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NASA NTRS2001

The NO(x)-HNO3 System in the Lower Stratosphere: Insights from In Situ Measurements and Implications of the J(HNO3)-[OH] Relationship

During the 1997 Photochemistry of Ozone Loss in the Arctic Region in Summer (POLARIS) mission, simultaneous in situ observations of NOx and HOx radicals, their precursors, and the radiation field were obtained in the lower stratosphere. We use these observations to evaluate the primary mechanisms that control NOx-HNO3 exchange and to understand their control over the partitioning between NO2 and HNO3 in regions of continuous sunlight. We calculate NOx production (PNOx) and loss (LNOx) in a manner directly constrained by the in situ measurements and current rate constant recommendations, using approaches for representing albedo, overhead O3 and [OH] that reduce model uncertainty. We find a consistent discrepancy of 18% between modeled rates of NOx production and loss (LNOx = 1.18P(sub NOx)), which is within the measurement uncertainty of +/- 27%. The partitioning between NOx production processes is [HNO3 + OH (41 +/- 2)%; HNO3 + hv (59 +/- 2)%] and between NOx loss processes is [NO2 + OH, 90% to >97%; BrONO2 + H2O, 10% to <3%]. The steady-state description of NOx-HNO3 exchange reveals the significant influence of the tight correlation between the photolysis rate of HNO3 and [OH] established by in situ measurements throughout the lower stratosphere. Parametrizing this relationship, we find: (1) the steady-state value of [NO2](sub 24h-avg)/[HNO3] in the continuously sunlit, lower stratosphere is a function only of temperature and number density; and (2) the partitioning of NOx production between HNO3 + OH and HNO3 + hv is nearly constant throughout most of the lower stratosphere. We describe a methodology (functions of latitude, day, temperature, and pressure) for accurately predicting the steady-state value of [NO2](sub 24h-avg)/[HNO3] and the partitioning of NOx production within these regions. The results establish a metric to compare observations of [NO2](sub 24h-avg)/[HNO3] within the continuously sunlit region and provide a simple diagnostic for evaluating the accuracy of models that attempt to describe the coupled NOx-HOx photochemistry in the lower stratosphere.

Perkins, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Evaluation of Modeling NO2 Concentrations Driven by Satellite-Derived and Bottom-Up Emission Inventories Using In-Situ Measurements Over China

Chemical transport models together with emission inventories are widely used to simulate NO2 concentrations over China, but validation of the simulations with in situ measurements has been extremely limited. Here we use ground measurements obtained from the air quality monitoring network recently developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China to validate modeling surface NO2 concentrations from the CHIMERE regional chemical transport model driven by the satellite-derived DECSO and the bottom-up MIX emission inventories. We applied a correction factor to the observations to account for the interferences of other oxidized nitrogen compounds (NOz), based on the modeled ratio of NO2 to NOz. The model accurately reproduces the spatial variability in NO2 from in situ measurements, with a spatial correlation coefficient of over 0.7 for simulations based on both inventories. A negative and positive bias is found for the simulation with the DECSO (slopeD0.74 and 0.64 for the daily mean and daytime only) and the MIX (slopeD1.3 and 1.1) inventories, respectively, suggesting an underestimation and overestimation of NOx emissions from corresponding inventories. The bias between observed and modeled concentrations is reduced, with the slope dropping from 1.3 to 1.0 when the spatial distribution of NOx emissions in the DECSO inventory is applied as the spatial proxy for the MIX inventory, which suggests an improvement of the distribution of emissions between urban and suburban or rural areas in the DECSO inventory compared to that used in the bottom-up inventory. A rough estimate indicates that the observed concentrations, from sites predominantly placed in the populated urban areas, may be 10-40% higher than the corresponding model grid cell mean. This reduces the estimate of the negative bias of the DECSO-based simulation to the range of -30 to 0% on average and more firmly establishes that the MIX inventory is biased high over major cities. The performance of the model is comparable over seasons, with a slightly worse spatial correlation in summer due to the difficulties in resolving the more active NOx photochemistry and larger concentration gradients in summer by the model. In addition, the model well captures the daytime diurnal cycle but shows more significant disagreement between simulations and measurements during nighttime, which likely produces a positive model bias of about 15% in the daily mean concentrations. This is most likely related to the uncertainty in vertical mixing in the model at night.

NO2 modelling↗
NASA NTRS2011

Validating the AIRS Version 5 CO Retrieval with DACOM In Situ Measurements During INTEX-A and -B

Herein we provide a description of the atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) version 5 (v5) carbon monoxide (CO) retrieval algorithm and its validation with the DACOM in situ measurements during the INTEX-A and -B campaigns. All standard and support products in the AIRS v5 CO retrieval algorithm are documented. Building on prior publications, we describe the convolution of in situ measurements with the AIRS v5 CO averaging kernel and first-guess CO profile as required for proper validation. Validation is accomplished through comparison of AIRS CO retrievals with convolved in situ CO profiles acquired during the NASA Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiments (INTEX) in 2004 and 2006. From 143 profiles in the northern mid-latitudes during these two experiments, we find AIRS v5 CO retrievals are biased high by 6% 10% between 900 and 300 hPa with a root-mean-square error of 8% 12%. No significant differences were found between validation using spiral profiles coincident with AIRS overpasses and in-transit profiles under the satellite track but up to 13 h off in time. Similarly, no significant differences in validation results were found for ocean versus land, day versus night, or with respect to retrieved cloud top pressure or cloud fraction.

McMillan, Wallace W.↗
NASA NTRS2002

In Situ Measurements of N2O and CH4 During SOLVE on the ER-2 Using a New Tunable Diode Laser Instrument

This report is the final report for Cooperative Agreement NCC2-1105: 'In Situ Measurements of N2O and CH4 during SOLVE on the ER-2 using a new tunable diode laser instrument.' The tasks outlined in the proposal are listed below with a brief comment. The publications and the conference presentations are listed. Finally the important publications are attached. The Cooperative Agreement made possible a research effort to produce high precision and high accuracy in situ measurements of methane and nitrous oxide on the ER-2 during the SOLVE field campaign and to analyze these measurements. These measurements of CH4 and N2O were of utmost importance to studies of the ozone losses in the Arctic winter and spring. The concentrations measured over a large spatial and temporal range allowed the separation of the dynamical and chemical ozone loss. The most important results of the SOLVE program were contained in two scientific papers. This Cooperative Agreement allowed the participation of the Argus instrument in the program and the analysis of the data.

Jost, Hansjurg↗
NASA NTRS2024

Variability and Distribution of Nighttime Equatorial to Mid Latitude Ionospheric Irregularities and Vertical Plasma Drift Observed by FORMOSAT-5 Advanced Ionospheric Probe In-Situ Measurements from 2017 – 2020

Irregularities in ionospheric plasma distribution can result in severe scintillation and disruption to the radio frequencies utilized for satellite communications and navigation. In the low and mid latitudes, these irregularities can include Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) and Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs). EPBs are irregularities manifesting in low latitude nighttime ionosphere plasma density that can extend along magnetic field lines with zonal scales on the order of 100 km or less, while TIDs are propagating wave disturbances. High frequency in-situ measurements of ionospheric plasma aboard spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are a direct measurement of irregularities in plasma density and are therefore valuable for resolving EPB and TID occurrences, variability, and relation to other ionospheric parameters that are believed to play a driving role in the formation of such irregularities. In this study, we utilize observations taken over a three-year period between 2017 and 2020 by the Advanced Ionospheric Probe (AIP) carried aboard the FORMOSAT-5 satellite to examine the spatial, seasonal, and interannual variability of equatorial to mid latitude ionospheric irregularities and vertical ion drift during this time. AIP provides in-situ measurements of ion density and vertical ion drift in the equatorial to mid latitude ionosphere at approximately 720 km altitude with local times between 22:00 – 23:00 local time. Our global scale results resolve distinct and inter-annually recurrent seasonal patterns in the distribution of nighttime ionospheric irregularities and vertical plasma drift during this time. Elevated occurrences of ion density irregularities are resolved along the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) latitudes, while notable occurrences with variability consistent with EPBs also observed along the low and equatorial magnetic latitudes. Zonal variability of equatorial irregularities consistent with the signatures of nonmigrating atmospheric tides are observed. It is also notable that the occurrences and geographic distribution of ion density irregularities showed a considerable level of interannual variability, especially at mid latitudes over the South Atlantic and Southern African sectors, which showed much higher levels of irregularities in 2017–––2018, compared to 2019 and 2020. In comparison, the spatial and interannual variation of the co-located vertical ion drifts were much more consistent during the years examined, indicating that the driver for the observed interannual variability in ion density irregularities cannot be attributed to the vertical ion drift at the same time and location of the observations. This highlights the need for in-situ instruments distributed across multiple satellites in different local time zones.

ionosphere↗
NASA NTRS1992

Micro weather stations for in situ measurements in the Martian planetary boundary layer

Viking Lander meteorology measurements show that the Martian planetary boundary layer (PBL) has large diurnal and seasonal variations in pressure, wind velocity, relative humidity, and airborne dust loading. An even larger range of conditions was inferred from remote sensing observations acquired by the Mariner 9 and Viking orbiters. Numerical models indicate that these changes may be accompanied by dramatic vertical and horizontal wind shears (100 m/s/km) and rapid changes in the static stability. In-situ measurements from a relatively small number surface stations could yield global constraints on the Martian climate and atmospheric general circulation by providing ground truth for remote sensing instruments on orbiters. A more complete understanding of the meteorology of the PBL is an essential precursor to manned missions to Mars because this will be their working environment. In-situ measurements are needed for these studies because the spatial and temporal scales that characterize the important meteorological processes near the surface cannot be resolved from orbit. The Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) Program will provide the first opportunity to deploy a network of surface weather stations for a comprehensive investigation of the Martian PBL. The feasibility and utility of a network of micro-weather stations for making in-situ meteorological measurements in the Martian PBL are assessed.

Crisp, D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

In situ measurement of atomic hydrogen in the upper mesosphere

In situ measurements of H abundance between 73 and 93 km are reported for conditions of winter solstice, magnetic quiet, and a solar depression angle of 12 deg. The data were obtained by a rocket-borne instrument using the resonance fluorescence technique. A discharge source emitting photons at 1216 A was an integral part of the instrument. The instrument was radially deployed 80 cm by a boom from the front of the payload in order to avoid the shock created by the gas flow over the front of the payload. An attitude control system oriented the payload so that the gas flow was nearly perpendicular to the plane containing the incident and scattered photons, thus minimizing any correction for Doppler shift. The resonance radiation detector viewed a black backstop in order to minimize background radiation from the hydrogen geocorona; however, the background was not entirely eliminated. The signal-to-noise ratio was improved by summing the data in 1.8-s bins. The observed hydrogen concentration maximized at 85 km at 1.5 + or - 1.1 x 10 to the 8th atoms/cu cm.

Sharp, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Quantifying the Impact of the North American Monsoon and Deep Midlatitude Convection on the Subtropical Lowermost Stratosphere using in Situ Measurements

The chemical composition of the lowermost stratosphere exhibits both spatial and temporal variability depending upon the relative strength of (1) isentropic transport from the tropical tropopause layer (TTL), (2) diabatic descent from the midlatitude and northern midlatitude stratosphere followed by equatorward isentropic transport, and (3) diabatic ascent from the troposphere through convection. In situ measurements made in the lowermost stratosphere over Florida illustrate the additional impact of equatorward flow around the monsoon anticyclone. This flow carries, along with older stratospheric air, the distinct signature of deep midlatitude convection. We use simultaneous in situ measurements of water vapor (H2O), ozone (O3), total odd nitrogen (NOy), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) in the framework of a simple box model to quantify the composition of the air sampled in the lowermost stratosphere during the mission on the basis of tracer mixing ratios ascribed to the source regions for these transport pathways. The results show that in the summer, convection has a significant impact on the composition of air in the lowermost stratosphere, being the dominant source of water vapor up to the 380 K isentrope. The implications of these results extend from the potential for heterogeneous ozone loss resulting from the increased frequency and lifetime of cirrus near the local tropopause, to air with increased water vapor that as part of the equatorward flow associated with the North American monsoon can become part of the general circulation.

Weinstock, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

In situ measurements of Arctic atmospheric trace constituents from an aircraft

In situ measurements of the ambient concentrations of several atmospheric trace constituents were obtained using instruments installed on board the NASA Convair 990 aircraft at altitudes up to 12.5 kilometers over Alaska and the Arctic Ocean. Concentration data on ozone, carbon monoxide, water vapor, and particles larger than 0.5 micrometer in diameter were acquired.

Reck, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS2008

In-Situ Measurement of Hall Thruster Erosion Using a Fiber Optic Regression Probe

One potential life-limiting mechanism in a Hall thruster is the erosion of the ceramic material comprising the discharge channel. This is especially true for missions that require long thrusting periods and can be problematic for lifetime qualification, especially when attempting to qualify a thruster by analysis rather than a test lasting the full duration of the mission. In addition to lifetime, several analytical and numerical models include electrode erosion as a mechanism contributing to enhanced transport properties. However, there is still a great deal of dispute over the importance of erosion to transport in Hall thrusters. The capability to perform an in-situ measurement of discharge channel erosion is useful in addressing both the lifetime and transport concerns. An in-situ measurement would allow for real-time data regarding the erosion rates at different operating points, providing a quick method for empirically anchoring any analysis geared towards lifetime qualification. Erosion rate data over a thruster's operating envelope would also be useful in the modeling of the detailed physics inside the discharge chamber. A recent fundamental sensor development effort has led to a novel regression, erosion, and ablation sensor technology (REAST). The REAST sensor allows for measurement of real-time surface erosion rates at a discrete surface location. The sensor was tested using a linear Hall thruster geometry, which served as a means of producing plasma erosion of a ceramic discharge chamber. The mass flow rate, discharge voltage, and applied magnetic field strength could be varied, allowing for erosion measurements over a broad thruster operating envelope. Results are presented demonstrating the ability of the REAST sensor to capture not only the insulator erosion rates but also changes in these rates as a function of the discharge parameters.

Polzink, Kurt A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Evaluation of Terms in the Water Vapor Budget Using Airborne Dial and In Situ Measurements from the Southern Great Plans 1997 Experiment

The Southern Great Plains (SGP97) field experiment was conducted in Oklahoma during June and July 1997 primarily to validate soil moisture retrieval algorithms using microwave radiometer measurements from aircraft as well as in situ surface measurements. One important objective of the SGP97 experiment plan was to examine the effect of soil moisture on the evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and clouds over the Southern Great Plains during the warm season. To support boundary layer studies during SGP97. the NASA Langley Research Center's Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) was flown on a NASA-P3 aircraft in conjunction with the Electronically Scanned Thinned Array Radiometer (ESTAR). The LASE instrument is an airborne, downward-looking differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system capable of measuring water vapor concentration as well as aerosol backscatter with high horizontal and vertical resolution in the ABL. Here, we will demonstrate how the LASE data can be used to determine water vapor statistics and most of the water vapor budget terms in the ABL. This information can then be related to spatial variations in soil moisture and the surface energy budget. The extensive surface and aircraft in situ measurements conducted during SGP97 provide information on the ABL that cannot be retrieved from the LASE data alone and also offer an excellent opportunity to validate the remote water vapor budget measurements with LASE.

Senff, Christoph J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

In Situ Measurement of Ground-Surface Flow Resistivity

New instrument allows in situ measurement of flow resistivity on Earth's ground surface. Nonintrusive instrument includes specimen holder inserted into ground. Flow resistivity measured by monitoring compressed air passing through flow-meters; pressure gages record pressure at ground surface. Specimen holder with knife-edged inner and outer cylinders easily driven into ground. Air-stream used in measuring flow resistivity of ground enters through quick-connect fitting and exits through screen and venthole.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

In situ measurements of NO(x) in the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition

In situ measurements of NO and NO2 were made simultaneously from the NASA DC-8 aircraft as part of the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition. Mixing ratios of NO(x) (NO + NO2) were typically higher in the arctic troposphere than in the stratosphere, with median values of 59 and 40 pptv, respectively. In the stratosphere, there tended to be a positive correlation between NO(x) and water vapor and negative correlations between NO(x) and ozone and between NO(x) and total reactive odd-nitrogen, NO(y). The ratio of NO(x) to NO(y), in conjunction with NO(y), appears to be an excellent tracer of tropospheric or stratospheric air at northern latitudes during winter. Tropospheric NO(x) was typically 10 to 50 percent of gas-phase NO(y), while in the stratosphere, NO(x) was typically less than 10 percent, and frequently less than 5 percent of gas-phase NO(y).

Carroll, Mary Anne↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Expanding the Spatiotemporal Range of Soil Moisture Analysis Utilizing NASA Earth Observations and In Situ Measurements

Drought can cause immense agricultural and ecological damage resulting in high mitigation and compensation costs. Climate variability in future decades is expected to cause severe drought conditions and threaten necessary water resources. Stakeholders seek to implement effective drought assessments in preparation for potential economic and environmental damage invoked by drought. Although in-situ measurements are accurate, the current infrastructure is spatially limited and costly to maintain. A framework was created to compare modeled, satellite and in-situ data in drought monitoring. Here we show that the comparison of in-situ and remotely sensed soil moisture (SM) measurements can increase the spatiotemporal range of SM assessments. Data collected between 2003 and 2021 by NASA’s SPoRT Land Information System (SPoRT-LIS) and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission were standardized and compared with in-situ data provided through the Illinois Climate Network (WARM). Statistical analysis results including the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), root mean squared error, mean absolute error and others were calculated to compare the WARM measurements to the SMAP and SPoRT-LIS products. Results indicate that both satellite products demonstrate seasonally variable bias that is not present in the in-situ measurements. Bias was highest in the winter months and lowest in the late summer and early fall months in both satellite datasets. Overall, WARM-SPoRT comparisons resulted in lower seasonal variability. However, on average, the SMAP comparison demonstrated higher correlation values and lower error values. The WARM-SMAP average correlation (r) was 0.61 compared to the WARM-SPoRT average correlation (r) value of 0.54. Average mean absolute error values calculated for the SMAP and SPoRT comparisons were 0.07 and 0.08 percent soil moisture by volume, respectively. These analyses suggest integrating in-situ measurements and those provided by NASA Earth observations can be utilized in a multi-faceted SM evaluation, a valuable contribution to drought monitoring and water resource decision making.

Emma P Myrick↗
NASA NTRS2002

In-Situ Measurements of HCN and CH3CN in the Pacific Troposphere: Sources, Sinks, and Comparisons with Spectroscopic Observations

We report the first in-situ measurements of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetonitrile (CH3CN) from the Pacific troposphere (0-12 km) obtained during the NASA/Trace-P mission (Feb.-April, 2001). Mean HCN and CH3CN mixing ratios of 243 (+/-118) ppt and 149 (+/-56) ppt respectively, were measured. The in-situ observations correspond to a total HCN column of 4.4-4.9 x 10(exp 15) molec. cm(exp -2) and a CH3CN column of 2.8-3.0 x 10(exp 15) molec. cm(exp -2). This HCN column is in good agreement with available spectroscopic observations. The atmospheric concentrations of HCN and CH3CN were greatly influenced by outflow of pollution from Asia. There is a linear relationship between the mixing ratios of HCN and CH3CN, and in turn these are well correlated with tracers of biomass combustion (e.g. CH3Cl, CO). Relative enhancements with respect to known tracers of biomass combustion within selected plumes in the free troposphere, and pollution episodes in the boundary layer allow an estimation of a global biomass burning source of 0.8+/-0.4 Tg (N)/y for HCN and 0.4+/-0.1 Tg (N)/y for CH3CN. In comparison, emissions from automobiles and industry are quite small (<0.05 Tg (N)/y). The vertical structure of HCN and CH3CN indicated reduced mixing ratios in the MBL (Marine Boundary Layer). Using, a simple box model, the observed gradients across the top of the MBL are used to derive an oceanic flux of 6.7 x 10(exp -15) g (N) cm(exp -2)/s for HCN and 4.8 x 10(exp -15) g (N) cm(exp -2)/s for CH3CN. An air-sea exchange model is used to conclude that this flux can be maintained if the oceans are under-saturated in HCN and CH3CN by 23% and 17%, respectively. It is inferred that oceanic loss is a dominant sink for these nitrites, and they deposit some 1.3 Tg (N) of nitrogen annually to the oceans. Assuming reaction with OH radicals and loss to the oceans as the major removal processes, a mean atmospheric residence time of 4.7 months for HCN and 5.1 months for CH3CN is calculated. A global budget analysis shows that the sources and sinks of HCN and CH3CN are roughly in balance. There are indications that biogenic sources may also be present. Mechanisms involved in nitrate formation during combustion and removal in the oceans are poorly understood.

Singh, Hanwant B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Meteorological variations in the middle clouds of Venus from Vega balloon in situ measurements

Instruments aboard the gondolas of the two Vega balloons obtained in situ measurements of pressure, temperature, vertical velocity relative to the balloon, cloud particle backscatter, lightning and the ambient light level. Atmospheric motions at the balloon float altitudes were also determined from earth-based tracking results. To illustrate the history of the balloon flights and to facilitate comparisons between some of the different observed quantities, measurements of pressure, temperature and backscatter are presented as time series for the entire lifetime of each balloon. Both long and short period variations have been detected. In addition, the environmental entropy encountered by each balloon will be discussed.

Elson, Lee S.↗
NASA NTRS1994

In situ measurements of the NO2/NO ratio for testing atmospheric photochemical models

Simultaneous in situ measurements of NO2, NO, O3, ClO, pressure and temperature have been made for the first time, presenting a unique opportunity to test our current understanding of the photochemistry of the lower stratospere. Data were collected from several flights of the ER-2 aircraft at mid-latitudes in May 1993 during NASA's Stratospheric Photochemistry, Aerosols and Dynamics Expedition (SPADE). The daytime ratio of NO2/NO remains fairly constant at 19 km with a typical value of 0.68 and standard deviation of +/- 17. The ratio observations are compared with simple steady-state calculations based on laboratory-measured reaction rates and modeled NO2 photolysis rates. At each measurement point the daytime NO2/NO with its measurements uncertainty overlap the results of steady-state caculations and associated uncertainty. Possible sources of error are examined in both model and measurements. It is shown that more accurate laboratory determinations of the NO + 03 reaction rate and of the NO2 cross-sections in the 200-220 K temperature range characteristic of the lower stratosphere would allow for a more robust test of our knowledge of NO(X) phtochemistry by reducing significant sources if uncertainties in the interpretation of statospheric measurements.

Jaegle, L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

In Situ Measurements of the NO2/NO Ratio for Testing Atmospheric Photochemical Models

Simultaneous in situ measurements of NO2, NO, O3, ClO, pressure and temperature have been made for the first time, presenting a unique opportunity to test our current understanding of the photochemistry of the lower stratosphere. Data were collected from several flights of the ER-2 aircraft at mid-latitudes in May 1993 during NASA's Stratospheric Photochemistry, Aerosols and Dynamics Expedition (SPADE). The daytime ratio of NO2/NO remains fairly constant at 19 km with a typical value of 0.68 and standard deviation of +/- 0.17. The ratio observations are compared with simple steady-state calculations based on laboratory-measured reaction rates and modeled NO2 photolysis rates. At each measurement point the daytime NO2/NO with its measurement uncertainty overlap the results of steady-state calculations and associated uncertainty. However, over all the ER-2 flights examined, the model systematically overestimates the ratio by 40% on average. Possible sources of error are examined in both model and measurements. It is shown that more accurate laboratory determinations of the NO + O3 reaction rate and of the NO2 cross-sections in the 200-220 K temperature range characteristic of the lower stratosphere would allow for a more robust test of our knowledge of NO(x) photochemistry by reducing significant sources of uncertainties in the interpretation of stratospheric measurements. The present measurements are compared with earlier observations of the ratio at higher altitudes.

Jaegle, L.↗