface near IR absorptions expected for clay minerals (Clark, 1992; Bell and Crisp, 1993).

Clancy, R. T.↗

Orbits of Saturn's Inner Moons and Other Observations Connected with the 1995-1996 Saturnian Ring Plane Crossing

Keck infrared observations of Saturn's E and G rings during Earth's 1995 Ring Plane Crossing are reported along with the NASA's Mauna Kea IR Telescope Facility (IRTF) observations of Saturn's faint outer rings and small moons in the Near-IR Astronomy Program. Observations of the rings and satellites with the 5-m Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory, following the solar crossing of Saturn's ring plane on 19 Nov. 1995, are also addressed. Images of Saturn at radio wavelengths, the data containing information on the structure and composition of the rings as well as the planet's deep atmosphere between the 1- and 10-bar pressure levels, are discussed.

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