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At least 559 records · Page 31
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NASA NTRS2018

An Overview of the TROPICS NASA Earth Venture Mission

The Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission was selected by NASA as part of the Earth Venture-Instrument (EVI-3) program. The overarching goal for TROPICS is to provide nearly all-weather observations of 3D temperature and humidity, as well as cloud ice and precipitation horizontal structure, at high temporal resolution to conduct high-value science investigations of tropical cyclones. TROPICS will provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements (median refresh rate better than 60 min for the baseline mission) which can be used to observe the thermodynamics of the troposphere and precipitation structure for storm systems at the mesoscale and synoptic scale over the entire storm life cycle. TROPICS comprises six Cube-Sats in three low-Earth orbital planes. Each CubeSat will host a high-performance radiometer to provide temperature profiles using seven channels near the 118.75 GHz oxygen absorption line, water vapour profiles using three channels near the 183 GHz water vapour absorption line, imagery in a single channel near 90 GHz for precipitation measurements (when combined with higher-resolution water vapour channels), and a single channel near 205 GHz which is more sensitive to precipitation-sized ice particles. This observing system offers an unprecedented combination of horizontal and temporal resolution to measure environmental and inner-core conditions for tropical cyclones on a nearly global scale and is a major leap forward in the temporal resolution of several key parameters needed for assimilation into advanced data assimilation systems capable of utilizing rapid-update radiance or retrieval data.Launch readiness is currently projected for late 2019.

TROPICS↗
NASA NTRS1975

The measurement of winds over the ocean from Skylab with application to measuring and forecasting typhoons and hurricanes

On Skylab, a combination microwave radar-radiometer (S193) made measurements in a tropical hurricane (AVA), a tropical storm, and various extratropical wind systems. The winds at each cell scanned by the instrument were determined by objective numerical analysis techniques. The measured radar backscatter is compared to the analyzed winds and shown to provide an accurate method for measuring winds from space. An operational version of the instrument on an orbiting satellite will be able to provide the kind of measurements in tropical cyclones available today only by expensive and dangerous aircraft reconnaissance. Additionally, the specifications of the wind field in the tropical boundary layer should contribute to improved accuracy of tropical cyclone forecasts made with numerical weather predictions models currently being applied to the tropical atmosphere.

Cardone, V. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Planetary meteorology - A new perspective on the earth's weather

Meteorological observations of other planets which may contribute to an understanding of the meteorological processes on the earth are discussed. The high solar input and extremely low rotation rate of Venus simplify the analysis of the interaction of solar energy with the atmosphere. The dust present in the atmosphere of Mars may provide a useful model for studying the effects of anthropogenic aerosols in the atmosphere of earth. Observations of Mars may also be expected to yield information on the evolution of severe storms and on atmospheric tides. The belts and zones in the Jovian atmosphere bear some similarities to cyclones on earth, although they are produced differently; careful modeling of Jupiter's atmosphere may cast light on terrestrial cyclonic activity.

Joels, K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Barotropic instability in relation to the generation of synoptic-scale atmospheric vortices

At mid-latitudes, where baroclinicity predominates, barotropic instability cannot account for the development of a cyclone. Barotropic models rarely predict the formation of extratropical cyclones. However, after large-scale disturbances have developed due to baroclinic instability, further development may be aided by barotropic instability. In the present paper, an attempt is made to relate barotropic instability to the generation of synoptic-scale atmospheric vortices, using the synoptic data of the tornado outbreak over the area of the United States on April 3, 1974. A barotropic instability analysis of wind profiles shows that the atmosphere above the area hit by the tornado was barotropically most unstable during the outbreak. This indicates that barotropic instability may have been synoptically associated with the outbreak. The need to study additional cases is pointed out

Tseng, C.-Y.↗
NASA NTRS1977

On the hysteresis of the sea surface and its applicability to wave height predictions

Because of the low dissipation rate of wave energy on the ocean's surface, the wave height at some location and time must be dependent upon wind fields in existence there at previous times and upon swell propagated there from other regions. To study these relationships, significant wave height (SWH) measurements from the Geos-3 radar altimeter are used in conjunction with anemometer windspeed measurements from weather ships, L, C, and R. During the passage of large cyclonic disturbances near the fixed locations of these vessels in the North Atlantic in February 1976, distinct hysteresis profiles that characterize the sea's memory during generation and dissipation conditions are observed. Examples are given that demonstrate the influences of cyclone intensity, movement, velocity, and shape on the configuration of these profiles.

Parsons, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Covariance analyses of satellite-derived mesoscale wind fields

Statistical structure functions have been computed independently for nine satellite-derived mesoscale wind fields that were obtained on two different days. Small cumulus clouds were tracked at 5 min intervals, but since these clouds occurred primarily in the warm sectors of midlatitude cyclones the results cannot be considered representative of the circulations within cyclones in general. The field structure varied considerably with time and was especially affected if mesoscale features were observed. The wind fields on the 2 days studied were highly anisotropic with large gradients in structure occurring approximately normal to the mean flow. Structure function calculations for the combined set of satellite winds were used to estimate random error present in the fields. It is concluded for these data that the random error in vector winds derived from cumulus cloud tracking using high-frequency satellite data is less than 1.75 m/s. Spatial correlation functions were also computed for the nine data sets. Normalized correlation functions were considerably different for u and v components and decreased rapidly as data point separation increased for both components. The correlation functions for transverse and longitudinal components decreased less rapidly as data point separation increased.

Maddox, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Global weather research

Modeling, prediction, and analysis of global meteorological phenomena influencing the large scale behavior of the atmosphere are summarized. Prediction of global weather phenomena based on satellite data is discussed and models of global phenomena developed. The atmospheric general circulation model (AGCE) is reviewed, axisymmetric flow calculated, and axisymmetric states in cylindrical, spherical, three dimensional, and spin up numerical models for AGCE described. The role of latent heat release in baroclinic waves, latent heat and cyclonic systems, and a theoretical study of baroclinic flow related to the AGCE and the flow regime were studied with a simplified general circulation model. AGCE and the geophysical fluid flow cell (GFFC) instrumentation are discussed. Investigation of solar and planetary convection for GFFC is described. The utilization of satellite cloud observations to diagnose the energy state and transformations in extratropical cyclones is reviewed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

The flux ejection dynamo effect

The mean-field effects of cyclonic convection become increasingly complex when the cyclonic rotation exceeds 1/2 pi. Net helicity is not required, with negative turbulent diffusion for instance, appearing in mirror symmetric turbulence. This paper points out a new dynamo effect arising in convective cells with strong asymmetry in the rotation of updrafts as against downdrafts. The creation of new magnetic flux arises from the ejection of reserve flux through the open boundary of the dynamo region. It is unlike the familiar alpha-effect in that individual components of the field may be amplified independently. Several formal examples are provided to illustrate the effect. Occurrence in nature depends upon the existence of fluid rotations of the order of pi in the convective updrafts. The flux ejection dynamo may possibly contribute to the generation of field in the convective core of earth and in the convective zone of the sun and other stars.

Parker, E. N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Cloud encounter statistics in the 28.5-43.5 KFT altitude region from four years of GASP observations

The results of an analysis of cloud encounter measurements taken at aircraft flight altitudes as part of the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program are summarized. The results can be used in estimating the probability of cloud encounter and in assessing the economic feasibility of laminar flow control aircraft along particular routes. The data presented clearly show the tropical circulation and its seasonal migration; characteristics of the mid-latitude regime, such as the large-scale traveling cyclones in the winter and increased convective activity in the summer, can be isolated in the data. The cloud encounter statistics are shown to be consistent with the mid-latitude cyclone model. A model for TIC (time-in-clouds), a cloud encounter statistic, is presented for several common airline routes.

Jasperson, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Analysis of a California Catalina eddy event

During the period 26-29 May 1968 a shallow cyclonic circulation, known locally as a Catalina eddy, developed in the offshore waters of southern California. A synoptic and mesoscale analysis of the event establishes the following: (1) the incipient circulation forms on the coast near Santa Barbara downwind of the coastal mountains, (2) cyclonic shear vorticity appears offshore in response to lee troughing downstream of the coastal mountains between Vandenberg and Pt. Mugu, California, (3) mountain wave activity may be aiding incipient eddy formation in association with synoptic-scale subsidence and the generation of a stable layer near the crest of the coastal mountains, (4) a southeastward displacement and offshore expansion of the circulation occurs following the passage of the synoptic-scale ridge line, and (5) dissipation of the eddy occurs with the onset of a broad onshore flow.

Bosart, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mesoscale meteorology - Theories, observations and models; Proceedings of the Advanced Study Institute, Bonas, Gers, France, July 13-31, 1982

Among the topics discussed are mesoscale processes and variability, regional and cyclonic scale motions and their prediction modeling, fronts, mesoscale instabilities, buoyancy (gravity) waves and topographic forcing, buoyant convection, boundary layers, and observational technology. The specific issues investigated include methods for initializing mesoscale forecast models, an energy theory for the propagation of gravity currents, a theory for rain bands within extratropical cyclones, the morning glory as a nonlinear wave phenomenon, cumulus clouds, the prediction of severe convection, planetary boundary layer parameterization, and three-dimensional wind field analysis from Doppler radar data.

Lilly, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Studies of Atmospheric Water in Storms with the Nimbus 7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer

The new tools for the study of midlattitude cyclones by atmospheric water channels of the scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) on Nimbus 7, were discussed. The integrated atmospheric water vapor, total cloud liquid water and rain data were obtained from the Nimbus 7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR). The frontal structure of several midlattitude cyclones over the North Pacific Ocean as they approached the West Coast of North America were studied. It is found that fronts are consistently located at the leading edge of the strongest gradient in integrated water vapor. The cloud liquid water content has patterns which are consistent with the structure seen in visible and infrared imagery. The rain distribution is a good indicator of frontal location. It is concluded that the onset of rain on the coast can be forecast accurately by simple advection of the SMMR observed rain areas.

Katsaros, K. B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Energy Diagnostics and Impact Studies of FGGE Global Data Sets and GLAS GCM Simulations

An analysis of a case study of the favorable impact of satellite data assimilation on model cyclone prediction is discussed. Also discussed is the isolation of systematic biases in the vertical structure of satellite derived temperatures which in all probability negatively impact the prediction of ocean cyclones during periods of rapid baroclinic amplification. Access to CYBER 205 and transfer of software for Eulerian and quasi-Lagrangian diagnostic studies of atmospheric circulation are discussed.

Johnson, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Lagrangian observations of surface circulation at the Emperor Seamount chain

In a Kuroshio tracking experiment initiated in February 1977, two satellite-reporting buoys, drogued to 100-m depth, were released southeast of Kuyshu Island, Japan. These drifters crossed the Shatskiy Rise in the Kuroshio extension during May and October and then traversed the Emperor Seamount Chain. Although they reached the chain 117 days apart, their movements near the seamounts display remarkably similar patterns, demonstrating upstream meanders in the surface flow; cyclonic eddy activity immediately west of the chain; passage through the same gap associated with the Jingu and Nintoku seamounts; and a wavelike pattern present over the Hess Rise east of the chain. One drifter exhibited cyclonic eddy motion east of the chain in the lee of the Kinmei Seamount.

Vastano, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A comparison of observed and forecast energetics over North America

The observed kinetic energy balance is calculated over North America and compared with that computed from forecast fields for the 13-15 January 1979 cyclone. The FGGE upper-air rawinsonde network serves as the observational database while the forecast energetics are derived from a numerical integration with the GLAS fourth-order general circulation model initialized at 00 GMT 13 January. Maps of the observed and predicted kinetic energy and eddy conversion are in good qualitative agreement, although the model eddy conversion tends to be 2 to 3 times stronger than the observed values. Both the forecast and observations exhibit the lower and upper tropospheric maxima in vertical profiles of kinetic energy generation and dissipation typically found in cyclonic disturbances. An interesting time lag is noted in the observational analysis with the maximum observed kinetic energy occurring 12 h later than the maximum eddy conversion over the same region.

Baker, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Discrimination of a major stratospheric warming event in February-March 1984 from earlier minor warmings

As part of its responsibility for stratospheric monitoring, the Climate Analysis Center derives time trends of various dynamic parameters from NMC stratospheric analyses. Selected figures from this stratospheric monitoring data base are published in Climate Diagnostics Bulletin in March and October, after each hemispheric winter. During the Northern Hemisphere winter of December 1983-February 1984 several warming events may be seen in the plot of 60 deg. N zonal mean temperatures for 10 mb. Minor warmings may be noted in early December, late December, mid January and early February. A major warming with the 60 deg. N zonal mean temperatures reaching -40C is observed in late February, associated with a circulation reversal. In all of the minor warming episodes, there is a polarward movement of the Aleutian anticyclone; however, at 10 mb the North Pole remains in the cyclonic circulation of the stratospheric vortex which is not displaced far from its usual position. In the case of the later February major warming, the 10 mb circulation pattern over the North Pole is anticyclonic, and the cyclonic circulation has moved to the south and east with a considerable elongation. Cross sections of heat transport and momentum transport are not dramatically different for the minor and major warming episodes.

Johnson, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A review of major east coast snowstorms

The surface and upper-level characteristics in selected wind, pressure, and temperature fields of some significant east coast cyclones are studied. The surface, 200, 300, 500, 700, and 850 mb charts of 18 case studies of storms are analyzed. The surface patterns are described in terms of the type of cyclone, the variation in rate of motion, the effect of coastal frontogenesis on the storms, sea level pressures, and the deepening rate of pressure. The influence of upper-level troughs, ridges, jet streaks, location of wind amplification, and time on cyclogenesis is examined.

Kocin, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Transient growth of damped baroclinic waves

A solution of the linear initial value problem for the model of Eady with the inclusion of Ekman damping is presented. This model exhibits large transient growth of perturbations for synoptic cyclone spatial scales and a realistic value of the vertical turbulent viscosity coefficient despite the fact that all normal modes are exponentially decaying. Similar results are found for the model of Charney, implying that exponential instability cannot, in general, serve to explain the occurrence of cyclone scale disturbances in midlatiudes. Rather these are seen to arise additionally and perhaps predominantly from the release of mean flow potential energy by favorably configured initial perturbations. The Petterssen criterion for midlatitude cyclogenesis results naturally from this development as does its extension to the formation of subtropical monsoon depressions. Implications for the maintenance of midlatitude temperature gradients are discussed.

Farrell, B.↗