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NASA NTRS2012

Classification of ASKAP Vast Radio Light Curves

The VAST survey is a wide-field survey that observes with unprecedented instrument sensitivity (0.5 mJy or lower) and repeat cadence (a goal of 5 seconds) that will enable novel scientific discoveries related to known and unknown classes of radio transients and variables. Given the unprecedented observing characteristics of VAST, it is important to estimate source classification performance, and determine best practices prior to the launch of ASKAP's BETA in 2012. The goal of this study is to identify light curve characterization and classification algorithms that are best suited for archival VAST light curve classification. We perform our experiments on light curve simulations of eight source types and achieve best case performance of approximately 90% accuracy. We note that classification performance is most influenced by light curve characterization rather than classifier algorithm.

radio astronomy↗
NASA NTRS1993

Modeling of topographic effects on Antarctic sea ice using multivariate adaptive regression splines

The role of seafloor topography in the spatial variations of the southern ocean sea ice cover as observed (every other day) by the Nimbus 7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer satellite in the years 1980, 1983, and 1984 is studied. Bottom bathymetry can affect sea ice surface characteristics because of the basically barotropic circulation of the ocean south of the Antarctic Circumpolar current. The main statistical tool used to quantify this effect is a local nonparametric regression model of sea ice concentration as a function of the depth and its first two derivatives in both meridional and zonal directions. First, we model the relationship of bathymetry to sea ice concentration in two sudy areas, one over the Maud Rise and the other over the Ross Sea shelf region. The multiple correlation coefficient is found to average 44% in the Maud Rise study area and 62% in the Ross Sea study area over the years 1980, 1983, and 1984. Second, a strategy of dividing the entire Antarctic region into an overlapping mosaic of small areas, or windows is considered. Keeping the windows small reduces the correlation of bathymetry with other factors such as wind, sea temperature, and distance to the continent. We find that although the form of the model varies from window to window due to the changing role of other relevant environmental variables, we are left with a spatially consistent ordering of the relative importance of the topographic predictors. For a set of three representative days in the Austral winter of 1980, the analysis shows that an average of 54% of the spatial variation in sea ice concentration over the entire ice cover can be attributed to topographic variables. The results thus support the hypothesis that there is a sea ice to bottom bathymetry link. However this should not undermine the considerable influence of wind, current, and temperature which affect the ice distribution directly and are partly responsible for the observed bathymetric effects.

De Veaux, Richard D.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Role of Gravity Waves in Determining Cirrus Cloud Properties

Cirrus clouds are important in the Earth's radiation budget. They typically exhibit variable physical properties within a given cloud system and from system to system. Ambient vertical motion is a key factor in determining the cloud properties in most cases. The obvious exception is convectively generated cirrus (anvils), but even in this case, the subsequent cloud evolution is strongly influenced by the ambient vertical motion field. It is well know that gravity waves are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and occur over a wide range of scales and amplitudes. Moreover, researchers have found that inclusion of statistical account of gravity wave effects can markedly improve the realism of simulations of persisting large-scale cirrus cloud features. Here, we use a 1 -dimensional (z) cirrus cloud model, to systematically examine the effects of gravity waves on cirrus cloud properties. The model includes a detailed representation of cloud microphysical processes (bin microphysics and aerosols) and is run at relatively fine vertical resolution so as to adequately resolve nucleation events, and over an extended time span so as to incorporate the passage of multiple gravity waves. The prescribed gravity waves "propagate" at 15 m s (sup -1), with wavelengths from 5 to 100 km, amplitudes range up to 1 m s (sup -1)'. Despite the fact that the net gravity wave vertical motion forcing is zero, it will be shown that the bulk cloud properties, e.g., vertically-integrated ice water path, can differ quite significantly from simulations without gravity waves and that the effects do depend on the wave characteristics. We conclude that account of gravity wave effects is important if large-scale models are to generate realistic cirrus cloud property climatology (statistics).

OCStarr, David↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Synergy of Satellite Radiation, Precipitation, and Other Meteorological Variable Observations for Global Mean Sea Surface Turbulent Heat Flux Estimation

Sea surface turbulent heat flux is one of the key components in global freshwater and energy balances and plays an important role in atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics and general circulation. This turbulent heat flux is dominantly decided by sea surface latent heat release with some contribution from sensible heat exchange. The flux and its anomaly could significantly affect ocean heat storage and ocean circulation. They are part of and have great impacts on climate variability. Though the turbulent heat flux is extremely important for the climate and weather systems, only very limited ship and buoy observations of the flux are available over open oceans. There are no global, operational, direct measurements of this crucial meteorological variable. Global estimates are, basically, indirectly calculated from bulk turbulent flux parameterization with a combination of satellite column water vapor, sea surface water temperature, and wind speed observations. Critical parameters such as sea surface air temperature and humidity are estimated from empirical relations of theses variables with the water vapor and sea surface water temperature, respectively. Lacking accurate knowledge on surface air temperature and humidity, uncertainties in the parameterization and potential changes in the non-linear turbulent processes with long-term climate variations could cause large errors in estimated long-term turbulent fluxes from the indirect method as shown in current global sea surface turbulent flux datasets. This study uses synergized data of satellite global radiation, precipitation, and other meteorological variable observations to estimate sea surface turbulent heat fluxes. The radiation observations are made by the satellite Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) sensors, while the global precipitation data is from NASA’s satellite Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). Other data includes satellite sea surface water temperature and wind speed observations. These datasets are obtained from a wide range of space sensors from passive to active instruments and from visible and near infrared to thermal infrared and microwave spectral sounders. One significant feature of these datasets is that they have multi-decades long climate records. Top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiation and its anomaly represents the net heat energy input to the climate system, and the oceanic precipitation and ocean-land moisture transport can be used to quantify sea surface latent heat release. Based on the synergized datasets and the principle of global water and energy balances, global mean turbulent heat fluxes are estimated. The turbulent heat anomalies for the first two decades of the 21st century are, then, obtained mainly from global CERES radiation and GPCP precipitation anomalies, along with CERES derived ocean-land heat transports. Analysis indicates that the uncertainties in the estimated turbulent flux anomalies may be reduced considerably. The results suggest a strong needs in synchronized and synergized observations of atmospheric radiation, precipitation, and oceanic meteorological variables for long-term climate studies.

Bing Lin↗
NASA NTRS1961

Method for Approximating the Vacuum Motions of Spinning Symmetrical Bodies with Nonconstant Spin Rates

A method for approximating the vacuum motions of spinning rigid symmetrical bodies with varying spin rates and inertias has been completed. The analysis includes the effects of time varying thrust misalignments, mass unbalance, and jet damping. Results are given in the form of equations for space­ referenced Euler angles, flight-path angles, body­ referenced attitude rates, and earth-referenced vehicle-trajectory coordinates. The method consists of dividing the problem into intervals during which the time-dependent variables are assumed constant at their mean interval value. In order to check this procedure, solutions for various interval sizes are compared with solutions obtained with numerical methods. Although the method is somewhat lengthy for accurate hand computation in most cases, it is readily programed for machine solutions. Probably more important, the general solutions give insight into the separate effects of the variables and, in many cases, can be quickly used to determine the approxi­mate ranges of the variables required for the desired solution to a given problem. In this respect, equations for determining maximum wobble have been derived for certain input conditions. The method has been shown to compare closely with the numerical solutions of two sample problems. The sample problems also illustrated the relatively large effect of pitch and yaw jet damping on body motions.

VACUUM↗
NASA NTRS2008

GLAST Large Area Telescope Multiwavelength Opportunities

The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) is scheduled for launch this year. Because the GLAST Large Area Telescope (LAT) has a huge field of view and the GLAST Observatory will be operated in scanning mode, it will survey the entire sky daily. The GLAST Mission and the LAT Collaboration invite cooperative efforts from theorists and observers at all wavelengths to help optimize the science. Possible topics include: (1) Blazars: These Active Galactic Nuclei are expected to be a major source class for LAT. Identifying new blazars, monitoring their variability, and joining programs to carry out planned or Target of Opportunity multiwavelength campaigns will all be important activities. The study of AGN gamma-ray jets can help link the accretion processes close to the black hole with the large-scale interaction of the AGN with its environment. (2) Unidentified Gamma-ray Sources: Modeling of possible gamma-ray sources is important to establish testable hypotheses. New gamma-ray sources need first to be identified with known objects by position, spectrum, or time variability, and then multiwavelength studies can be used to explore the astrophysical implications of high-energy radiation from these sources. The LAT team is committed to releasing a preliminary source list about six months after the start of science operations.

Thompson, David↗
NASA NTRS2012

Tropospheric Ozone as a Short-lived Chemical Climate Forcer

Tropospheric ozone is the third most important greenhouse gas according to the most recent IPCC assessment. However, tropospheric ozone is highly variable in both space and time. Ozone that is located in the vicinity of the tropopause has the greatest effect on climate forcing. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the most important precursors for ozone In most of the troposphere. Therefore, pollution that is lofted upward in thunderstorm updrafts or NOx produced by lightning leads to efficient ozone production in the upper troposphere, where ozone is most important climatically. Global and regional model estimates of the impact of North American pollution and lightning on ozone radiative forcing will be presented. It will be shown that in the Northern Hemisphere summer, the lightning effect on ozone radiative forcing can dominate over that of pollution, and that the radiative forcing signal from North America extends well into Europe and North Africa. An algorithm for predicting lightning flash rates and estimating lightning NOx emissions is being incorporated into the NASA GEOS-5 Chemistry and Climate Model. Changes in flash rates and emissions over an ENSO cycle and in future climates will be assessed, along with the resulting changes in upper tropospheric ozone. Other research on the production of NOx per lightning flash and its distribution in the vertical based on cloud-resolving modeling and satellite observations will be presented. Distributions of NO2 and O3 over the Middle East from the OMI instrument on NASA's Aura satellite will also be shown.

Pickering, Kenneth E.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Long-Term Variability of Airborne Asian Dust Observed from TOMS

Recent studies suggest that airborne Asian dust may not only play an important role in the regional radiation budget, but also influence the air quality over North America through long-range transport. In this paper, we use satellite data to investigate the long-term variability of airborne Asian dust as well as the daily variation of the dust aerosol distribution. By combining the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aerosol index with National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) wind data, our analysis shows a strong correlation between the generation of dust storms in the region and the passage of springtime weather fronts. This is consistent with earlier studies performed by other researchers. According to both the Nimbus-7 and Earth-Probe TOMS data the Takla Makan desert, the Gobi desert, and the and region of Inner Mongolia are major sources of the eastward-flowing airborne Asian dust. Heavily populated areas in eastern China (e.g., Beijing) are often on the primary path of the dust storms originating in these desert regions. The increasing desertification north of the Beijing region has served to exacerbate problems stemming from these storms. The time series derived from 20 years of TOMS aerosol index data shows the first significant satellite evidence of the atmospheric effect of increasing desertification, indicating that the amount of dust blown eastward has increased strongly during the past few years including the year 2000.

Herman, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Interstellar absorption lines in high-resolution IUE spectra of cataclysmic variables

High-resolution ultraviolet spectra of five cataclysmic variables obtained with the IUE are used to investigate the character of the interstellar medium in the vicinity of the sun. These spectra reveal narrow absorption features of neutral and singly ionized interstellar species, and, in SS Cyg, narrow velocity-shifted absorption features of C IV, Si IV, and Si III. Using the column densities implied by the absorption features of the neutral and singly ionized species, values for the depletion of Si, Mg, Mn, and Fe from the gas phase of the interstellar medium in the vicinity of the sun are obtained. These hydrogen column densities are of particular importance in constraining the soft X-ray luminosity of cataclysmic variables because of the severe attenuation of the soft X-ray flux of cataclysmic variables by photoelectric absorption in the interstellar medium. In addition, using the column densities implied by the absorption features of C IV, Si IV, and Si III in the spectrum of SS Cyg, the existence of an expanding H II region of interstellar gas photoionized by he EUV and soft X-ray flux of this cataclysmic variable are inferred.

Mauche, Christopher W.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Visualizing 2D Probability Distributions from Satellite Image-Derived Data

Creating maps of biophysical and geophysical variables using Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite image data is an important component of Earth science. These 2D maps have a single value at every location and standard techniques are used to visualize them. Current tools fall short, however, when it is necessary to describe a distribution of values at each location. Distributions may represent a frequency of occurrence over time, frequency of occurrence from multiple runs of an ensemble forecast or possible values from an uncertainty model. 'Distribution data sets' are described, then a case study is presented to visualize such 2D distributions. Distribution data sets are different from multivariate data sets in the sense that the values are for a single variable instead of multiple variables. Our case study data consists of multiple realizations of percent forest cover, generated using a geostatistical technique that combines ground measurements and satellite imagery to model uncertainty about forest cover. We present several approaches for analyzing and visualizing such data sets. The first is a pixel-wise analysis of the probability density functions for the 2D image while the second is an analysis of features identified within the image. Such pixel-wise and feature-wise views will give Earth scientists a more complete understanding of distribution data sets.

Kao, David↗
NASA NTRS1974

Dynamical and photometric investigation of cometary type 2 tails

Photographic observations of the antitail of Comet Kohoutek (1973f) are photometrically studied and the results compared with the working model of an antitail. The applied technique of photometric reduction is described and the radial and transverse profiles of the antitail, corrected for the effects of the variable intensity of the sky background, are derived. The most important result reached so far is a quantitative confirmation of the previously suggested hypothesis, arguing that dust particles in the antitail suffered a significant loss in radius due to evaporation near the perihelion passage. Only particles initially larger than 0.1 to 0.15 mm in diameter survived. Numerically, however, this result is still tentative, because the dynamical effect exerted by particle evaporation remains to be accounted for.

Sekanina, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Direct energy inputs to the middle atmosphere

As a working definition of the extent of the middle atmosphere (MA), the height range from 30 to 100 km was adopted. The neutral and ionic composition and the dynamics within this height range are, for the most part, poorly understood. From available information, the importance of various particle and photon energy sources, including their variability, for ionization of the neutral atmosphere in this height range is assessed. The following topics are discussed: (1) penetration of the MA by particle and electromagnetic energy; (2) ionization sources for the MA; (3) galactic cosmic rays; (4) solar H Ly alpha, other EUV, and X-rays; (5) magnetospheric electrons and bremsstrahlung X-rays; and (6) solar cosmic rays.

Rosenberg, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Wuestite (Fe/1-x/O) - A review of its defect structure and physical properties

Such complexities of the Wustite structure as nonstoichiometry, ferric iron variable site distribution, long and short range ordering, and exsolution, yield complex physical properties. Magnesiowustite, a phase which has been suggested to occur in the earth's lower mantle, is also expected to exhibit many of these complexities. Geophysical models including the properties of (Mg, Fe)O should accordingly take into account the uncertainties associated with the synthesis and measurement of iron-rich oxides. Given the variability of the Fe(1-x)O structure, it is important that future researchers define the structural state and extent of exsolution of their samples.

Hazen, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Example of Second-Law efficiency of solar-thermal cavity receivers

Properly quantified performance of a solar-thermal cavity receiver must not only account for the energy gains and losses as dictated by the First Law of thermodynamics, but it must also account for the quality of the energy. Energy quality can only be determined from the Second Law. In this paper, an equation developed for the Second-Law efficiency of a cavity receiver is presented as an evolution from the definition of available energy or availability (occasionally called exergy). The variables required are all either known or readily determined. The importance of considering the Second-Law is emphasized by a comparison of the First- and Second-Law efficiencies around an example of data collected from two receivers that were designed for different purposes, where the attempt was made to demonstrate that a Second-Law approach to quantifying the performance of a solar-thermal cavity receiver lends more complete insight than does the conventional solely applied First-Law approach.

Moynihan, P. I.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Regression analysis as a design optimization tool

The optimization concepts are described in relation to an overall design process as opposed to a detailed, part-design process where the requirements are firmly stated, the optimization criteria are well established, and a design is known to be feasible. The overall design process starts with the stated requirements. Some of the design criteria are derived directly from the requirements, but others are affected by the design concept. It is these design criteria that define the performance index, or objective function, that is to be minimized within some constraints. In general, there will be multiple objectives, some mutually exclusive, with no clear statement of their relative importance. The optimization loop that is given adjusts the design variables and analyzes the resulting design, in an iterative fashion, until the objective function is minimized within the constraints. This provides a solution, but it is only the beginning. In effect, the problem definition evolves as information is derived from the results. It becomes a learning process as we determine what the physics of the system can deliver in relation to the desirable system characteristics. As with any learning process, an interactive capability is a real attriubute for investigating the many alternatives that will be suggested as learning progresses.

Perley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Accurate boundary conditions for exterior problems in gas dynamics

The numerical solution of exterior problems is typically accomplished by introducing an artificial, far field boundary and solving the equations on a truncated domain. For hyperbolic systems, boundary conditions at this boundary are often derived by imposing a principle of no reflection. However, waves with spherical symmetry in gas dynamics satisfy equations where incoming and outgoing Riemann variables are coupled. This suggests that natural reflections may be important. A reflecting boundary condition is proposed based on an asymptotic solution of the far field equations. Nonlinear energy estimates are obtained for the truncated problem and numerical experiments presented to validate the theory.

Hagstrom, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1988

The structure of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes

A physically based linear stochastic geometric canopy soil reflectance model is presented for characterizing spatial variability of semivegetated landscapes at subpixel and regional scales. Landscapes are conceptualized as stochastic geometric surfaces, incorporating not only the variability in geometric elements, but also the variability in vegetation and soil background reflectance which can be important in some scenes. The model is used to investigate several possible mechanisms which contribute to the often observed characteristic triangular shape of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes. Scattergrams of simulated and semivegetated scenes are analyzed with respect to the scales of the satellite pixel and subpixel components. Analysis of actual aerial radiometric data of a pecan orchard is presented in comparison with ground observations as preliminary confirmation of the theoretical results.

Jasinski, Michael F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Accurate boundary conditions for exterior problems in gas dynamics

The numerical solution of exterior problems is typically accomplished by introducing an artificial, far-field boundary and solving the equations on a truncated domain. For hyperbolic systems, boundary conditions at this boundary are often derived by imposing a principle of no reflection. However, waves with spherical symmetry in gas dynamics satisfy equations where incoming and outgoing Riemann variables are coupled. This suggests that natural reflections may be important. A reflecting boundary condition is proposed based on an asymptotic solution of the far-field equations. Nonlinear energy estimates are obtained for the truncated problem and numerical experiments presented to validate the theory.

Hagstrom, Thomas↗