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Spectral analysis of the gravity and topography of Mars

New spherical harmonic models of the gravity and topography of Mars place important constraints on the structure and dynamics of the interior. The gravity and topography models are significantly phase coherent for harmonic degrees n less than 30 (wavelengths greater than 700 km). Loss of coherence below that wavelength is presumably due to inadequacies of the models, rather than a change in behavior of the planet. The gravity/topography admittance reveals two very different spectral domains: for n greater than 4, a simple Airy compensation model, with mean depth of 100 km, faithfully represents the observed pattern; for degrees 2 and 3, the effective compensation depths are 1400 and 550 km, respectively, strongly arguing for dynamic compensation at those wavelengths. The gravity model has been derived from a reanalysis of the tracking data for Mariner 9 and the Viking Orbiters, The topography model was derived by harmonic analysis of the USGS digital elevation model of Mars. Before comparing gravity and topography for internal structure inferences, we must ensure that both are consistently referenced to a hydrostatic datum. For the gravity, this involves removal of hydrostatic components of the even degree zonal coefficients. For the topography, it involves adding the degree 4 equipotential reference surface, to get spherically referenced values, and then subtracting the full degree 50 equipotential. Variance spectra and phase coherence of orthometric heights and gravity anomalies are addressed.

Bills, Bruce G.↗

Diffusive redistribution of water vapor in the solar nebula revisited

Stevenson and Lunine presented a model for enhancing the abundance of solid material in the region of the solar nebula at the water condensation point. This was used to provide a means to produce a much more rapid formation of Jupiter than the standard solar nebula models. However, they underestimated the drag induced sun-ward radial drift of the planetesimals of interest. Reanalysis reveals that these particles would spread over the inner solar system and might influence the formation of the asteroids.

Sears, William D.↗

Hydrogen and related materials at high density: Physics, chemistry and planetary implications

Recent studies of low-Z molecular materials including hydrogen to multimegabar pressures (less than 300 GPa) have uncovered a range of phenomena relevant to understanding the nature of the interiors of the outer planets and their satellites. Synchrotron x ray diffraction measurements (to 42 GPa) have been used to determine the crystal structure of the solid (hexagonal-close packed) and equation of state. Sound velocities in fluid and solid hydrogen (to 24 GPa) have been inverted to obtain elastic constants and aggregate bulk and shear moduli. In addition, an improved intermolecular potential has been determined which fits both static and shock-wave data. Use of the new potential for the molecular envelope of Jupiter suggests the need for major revisions of existing Jovian models or a reanalysis of reported free oscillations for the planet. Studies at higher pressures (greater than 100 GPa) reveal a sequence of pressure-induced symmetry-breaking transitions in molecular hydrogen, giving rise to three high-pressure phases (1, 2, and 3). Phase 1 is the rotationally disordered hcp phase which persists from low pressure to well above 100 GPa at high temperature (e.g., 300 K). Phase 2 is a low-temperature, high-pressure phase (transition at 100 GPa and 77 K in H2) with spectral features indicative of partial rotational ordering and crystallographic distortion. The transition to Phase 3 at 150 GPa is accompanied by a weakening of the molecular bond, gradual changes in orientational ordering, strong enhancement of the infrared intramolecular vibrational absorption, and strong intermolecular interactions similar to those of ambient-pressure network solids. Studies of the phase diagram reveal a triple point near 130 K and 160 GPa. Higher pressure measurements of vibrational spectra place a lower bound of approximately 250 GPa on the predicted transition pressure for dissociation of molecular hydrogen to form a monatomic metal.

Hemley, R. J.↗

On the dynamics of small-scale vorticity in isotropic turbulence

It was previously shown that the strong vorticity in isotropic turbulence is organized into tubular vortices ('worms') whose properties were characterized through the use of full numerical simulations at several Reynolds numbers. At the time most of the observations were kinematic, and several scaling laws were discovered for which there was no theoretical explanation. In the meantime, further analysis of the same fields yielded new information on the generation of the vortices, and it was realized that even if they had to be formed by stretching, they were at any given moment actually compressed at many points of their axes. This apparent contradiction was partially explained by postulating axial inertial waves induced by the nonuniformity of the vortex cores, which helped to 'spread' the axial strain and allowed the vortices to remain compact even if not uniformly stretched. The existence of such solutions was recently proved numerically. The present report discusses a set of new numerical simulations of isotropic turbulence, and a reanalysis of the old ones, in an effort to prove or disprove the presence of these waves in actual turbulent flows and to understand the dynamics, as opposed to the kinematics, of the vortices.

Jimenez, Javier↗

Energetic electrons in the magnetophere of Saturn

The energy spectra and angular distributions of electrons observed by Pioneer 11 as a function of radial distance in the inner magnetosphere of Saturn are reanalyzed and phase space densities are then calculated. The radial dependence of phase space density requires a distributed loss process. The loss is greatest in the region of the E ring (5.5 less than L less than 8.5) and is attributed to collisions with the ring particles in agreement with earlier work by Van Allen et al. (1980b). Quantitative analysis yields the following properties of the E ring: the particle radii are in the range of 4 x 10(exp -5) to 3.2 x 10(exp -4) cm and the thickness of the ring is approximately 3 R(sub s). Between the inner edge of the E ring (5.5 R(sub s)) and the outer edge of the A ring (2.3 R(sub s)) there are more energetic electrons than can be supplied by radial diffusion from an external source. Detailed calculations show that a cosmic ray albedo neutron decay (CRAND) source in the A and B rings is a plausible source for this excess. The radial diffusion coefficient required to explain the E ring absorption and CRAND source for electrons is 1 x 10(exp -12) greater than D(sub 0) greater than 3 x 10(exp -12) R(sub s)(exp 2)/s, assuming that D(sub LL) = D(sub 0)L(exp 3). As part of the reanalysis program, a method for the deconvolution of pitch angle distributions observed by simple detectors on a rotating spacecraft is developed. This process removes the instrumental response and rotational smear due to finite sampling periods and yields true angular distributions.

Randall, B. A.↗

A revised analysis of micron-sized particles detected near Saturn by the Voyager 2 plasma wave instrument

The impulsive noise that the plasma wave and radio astronomy instruments detected during the Voyager 2 swing by Saturn was attributed to dust grains striking the spacecraft. This report presents a reanalysis of the dust impacts recorded by the plasma wave instrument using an improved model for the response of the electric antenna to dust impacts. The fundamental assumption used in this analysis is that the voltage induced on the antenna is proportional to the mass of the impacting grain. Using the above assumption and the antenna response constants used at Uranus and Neptune, the following conclusions can be reached. The primary dust distribution consists of a 'disk' of particles that coincides with the equator plane and has a north-south thickness of 2-Delta zeta = 962 km. A less dense 'halo' with a north-south thickness of 2-Delta zeta = 3376 km surrounds the primary distribution. The dust particle sizes are of the order of 10 microns, assuming a mass density of 1 g/cu cm. The corresponding particle masses are of the order of 10(exp -9) g, and maximum number densities are of the order of 10(exp -2)/cu m. Most likely, the G ring is the dominate source since the particles were observed very close to that ring, namely at 2.86 R(sub S). Other sources, like nearby moons, are not ruled out especially when perturbations due to electromagnetic forces are included. The calculated optical depth differs by about a factor of 2 from photometric studies. The current particle masses, radii, and the effective north-south thickness of the particle distribution are larger than what Gurnett et al. (1983) reported by about 2, 1, and 1 orders of magnitude, respectively. This is attributed to the fact that the collection coefficient used in this study is smaller than what was used in Gurnett et al.'s earlier publication.

Tsintikidis, D.↗

Extended hot-gas halos around starburst galaxies

A reanalysis of Einstein Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) data and new observations from the Ginga Large Area (Proportional) counters (LAC) indicate the presence of extended X-ray emission (10-50 kpc) around the starburst galaxy M82. Here, we discuss our model of this emission, which was obtained by performing numerical hydrodynamic simulations of the starburst event to much later times and larger scales than were previously considered. For our models, we adopted a supernova rate of 0.1/yr, and an extended low-density static halo that is bound to the galaxy. There are three stages to the evolution of the wind-blown bubble and the propagation of the shock front: the bubble expands in an almost uniform density disk gas, with a deceleration of the shock front (t is less than or approximately 3.6 Myr); breakout from the disk and the upward acceleration of the shock front (3.6 Myr is less than or approximately t is less than or approximately 18 Myr); propagation into the halo, leading to a more spherical system and shock deceleration (18 Myr is less than or approximately t). For a halo density of 10(exp -3)/cu cm, the outflow reaches a distance of 40-50 kpc from the center of the starburst galaxy in 50 Myr. We calculated the time evolution of the X-ray luminosity and found that the extended starburst emits 3 x 10(exp 39) erg/s to 10(exp 40) in the Ginga LAC band and approximately 10(exp 41) erg/s in the Einstein band. The degree of the ionization equilibrium in the outflow and its effect on the iron K alpha line emission are discussed.

Tomisaka, Kohji↗

Clouds, hazes, and the stratospheric methane abundance in Neptune

Analysis of high-spatial-resolution (approximately 0.8 arcsec) methane band and continuum imagery of Neptune's relatively homogeneous Equatorial Region yields significant constraints on (1) the stratospheric gaseous methane mixing ratio (f(sub CH4, S)), (2) the column abundances and optical properties of stratospheric and tropospheric hydrocarbon hazes, and (3) the wavelength-dependent single-scattering albedo of the 3-bar opaque cloud. From the center-to-limb behavior of the 7270-A and 8900-A CH4 bands, the stratospheric methane mixing ratios is limited to f(sub CH4, S) less than 1.7 x 10(exp -3), with a nominal value of f(sub CH4, S) = 3.5 x 10(exp -4), one to two orders of magnitude less than pre-Voyager estimates, but in agreement with a number of recent ultraviolet and thermal infrared measurements, and largely in agreement with the tropopause mixing ratio implied by Voyager temperature measurements. Upper limits to the stratospheric haze mass column abundance and 6190-A and 8900-A haze opacities are 0.61 micrograms/sq cm and 0.075 and 0.042, respectively, with nominal values of 0.20 micrograms/sq cm and 0.025 and 0.014 for the 0.2 micrometers radius particles preferred by the recent Voyager PPS analysis of Pryor et al. (1992). The tropospheric CH4 haze opacities are comparable to that found in the stratosphere, i.e., upper limits of 0.104 and 0.065 at 6190 A and 8900 A, respectively, with nominal values of 0.085 and 0.058. This indicates a column abundance less than 11.0 micrograms/sq cm, corresponding to the methane gas content within a well-mixed 3% methane tropospheric layer only 0.1 cm thick near the 1.5-bar CH4 condensation level. Conservative scattering is ruled out for the opaque cloud near 3 bars marking the bottom of the visible atmosphere. Specifically, we find cloud single-scattering albedos of 0.915 +/- 0.006 at 6340 A, 0.775 +/- 0.012 at 7490 A, and 0.803 +/- 0.010 at 8260 A. Global models utilizing a complete global spectrum confirm the red-absorbing character of the 3-bar cloud. The global-mean model has approximately 7.7 times greater stratospheric aerosol content than the Equatorial Region. An analysis of stratospheric haze precipitation rates indicates a steady-state haze production rate of 0.185-1.5 x 10(exp -14) g/sq cm/s, in agreement with recent theoretical photochemical estimates. Finally, reanalysis of the Voyager PPS 7500-A phase angle data utilizing the f(sub CH4, S) value derived here confirms the Pryor et al. result of a tropospheric CH4 haze opacity of a few tenths in the 22-30 degs S latitude region, several times that of the Equatorial Region or of the globe. The factor-of-10 reduction in f(sub CH4, S) below that assumed by Pryor et al. implies decreased gas absorption and consequently a decrease in the forward-scattering component of tropospheric aerosols.

Baines, Kevin H.↗

Comment on 'Intercalibration of solar wind instruments during the International Magnetospheric Study' by S. M. Petrinec and C. T. Russell

In their paper Petrinec and Russell (PR) (1993) claim to have developed a 'more homogeneous and accurate set of solar wind data' by 'correcting' the reported ion densities from three plasma instruments: the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) ion electrostatic analyzer on ISEE 3 and the LANL electrostatic analyzer and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Faraday cup plasma instrument on Interplanetary Monitoring Platform 8 (IMP 8). Their data manipulation techniques are examined. The foundations on which their data set are built, are discussed. Reanalysis by MIT on the MIT instrument (IMP 8) was done. Initial results have been issued. The Petrinec & Russell (1993) (PR) paper does not provide accurate density estimates and is an exercise that will only bring confusion to users of the data. The results of PR should be treated with skepticism.

Paularena, K. I.↗

Periodic intensity variations in sulfur emissions from the Io plasma torus

In November and December 1988, we acquired 157 spectra of (S II) lambda 6731 emissions from the Io plasma torus with a Fabry-Perot interferometer at the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope facility on Kitt Peak. A major goal of this experiment was to extend our earlier studies of intensity variations in the plasma torus. Our earlier analysis (F. L. Roesler, F. Scherb, and R. J. Oliversen, 1984, of (S III) lambda 9531 emission spectra acquired in April 1982 had shown that the intensity of torus emissions varied periodically with a period of 10.20 +/- 0.06 hr (1-sigma uncertainty level), slightly longer than Jupiter's System 3 rotational period of 9.925 hr. We present here an reanalysis of our 1982 data revealing, in addition to the 10.20-hr period, a clear secondary periodicity at 9.95 +/- 0.906 hr. By constrast, we show that our new (S II) lambda 6731 data have a single period of 10.14 +/- 0.03 hr. which is neither the System 3 period nor the proposed 'System 4' period of 10.224 hr.

Woodward, R. Carey, Jr.↗

An extended plasma model for Saturn

The Saturn magnetosphere model of Richardson and Sittler (1990) is extended to include the outer magnetosphere. The inner magnetospheric portion of this model is updated based on a recent reanalysis of the plasma data near the Voyager 2 ring plane crossing. The result is an axially symmetric model of the plasma parameters which is designed to provide accurate input for models needing either in situ or line-of-sight data and to be a useful tool for Cassini planning.

Richardson, John D.↗

Energetic electrons in the magnetosphere of Saturn

The energy spectra and angular distributions of electrons observed by Pioneer 11 as a function of radial distance in the inner magnetosphere of Saturn are reanalyzed and phase space densities are then calculated. The radial dependence of phase space density requires a distributed loss process. The loss is greatest in the region of the E ring (5.5 less than L less than 8.5) and is attributed to collisions with the ring particles in agreement with earlier work by Van Allen et al. (1980). Quantitative analysis yields the following properties of the E ring: the particle radii are in the range of 4 x 10(exp -5) to 3.2 x 10(exp -4) cm and the thickness of the ring is approximately 3 R(sub s). Between the inner edge of the E ring (5.5 R(sub s)) and the outer edge of the A ring (2.3 R(sub s)) there are more energetic electrons than can be supplied by radial diffusion from an external source. Detailed calculations show that a cosmic ray albedo neutron decay (CRAND) source in the A and B rings is a plausible source for this excess. The radial diffusion coefficient required to explain the E ring absorption and CRAND source for electrons is 1 x 10(exp -12) greater than D(sub 0) greater than 3 x 10(exp -12) R(exp 2, sub s)/s, assuming that D(sub LL) = D(sub 0)L(exp 3). As part of the reanalysis program, a method for the deconvolution of pitch angle distributions observed by simple detectors on a rotating spacecraft is developed. This process removes the instrumental response and rotational smear due to finite sampling periods and yields true angular distributions.

Randall, B. A.↗

Analysis of IUE Observations of Supernovae

This program supported the analysis of IUE observations of supernovae. One aspect was a Target-of-Opportunity program to observe bright supernovae which was applied to SN 1993J in M81, and another was continuing analysis of the IUE data from SN 1987A. Because of its quick response time, the IUE satellite has continued to provide useful data on the ultraviolet spectra of supernovae. Even after the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has much more powerful ultraviolet spectrometers, the IUE has enabled us to obtain early and frequent measurements of ultraviolet radiation: this information has been folded in with our HST data to create unique observations of supernova which can be interpreted to give powerful constraints on the physical properties of the exploding stars. Our chief result in the present grant period was the completion of a detailed reanalysis of the data on the circumstellar shell of SN 1987A. The presence of narrow high-temperature mission lines from nitrogen-rich gas close to SN 1987A has been the principal observational constraint on the evolution of the supernova's progenitor. Our new analysis shows that the onset of these lines, their rise to maximum, and their subsequent fading can be understood in the context of a model for the photoionization of circumstellar matter.

Kirshner, Robert P.↗

Observation of local cloud and moisture feedbacks over high ocean and desert surface temperatures

New data on clouds and moisture, made possible by reanalysis of weather satellite observations, show that the atmosphere reacts to warm clusters of very high sea surface temperatures in the western Pacific Ocean with increased moisture, cloudiness, and convection, suggesting a negative feedback limiting the sea surface temperature rise. The reverse was observed over dry and hot deserts where both moisture and cloudiness decrease, suggesting a positive feedback perpetuating existing desert conditions. In addition, the observations show a common critical surface temperature for both oceans and land; the distribution of atmospheric moisture is observed to reach a maximum value when the daily surface temperatures approach 304 +/- 1 K. These observations reveal complex dynamic-radiative interactions where multiple processes act simultaneously at the surface as well as in the atmosphere to regulate the feedback processes.

Chahine, Moustafa T.↗

Studies of the Earth Energy Budget and Water Cycle Using Satellite Observations and Model Analyses

During this research period we have utilized the ERBE data set in comparisons to surface properties and water vapor observations in the atmosphere. A relationship between cloudiness and surface temperature anomalies was found. This same relationship was found in a general circulation model, verifying the model. The attempt to construct a homogeneous time series from Nimbus 6, Nimbus 7 and ERBE data is not complete because we are still waiting for the ERBE reanalysis to be completed. It will be difficult to merge the Nimbus 6 data in because its observations occurred when the average weather was different than the other periods, so regression adjustments are not effective.

Campbell, G. G.↗

Photochemistry of Triton's Atmosphere and Ionosphere

The photochemistry of 32 neutral and 21 ion species in Triton's atmosphere is considered. Parent species N2, CH4, and CO (with a mixing ratio of 3 x 10(exp -4) in our basic model) sublime from the ice with rates of 40, 208, and 0.3 g/sq cm/b.y., respectively. Chemistry below 50 km is driven mostly by photolysis of methane by the solar and interstellar medium Lyman-alpha photons, producing hydrocarbons C2H4, C2H6, and C2H2 which form haze particles with precipitation rates of 135, 28, and 1.3 g/sq cm/b.y., respectively. Some processes are discussed which increase the production of HCN (by an order of magnitude to a value of 29 g/sq cm/b.y.) and involve indirect photolysis of N2 by neutrals. Reanalysis of the measured methane profiles gives an eddy diffusion coefficient K = 4 x 10(exp 3)sq cm/s above the tropopause and a more accurate methane number density near the surface, (3.1 +/- 0.8)x IO(exp 11)/cu cm. Chemistry above 200 km is driven by the solar EUV radiation (lambda less than 1000 A) and by precipitation of magnetospheric electrons with a total energy input of 10(exp 8) W (based on thermal balance calculations). The most abundant photochemical species are N, H2, H, 0, and C. They escape with the total rates of 7.7 x 10(exp 24)/ s, 4.5 x 10(exp 25)/s, 2.4 x 10(exp 25)/s, 4.4 x 10(exp 22)/s, and 1.1 x 10(exp 24), respectively. Atomic species are transported to a region of 50-200 km and drive the chemistry there. Ionospheric chemistry explains the formation of an E region at 150-240 km with HCO(+) as a major ion, and of an F region above 240 km with a peak at 320 km and C(+) as a major ion. The ionosphere above 500 km consists of almost equal densities of C(+) and N(+) ions. The model profiles agree with the measured atomic nitrogen and electron density profiles. A number of other models with varying rate coefficients of some reactions, differing properties of the haze particles (chemically passive or active), etc., were developed. These models show that there are four basic unknown values which have strong impacts on the composition and structure of the atmosphere and ionosphere. These values and their plausible ranges are the CO mixing ratio f(sub co) = 10(exp -4) - 10(exp -3), the magnetospheric electron energy input (1 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp 8) W, the rate coefficient of charge-exchange reaction N2(+) + C(kappa) = 10(exp -11) - 10(exp -10)cu cm/s, and the ion escape velocity upsilon(sub i) approx. equals 150 cm/s.

Krasnopolsky, Vladimir A.↗

Photochemistry of Triton's Atmosphere and Ionosphere

The photochemistry of 32 neutral and 21 ion species in Triton's atmosphere is considered. Parent species N2, CH4, and CO (with a mixing ratio of 3 x 10(exp -4) in our basic model) sublime from the ice with rates of 40, 208, and 0.3 g/sq cm/b.y., respectively. Chemistry below 50 km is driven mostly by photolysis of methane by the solar and interstellar medium Lyman-alpha photons, producing hydrocarbons C2H4, C2H6, and C2H2 which form haze particles with precipitation rates of 135, 28, and 1.3 g/sq cm/b.y., respectively. Some processes are discussed which increase the production of HCN (by an order of magnitude to a value of 29 g/sq cm/b.y.) and involve indirect photolysis of N2 by neutrals. Reanalysis of the measured methane profiles gives an eddy diffusion coefficient K = 4 x 10(exp 3) sq cm/s above the tropopause and a more accurate methane number density near the surface, (3.1 +/- 0.8) x 10(exp 11)/cc cm. Chemistry above 200 km is driven by the solar EUV radiation (lambda less than 1000 A)) and by precipitation of magnetospheric electrons with a total energy input of 10(exp 8) W (based on thermal balance calculations). The most abundant photochemical species are N, H2, H, O, and C. They escape with the total rates of 7.7 x 10(exp 24)/ s, 4.5 x 10(exp 25)/ s, 2.4 x 10(exp 25)/ s, 4.4 x 10(exp 22)/ s, and 1.1 x 10(exp 24)/ s, respectively. Atomic species are transported to a region of 50-200 km and drive the chemistry there. Iono- spheric chemistry explains the formation of an E region at 150-240 km with HCO(+) as a major ion, and of an F region above 240 km with a peak at 320 km and C(+) as a major ion. The ionosphere above 500 km consists of almost equal densities of C(+) and N(+) ions. The model profiles agree with the measured atomic nitrogen and electron density profiles. A number of other models with varying rate coefficients of some reactions, differing properties of the haze particles (chemically passive or active), etc., were developed. These models show that there are four basic unknown values which have strong impacts on the composition and structure of the atmosphere and ionosphere. These values and their plausible ranges are the CO mixing ratio f(sub co) = 10(exp -4)- 10(exp -3), the magnetospheric electron energy input (1 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp 8) W, the rate coefficient of charge-exchange reaction N2(+) + Ck = 10(exp -11)-10(exp -10)cc cm/s, and the ion escape velocity upselon(sub i) approx. 150 cm/s.

Krasnopolsky, Vladimir A.↗

Diagnostic Studies with GLA Fields

Assessments of the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System-1 Data Assimilation System(GEOS-1 DAS), regarding heating rates, energetics, and angular momentum quantities were made. These diagnostics can be viewed as measures of climate variability. Comparisons with the NOAA/NCEP reanalysis system of momentum and energetics diagnostics are included. Water vapor and angular momentum are diagnosed in many models, including those of NASA, as part of the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project. 'Me GEOS-I and NOAA/NCEP global atmospheric angular momentum values are coherent on time scales down to about three days. Furthermore, they agree with the series of Earth angular momentum, as measured by tiny fluctuations in the rotation rate of the Earth, as variations in the length of day. The torques that effect such changes in atmospheric and Earth momentum are dominated by the influence of particular mountain systems, including the Rockies, Himalayas, and Andes, upon mountain torques on time scales shorter than about two weeks. Other project areas included collaboration with Goddard Space Flight Center to examine the impact of mountainous areas and the treatments of parameterizations on diagnoses of the atmosphere. Relevant preprints are included herein.

Salstein, David A.↗