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At least 469 records · Page 26

Emissions of sulfur gases from marine and freshwater wetlands of the Florida Everglades: Rates and extrapolation using remote sensing

Rates of emissions of the biogenic sulfur (S) gases carbonyl sulfide (COS), methyl mercaptan (MSH), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and carbon disulfide (CS2) were measured in a variety of marine and freshwater wetland habitats in the Florida Everglades during a short duration period in October using dynamic chambers, cryotrapping techniques, and gas chromatography. The most rapid emissions of greater than 500 nmol/m(sup -2)h(sup -1) occurred in red mangrove-dominated sites that were adjacent to open seawater and contained numerous crab burrows. Poorly drained red mangrove sites exhibited lower fluxes of approximately 60 nmol/m(sup -2)h(sup -1) which were similar to fluxes from the black mangrove areas which dominated the marine-influenced wetland sites in the Everglades. DMS was the dominant organo-S gas emitted especially in the freshwater areas. Spectral data from a scene from the Landsat thematic mapper were used to map habitats in the Everglades. Six vegetation categories were delineated using geographical information system software and S gas emission were extrapolated for the entire Everglades National Park. The black mangrove-dominated areas accounted for the largest portion of S gas emissions to the area. The large area extent of the saw grass communities (42 percent) accounted for approximately 24 percent of the total S emissions.

Hines, Mark E.↗

Fluctuations in SO2 emission during recent eruptions of Etna

The eruptive activity of July-August 1977 of Mt. Etna consisted of four separate, short eruptive episodes. The rate of SO2 emission during these eruptions was monitored using a remote-sensing correlation spectrometer. The obtained data suggest that fluctuations in the SO2 emission rate provide a means for predicting eruptions of Etna. The July-August 1977 eruptions were confined to the North East Crater vent, while continuous degassing occurred from the central vents. The continuous gas plume was blown downwind immediately after it was emitted while the eruption plumes from the North East Crater rose 500-1,000 m before being blown horizontally. Monitoring began on 24 July, immediately after the first eruptive episode had ended, and continued until 27 August.

Malinconico, L. L., Jr.↗

Compact radio sources in the galactic plane

The preliminary results of a search for infrared counterparts to compact continuum radio sources found within 0.5 deg of the Galactic plane are presented. Out of 75 positions searched, nine very red sources, each with a probability of less than 0.01 of being a random field star, were found. Most of the nine sources are characterized by deep silicate absorption features at 10 microns and a red energy distribution that continues to rise beyond 25 microns. Six of the sources are best explained as late O or early B stars exciting a compact H II region. The radio emission is close to that expected for the rate of emission of ionizing photons for a normal main-sequence star. Although these H II regions are compact, they are not sufficiently dusty in the immediate environment of the star to significantly reduce the ionizing flux. Three of the sources show considerably more emission than expected for a main-sequence star, indicating they are either hotter than a main-sequence star with the same luminosity or the radio emision is nonthermal and coming from a more exotic object.

Jones, Terry Jay↗

Volatile aldehyde emissions from “sub-ohm” vaping devices

"Sub-ohm" atomizers with reduced resistance can deliver more power than conventional electronic cigarettes. Typical battery outputs are 100 watts or more. These devices are particularly popular among young users, and can be a significant source of volatile carbonyls in the indoor environment. Emissions from next-generation sub-ohm vaping products were characterized by determining e-liquid consumption and volatile aldehydes emissions for several combinations of popular high-power configurations. Tests explored the effect of dilution air flow (air vent opening), puffing volume, and coil assembly configuration. The mass of liquid consumed per puff increased as the puff volume increased from 50 to 100 mL, then remained relatively constant for larger puff volumes up to 500 mL. This is likely due to mass transfer limitations at the wick and coil assembly, which reduced the vaporization rate at higher puff volumes. Carbonyl emission rates were systematically evaluated using a 0.15 Ω dual coil atomizer as a function of the puffing volume and dilution air flow, adjusted by setting the air vents to either 100% (fully open), 50%, 25%, or 0% (closed). The highest formaldehyde emissions were observed for the lowest puff volume (50 mL) when the vents 31 were closed (48 ng mg-1), opened at 25% (39 ng mg -1 ) and at 50% (32 ng mg -1 ).. By contrast, 50-mL puffs with 100% open vents, and puff volumes >100 mL for any vent aperture, generated formaldehyde yields of 20 ng mg -1 or lower, suggesting that a significant cooling effect resulted in limited carbonyl formation. Considering the effect of the coil resistance when operated at a voltage of 3.8 V, the amount of liquid evaporated per puff decreased as the resistance increased, in the order of 0.15 Ω > 0.25 Ω > 0.6 Ω consistent with decreasing aerosol temperatures measured at the mouthpiece. Three different configurations of 0.15 Ω coils (dual, quadruple and octuple) were evaluated, observing significant variability. No clear trend was found between carbonyl emission rates and coil resistance or configuration, with highest emissions corresponding to a 0.25 Ω dual coil atomizer. Carbonyl emission rates were compared with those determined using the same methodology for conventional e-cigarettes (lower power tank systems), observing overall lower yields for the sub-ohm devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Methane emissions to the troposphere from the Amazon floodplain

The magnitudes of CH4 emissions to the troposphere from the Amazon River floodplain and the mechanism of these emissions were investigated using the data of 94 individual flux measurements made along a 1700-km stretch of the river during July/August 1985. The overall average rate of CH4 emission from wetlands was found to be 390 mg CH4/sq m per day, with the highest emissions (590 mg CH4/sq m per day) attributed to the water surfaces covered by aquatic macrophytes. Ebullition was the dominant mechanism of emission, accounting for 85 percent of the total. Surface-water CH4 concentrations were highly supersaturated, averaging 6.4 micromolar. The annual emission of CH4 from the Amazon Basin to the troposphere, estimated from the area and the known emission rate, is about 10 CH4 Tg/yr, indicating the importance of the area in the global atmospheric CH4 cycle.

Devol, Allen H.↗

Emission of NO and deposition of O3 in a tropical forest system

Rates for emission of NO and deposition of O3 were measured at a tropical forest site in Reserve Adolfo Ducke, near Manaus, Brazil. Two independent techniques were used to determine the NO flux: (1) a soil enclosure method and (2) a method based on simultaneous observations of NO and O3 vertical profiles at night, when NO is irreversibly removed by reaction with O3. Results obtained using the two techniques agreed well, giving an average NO flux of 5.2 + or - 1.7 x 10 to the 10th molecules/sq cm per sec and an average vertical exchange coefficient of 2.2 x 10 to the 3rd cu cm/sec. Sources of NO from tropical forest soils may be important for global atmospheric chemistry. Rapid removal of O3 was observed in the lowest levels of the forest. The nocturnal deposition rate was estimated to be 5.6 + or - 2.5 x 10 to the 11th molecules/sq cm per sec through the 6-m level. The large deposition rate for O3 is consistent with the strong sink inferred from observations of ozone in the Amazon region.

Kaplan, W. A.↗

Use of MODIS-Derived Fire Radiative Energy to Estimate Smoke Aerosol Emissions over Different Ecosystems

Biomass burning is the main source of smoke aerosols and certain trace gases in the atmosphere. However, estimates of the rates of biomass consumption and emission of aerosols and trace gases from fires have not attained adequate reliability thus far. Traditional methods for deriving emission rates employ the use of emission factors e(sub x), (in g of species x per kg of biomass burned), which are difficult to measure from satellites. In this era of environmental monitoring from space, fire characterization was not a major consideration in the design of the early satellite-borne remote sensing instruments, such as AVHRR. Therefore, although they are able to provide fire location information, they were not adequately sensitive to variations in fire strength or size, because their thermal bands used for fire detection saturated at the lower end of fire radiative temperature range. As such, hitherto, satellite-based emission estimates employ proxy techniques using satellite derived fire pixel counts (which do not express the fire strength or rate of biomass consumption) or burned areas (which can only be obtained after the fire is over). The MODIS sensor, recently launched into orbit aboard EOS Terra (1999) and Aqua (2002) satellites, have a much higher saturation level and can, not only detect the fire locations 4 times daily, but also measures the at-satellite fire radiative energy (which is a measure of the fire strength) based on its 4 micron channel temperature. Also, MODIS measures the optical thickness of smoke and other aerosols. Preliminary analysis shows appreciable correlation between the MODIS-derived rates of emission of fire radiative energy and smoke over different regions across the globe. These relationships hold great promise for deriving emission coefficients, which can be used for estimating smoke aerosol emissions from MODIS active fire products. This procedure has the potential to provide more accurate emission estimates in near real-time, providing opportunities for various disaster management applications such as alerts, evacuation and, smoke dispersion forecasting.

Ichoku, Charles↗

Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer observations of the RS Canum Venaticorum systems AR Lacertae and II Pegasi

We report observations of two RS CVn systems, II Peg and AR Lac, which were calibration targets during the in-orbit checkout phase of the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE). We have determined count rates, and, based on these count rates, preliminary emission measure analyses have been done. The Lexan/boron band count rates were 0.0849 +/- 0.0023 counts/s for AR Lac and 0.218 +/- 0.031 counts/s for II Peg during its quiescent state. Temperatures and emission measures derived from the EUVE data are consistent with previously published values. We also report a flare seen during the II Peg observations which has characteristics similar to previously observed flares on II Peg. During the flare the Lexan/boron count rate increased by at least a factor of 2.5, and the minimum total duration was about 34,000 s (about 9.4 hr).

Petterer, R. J.↗

Radiation from plutonium 238 used in space applications

The principal mode of the nuclear decay of plutonium 238 is by alpha particle emission at a rate of 17 curies per gram. Gamma radiation also present in nuclear fuels arises primarily from the nuclear de-excitation of daughter nuclei as a result of the alpha decay of plutonium 238 and reactor-produced impurities. Plutonium 238 has a spontaneous fission half life of 4.8 x 10 to the 10th power years. Neutrons associated with this spontaneous fission are emitted at a rate of 28,000 neutrons per second per gram. Since the space fuel form of plutonium 238 is the oxide pressed into a cermet with molybdenum, a contribution to the neutron emission rate arises from (alpha, n) reactions with 0-17 and 0-18 which occur in natural oxygen.

Keenan, T. K.↗

Quantum/classical mode evolution in free electron laser oscillators

The problem of oscillator evolution and mode competition in free electron lasers is studied. Relativistic quantum field theory is used to calculate electron wave functions, the angular distribution of spontaneous emission, and the transition rates for stimulated emission and absorption in each mode. The photon rate equation for the weakfield regime is presented. This rate equation is applied to oscillator evolution with a conventional undulator, a two-stage optical klystron, and a tapered undulator. The effects of noise are briefly discussed.

Bosco, P.↗

X-ray studies of coeval star samples. II - The Pleiades cluster as observed with the Einstein Observatory

Coronal X-ray emission of the Pleiades stars is investigated, and maximum likelihood, integral X-ray luminosity functions are computed for Pleiades members in selected color-index ranges. A detailed search is conducted for long-term variability in the X-ray emission of those stars observed more than once. An overall comparison of the survey results with those of previous surveys confirms the ubiquity of X-ray emission in the Pleiades cluster stars and its higher rate of emission with respect to older stars. It is found that the X-ray emission from dA and early dF stars cannot be proven to be dissimilar to that of Hyades and field stars of the same spectral type. The Pleiades cluster members show a real rise of the X-ray luminosity from dA stars to early dF stars. X-ray emission for the young, solarlike Pleiades stars is about two orders of magnitude more intense than for the nearby solarlike stars.

Micela, G.↗

The correlation of solar flare hard X-ray bursts with Doppler blueshifted soft X-ray flare emission

We have investigated the temporal correlation between hard X-ray bursts and the intensity of Doppler blueshifted soft X-ray spectral line emission. We find a strong correlation for many events that have intense blueshifted spectral signatures and some correlation in events with modest blueshifts. The onset of hard X-rays frequently coincides to within a few seconds with the onset of blueshifted emission. The peak intensity of blueshifted emission is frequently close in time to the peak of the hard X-ray emission. Decay rates of the blueshifted and hard X-ray emission are similar, with the decay of the blueshifted emission tending to lag behind the hard X-ray emission in some cases. There are, however, exceptions to these conclusions, and, therefore, the results should not be generalized to all flares. Most of the data for this work were obtained from instruments flown on the Japanese Yohkoh solar spacecraft.

Bentley, R. D.↗

The Impact of Geoengineering Aerosols on Stratospheric Temperature and Ozone

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are warming the global climate at an unprecedented rate. Significant emission reductions will be required soon to avoid a rapid temperature rise. As a potential interim measure to avoid extreme temperature increase, it has been suggested that Earth's albedo be increased by artificially enhancing stratospheric sulfate aerosols. We use a 3D chemistry climate model, fed by aerosol size distributions from a zonal mean aerosol model, to simulate continuous injection of 1-10 Mt/a into the lower tropical stratosphere. In contrast to the case for all previous work, the particles are predicted to grow to larger sizes than are observed after volcanic eruptions. The reason is the continuous supply of sulfuric acid and hence freshly formed small aerosol particles, which enhance the formation of large aerosol particles by coagulation and, to a lesser extent, by condensation. Owing to their large size, these particles have a reduced albedo. Furthermore, their sedimentation results in a non-linear relationship between stratospheric aerosol burden and annual injection, leading to a reduction of the targeted cooling. More importantly, the sedimenting particles heat the tropical cold point tropopause and, hence, the stratospheric entry mixing ratio of H2O increases. Therefore, geoengineering by means of sulfate aerosols is predicted to accelerate the hydroxyl catalyzed ozone destruction cycles and cause a significant depletion of the ozone layer even though future halogen concentrations will be significantly reduced.

Heckendorn, P.↗

The Impact of Geoengineering Aerosols on Stratospheric Temperature and Ozone

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are warming the global climate at an unprecedented rate. Significant emission reductions will be required soon to avoid a rapid temperature rise. As a potential interim measure to avoid extreme temperature increase, it has been suggested that Earth's albedo be increased by artificially enhancing stratospheric sulfate aerosols. We use a 3D chemistry climate model, fed by aerosol size distributions from a zonal mean aerosol model. to simulate continuous injection of 1-10 Mt/a into the lower tropical stratosphere. In contrast to the case for all previous work, the particles are predicted to grow to larger sizes than are observed after volcanic eruptions. The reason is the continuous supply of sulfuric acid and hence freshly formed small aerosol particles, which enhance the formation of large aerosol particles by coagulation and, to a lesser extent, by condensation. Owing to their large size, these particles have a reduced albedo. Furthermore, their sedimentation results in a non-linear relationship between stratospheric aerosol burden and annual injection, leading to a reduction of the targeted cooling. More importantly, the sedimenting particles heat the tropical cold point tropopause and, hence, the stratospheric entry mixing ratio of H2O increases. Therefore, geoengineering by means of sulfate aerosols is predicted to accelerate the hydroxyl catalyzed ozone destruction cycles and cause a significant depletion of the ozone layer even though future halogen concentrations will he significantly reduced.

Heckendorn, P.↗

Q-switched, cavity-dumped, mode-locked laser

Continuous-wave laser can achieve higher rate of emission through Q-switching. Technique keeps Q, energy storage rating, of laser cavity at low value while ion population inversion is being built up. Then Q is suddenly switched to high value just before instability occurs.

Fountain, W.↗

Quantification of Methane Emissions from Marginal (Low Production Rate) Oil and Natural Gas Wells

The objective of this research was to measure methane emissions from marginal well sites at various basins across the United States. The goal was to collect and evaluate representative, defensible, and repeatable data and draw quantifiable conclusions on the extent of emissions from marginal wells across oil and gas producing regions of the U.S., and to compare these results to published data on the emissions from nonmarginal wells.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Narrow-band Jovian kilometric radiation - A new radio component

The paper describes a new component of Jupiter's radio spectrum. This component emits in a very narrow bandwidth (less than 40 kHz) near 100 kHz. Its waveform is a very smooth and gradual rise and subsequent fall in intensity over typically two hours. The emission is polarized with left-hand polarization associated with the Jovian northern magnetic hemisphere and righthand with the south. The most interesting feature of the emission is its deviation from a strict System III rotation period repetition rate. The emission source of this narrow-band component clearly rotates slower by 3-5% than all other forms of Jovian radio emission. Propagation considerations coupled with this observed lack of corotation point to a source region near the magnetic equatorial plane at the outer 'edge' of the Io plasma torus.

Kaiser, M. L.↗

Linearly polarized radiation from astrophysical masers due to magnetic fields of intermediate strength

Previous solutions for polarization of astrophysical maser radiation due to closed-shell molecules in a magnetic field have potentially serious limitations. These solutions are mostly based on the approximation that the Zeeman frequency g-Omega is much greater than the rate for stimulated emission R and the rate for decay Gamma of the molecular state. Others are asymptotic solutions obtained for an angular momentum J = 1-0 transition. It has been unclear whether the polarizations due to plausible Zeeman splittings are adequately represented by the solutions obtained for g-Omega/Gamma much greater than 1 and g-Omega/R much greater than 1. Actual masing transitions tend to involve molecular states with angular momenta that are higher than J = 1 and 0. Numerical solutions for the linear polarization are presented here which do not have the foregoing restrictions on the g-Omega and which are not limited to a J = 1-0 transition.

Nedoluha, Gerald E.↗