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At least 703 records · Page 39

Crash Risks Evaluation of Urban Expressways: A Case Study in Shanghai

We report that proactive traffic safety management systems can reduce crashes by identifying crash precursors, evaluating real-time crash risks, and implementing suitable interventions. The basic prerequisite for developing such a system is to propose a reliable crash risk evaluation model that takes real-time traffic flow data as input. Previous studies have primarily focused on real-time crash prediction using some statistical or machine-learning methods. However, further quantitative evaluation and classification of crash risks have been ignored. In this study, we conduct a systematic crash risk evaluation workflow, including crash risk prediction, crash risk quantification, and crash risk classification. Specifically, the crash risk prediction using an extended logit model is proposed, from which CAS, CSD, UAS, DAS, DTV are identified to be contributing factors of crash risks. Then a crash risk quantification model based on the parameter evaluation of the extended logit model is developed. The crash risks of urban expressways and their spatial-temporal evolution trends are quantified. Finally, the crash risks are classified into high crash risk level, moderate crash risk level, and low crash risk level by the k-means cluster algorithm. Then the threshold boundaries of different crash risk levels are determined. The research results provide a proactive guidance for traffic safety management of urban expressways.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Comparisons of Crosswind Velocity Profile Estimates Used in Fast-Time Wake Vortex Prediction Models

Five methods for estimating crosswind profiles used in fast-time wake vortex prediction models are compared in this study. Previous investigations have shown that temporal and spatial variations in the crosswind vertical profile have a large impact on the transport and time evolution of the trailing vortex pair. The most important crosswind parameters are the magnitude of the crosswind and the gradient in the crosswind shear. It is known that pulsed and continuous wave lidar measurements can provide good estimates of the wind profile in the vicinity of airports. In this study comparisons are made between estimates of the crosswind profiles from a priori information on the trajectory of the vortex pair as well as crosswind profiles derived from different sensors and a regional numerical weather prediction model.

Pruis, Mathew J.↗

A Mission to Observe Ice in Clouds from Space

To date there have been multiple satellite missions to observe and retrieve cloud top properties and the liquid in, and precipitation from, clouds. There are currently a few missions that attempt to measure cloud ice properties as a byproduct of other observations. However, we do not yet quantitatively understand the processes that control the water budget of the upper troposphere where ice is the predominant phase, and how these processes are linked to precipitation processes and the radiative energy budget. The ice in clouds either melts into rain or is detrained, and persists, as cirrus clouds affecting the hydrological and energy cycle, respectively. Fully modeling the Earth's climate and improving weather and climate forecasts requires accurate satellite measurements of various cloud properties at the temporal and spatial scales of cloud processes. The uncertainty in knowledge of these ice characteristics is reflected in the large discrepancies in model simulations of the upper tropospheric water budget. Model simulations are sensitive to the partition of ice between precipitation and outflow processes, i.e., to the parameterization of ice clouds and ice processes. This presentation will describe the Submillimeter-wave InfraRed Ice Cloud Experiment (SIRICE) concept, a satellite mission designed to acquire global Earth radiance measurements in the infrared and submillimeter-wave region (183-874 GHz). If successful, this mission will bridge the measurement gap between microwave sounders and shorter-wavelength infrared and visible sensors. The brightness temperatures at submillimeter-wave frequencies are especially sensitive to cirrus ice particle sizes (because they are comparable to the wavelength). This allows for more accurate ice water path estimates when multiple channels are used to probe into the cloud layers. Further, submillimeter wavelengths offer simplicity in the retrieval algorithms because they do not probe into the liquid and near surface portions of clouds, thus requiring only one term of the radiative transfer equation (ice scattering) to relate brightness temperatures to ice. Scientific justification and the SIRICE approach to measuring ice water path and particle size that span a range encompassing both the hydrologically active and radiatively active components of cloud systems will be presented.

Ackerman, S.↗

Numerical simulation of the emission and motion of neutral and charged dust from P/Halley

The present numerical model for neutral or charged dust-particle distribution prediction in P/Halley encompasses the spatial and temporal variations of the plasma parameters and magnetic field. A significant difference is noted between results for neutral dust trajectories and the trajectories of charged dust particles with radii smaller than 0.1 micron. While most of the model and in situ mass spectra were in good agreement, there is a shortage of the lowest-mass model particles, as well as an offset of the total counting rate for two outbound mass spectra. A combination of two Lorentzian particle mass-density functions with a 100:1 ratio for the number of particles with the lower and higher density functions yielded the best agreement.

Ellis, Tracy A.↗

Global Dust Cycle and Direct Radiative Effect in E3SM Version 1: Impact of Increasing Model Resolution

Quantification of dust aerosols in Earth System Models (ESMs) has important implications for water cycle and biogeochemistry studies. This study examines the global life cycle and direct radiative effects (DREs) of dust in the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 1 (E3SMv1), and the impact of increasing model resolution both horizontally and vertically. The default 1° E3SMv1 captures the spatial and temporal variability in the observed dust aerosol optical depth (DAOD) reasonably well, but overpredicts dust absorption in the shortwave (SW). Simulations underestimate the dust vertical and long-range transport, compared with the satellite dust extinction profiles. After updating dust refractive indices and correcting for a bias in partitioning size-segregated emissions, both SW cooling and longwave (LW) warming of dust simulated by E3SMv1 are increased and agree better with other recent studies. The estimated net dust DRE of –0.42 Wm –2 represents a stronger cooling effect than the observationally based estimate –0.2 Wm –2 (–0.48 to +0.2), due to a smaller LW warming. Constrained by a global mean DAOD, model sensitivity studies of increasing horizontal and vertical resolution show strong influences on the simulated global dust burden and lifetime primarily through the change of dust dry deposition rate; there are also remarkable differences in simulated spatial distributions of DAOD, DRE, and deposition fluxes. Thus, constraining the global DAOD is insufficient for accurate representation of dust climate effects, especially in transitioning to higher- or variable-resolution ESMs. Better observational constraints of dust vertical profiles, dry deposition, size, and LW properties are needed.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Global Dust Cycle and Direct Radiative Effect in E3SM Version 1: Impact of Increasing Model Resolution

Quantification of dust aerosols in Earth System Models (ESMs) has important implications for water cycle and biogeochemistry studies. This study examines the global life cycle and direct radiative effects (DREs) of dust in the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 1 (E3SMv1), and the impact of increasing model resolution both horizontally and vertically. The default 1° E3SMv1 captures the spatial and temporal variability in the observed dust aerosol optical depth (DAOD) reasonably well, but overpredicts dust absorption in the shortwave (SW). Simulations underestimate the dust vertical and long-range transport, compared with the satellite dust extinction profiles. After updating dust refractive indices and correcting for a bias in partitioning size-segregated emissions, both SW cooling and longwave (LW) warming of dust simulated by E3SMv1 are increased and agree better with other recent studies. The estimated net dust DRE of −0.42 Wm−2 represents a stronger cooling effect than the observationally based estimate −0.2 Wm−2 (−0.48 to +0.2), due to a smaller LW warming. Constrained by a global mean DAOD, model sensitivity studies of increasing horizontal and vertical resolution show strong influences on the simulated global dust burden and lifetime primarily through the change of dust dry deposition rate; there are also remarkable differences in simulated spatial distributions of DAOD, DRE, and deposition fluxes. Thus, constraining the global DAOD is insufficient for accurate representation of dust climate effects, especially in transitioning to higher- or variable-resolution ESMs. Better observational constraints of dust vertical profiles, dry deposition, size, and LW properties are needed.

dust aerosol↗

Evaluation of global terrestrial evapotranspiration using state-of-the-art approaches in remote sensing, machine learning and land surface modeling

Evapotranspiration (ET) is critical in linking global water, carbon and energy cycles. However, direct measurement of global terrestrial ET is not feasible. Here, we first reviewed the basic theory and state-of-the-art approaches for estimating global terrestrial ET, including remote-sensing-based physical models, machine-learning algorithms and land surface models (LSMs). We then utilized 4 remote-sensing-based physical models, 2 machine-learning algorithms and 14 LSMs to analyze the spatial and temporal variations in global terrestrial ET. The results showed that the ensemble means of annual global terrestrial ET estimated by these three categories of approaches agreed well, with values ranging from 589.6 mm/yr (6.56×10^4 cu.km/yr) to 617.1 mm/yr (6.87×10^4 cu.km/yr). For the period from 1982 to 2011, both the ensembles of remote-sensing-based physical models and machine-learning algorithms suggested increasing trends in global terrestrial ET (0.62 mm/sq.yr with a significance level of p<0.05 and 0.38 mm yr−2 with a significance level of p<0.05, respectively). In contrast, the ensemble mean of the LSMs showed no statistically significant change (0.23 mm/sq.yr, p>0.05), although many of the individual LSMs reproduced an increasing trend. Nevertheless, all 20 models used in this study showed that anthropogenic Earth greening had a positive role in increasing terrestrial ET. The concurrent small interannual variability, i.e., relative stability, found in all estimates of global terrestrial ET, suggests that a potential planetary boundary exists in regulating global terrestrial ET, with the value of this boundary being around 600 mm/yr. Uncertainties among approaches were identified in specific regions, particularly in the Amazon Basin and arid/semiarid regions. Improvements in parameterizing water stress and canopy dynamics, the utilization of new available satellite retrievals and deep-learning methods, and model–data fusion will advance our predictive understanding of global terrestrial ET.

surface modeling↗

Satellite Derived Land Surface Temperature for Model Assimilation

Studies have shown that land surface temperature (LST) tendencies are sensitive to the surface moisture availability which is a function of soil moisture and vegetation. The assimilation of satellite derived LST tendencies into the surface energy budget of mesoscale models has shown promise in improving the representation of the complex effects of both soil moisture and vegetation within the models for short term simulations. LST derived from geostationary satellites has the potential of providing the temporal and spatial resolution needed for an LST assimilation process. This paper presents an analysis comparing the LST derived from GOES-8 infrared measurements with LST calculated by the MM5 numerical model. The satellite derived LSTs are calculated using a physical split window approach using channels 4 and 5 of GOES-8. The differences in the LST data sets, especially the tendencies, are presented and examined. Quantifying the differences between the data sets provide insight of possible weaknesses in the model parameterizations affecting the surface energy budget calculations and an indication of the potential effectiveness o f assimilating LST into the models.

Suggs, Ronnie J.↗

Integrating data types to estimate spatial patterns of avian migration across the Western Hemisphere

For many avian species, spatial migration patterns remain largely undescribed, especially across hemispheric extents. Recent advancements in tracking technologies and high-resolution species distribution models (i.e., eBird Status and Trends products) provide new insights into migratory bird movements and offer a promising opportunity for integrating independent data sources to describe avian migration. Here, we present a three-stage modeling framework for estimating spatial patterns of avian migration. First, we integrate tracking and band re-encounter data to quantify migratory connectivity, defined as the relative proportions of individuals migrating between breeding and nonbreeding regions. Next, we use estimated connectivity proportions along with eBird occurrence probabilities to produce probabilistic least-cost path (LCP) indices. In a final step, we use generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) both to evaluate the ability of LCP indices to accurately predict (i.e., as a covariate) observed locations derived from tracking and band re-encounter data sets versus pseudo-absence locations during migratory periods and to create a fully integrated (i.e., eBird occurrence, LCP, and tracking/band re-encounter data) spatial prediction index for mapping species-specific seasonal migrations. To illustrate this approach, we apply this framework to describe seasonal migrations of 12 bird species across the Western Hemisphere during pre- and postbreeding migratory periods (i.e., spring and fall, respectively). We found that including LCP indices with eBird occurrence in GAMMs generally improved the ability to accurately predict observed migratory locations compared to models with eBird occurrence alone. Using three performance metrics, the eBird + LCP model demonstrated equivalent or superior fit relative to the eBird-only model for 22 of 24 species–season GAMMs. In particular, the integrated index filled in spatial gaps for species with over-water movements and those that migrated over land where there were few eBird sightings and, thus, low predictive ability of eBird occurrence probabilities (e.g., Amazonian rainforest in South America). This methodology of combining individual-based seasonal movement data with temporally dynamic species distribution models provides a comprehensive approach to integrating multiple data types to describe broad-scale spatial patterns of animal movement. Further development and customization of this approach will continue to advance knowledge about the full annual cycle and conservation of migratory birds.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A Remote Sensing Technique to Upscale Methane Emission Flux in a Subtropical Peatland

Abstract Quantification of methane (CH 4 ) gas emission from peat is critical to understand CH 4 budget from natural wetlands under a climate warming scenario. Previous studies have focused on prediction and mapping of CH 4 emission flux using process‐based models, while application of statistical‐empirical models for upscaling spatially sparse in situ measurements is scarce. In this study, we developed an empirical remote sensing upscaling approach to estimate CH 4 emission flux in the Everglades using limited in situ point‐based CH 4 emission flux measurements and Landsat data during 2013–2018. We spatially and temporally linked in situ data with Landsat surface reflectance based on temporally composite data sets and developed an object‐based machine learning framework to model and map CH 4 emission flux. An ensemble analysis of two machine learning models, k ‐Nearest Neighbor ( k ‐NN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), shows that the upscaling approach is promising for predicting CH 4 emission flux with a R 2 of 0.65 and 0.87 based on a fivefold cross‐validation for a dry season and wet season estimation, respectively. We generated emission flux map products that successfully revealed the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of CH 4 emission within the dominant freshwater marsh ecosystem in the Everglades. We conclude that Landsat is promising for upscaling and monitoring CH 4 emission flux and reducing the uncertainty in emission estimates from wetlands.

Zhang, Caiyun↗

Drought Indicators Based on Model Assimilated GRACE Terrestrial Water Storage Observations

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) twin satellites observe time variations in Earth's gravity field which yield valuable information about changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS). GRACE is characterized by low spatial (greater than 150,000 square kilometers) and temporal (greater than 10 day) resolution but has the unique ability to sense water stored at all levels (including groundwater) systematically and continuously. The GRACE Data Assimilation System (GRACE-DAS), based on the Catchment Land Surface Model (CLSM) enhances the value of the GRACE water storage data by enabling spatial and temporal downscaling and vertical decomposition into moisture 39 components (i.e. groundwater, soil moisture, snow), which individually are more useful for scientific applications. In this study, GRACE-DAS was applied to North America and GRACE-based drought indicators were developed as part of a larger effort that investigates the possibility of more comprehensive and objective identification of drought conditions by integrating spatially, temporally and vertically disaggregated GRACE data into the U.S. and North American Drought Monitors. Previously, the Drought Monitors lacked objective information on deep soil moisture and groundwater conditions, which are useful indicators of drought. Extensive datasets of groundwater storage from USGS monitoring wells and soil moisture from the Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) were used to assess improvements in the hydrological modeling skill resulting from the assimilation of GRACE TWS data. The results point toward modest, but statistically significant, improvements in the hydrological modeling skill across major parts of the United States, highlighting the potential value of GRACE assimilated water storage field for improving drought detection.

Houborg, Rasmus↗

An atomistic survey of shear coupling in asymmetric tilt grain boundaries and interpretation using the disconnections framework

Grain Boundaries (GB) play an important role in determining the behavior of polycrystalline materials. While the mechanisms of motion and associated shear response for symmetric tilt grain boundaries (STGBs) are well studied, the same is not true for asymmetric tilt grain boundaries (ATGBs) despite their greater prevalence in polycrystals. Here, this study aims to investigate the shear response of a large collection of asymmetric tilt grain boundaries (ATGBs) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and interpret the data using a discrete disconnections model that works remarkably well for STGBs. MD simulations of shear-driven ATGBs show that the plastic shear (shear coupling factor) in the region swept by a GB exhibits a complex dependence on the inclination angle, and this dependence changes with the misorientation of the GB. In addition, the shear response was observed to be highly sensitive to the applied shear rate and temperature. Recognizing the spatial and temporal scale limitations of MD simulations, we extended the discrete disconnections mesoscale model of Khateret al. (2012) to calculate the nucleation barriers of disconnection modes and predict the effective shear coupling of an ATGB. We observed that the mesoscale model’s predictions of the shear coupling factor of ATGBs do not agree with those observed in MD simulations. Finally, we examine the hypotheses of our mesoscale model that contribute to disagreements between MD simulations and the mesoscale model and propose improvements to the mesoscale model for future work.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluation of global terrestrial evapotranspiration using state-of-the-art approaches in remote sensing, machine learning and land surface modeling

Abstract. Evapotranspiration (ET) is critical in linking global water, carbon and energy cycles. However, direct measurement of global terrestrial ET is not feasible. Here, we first reviewed the basic theory and state-of-the-art approaches for estimating global terrestrial ET, including remote-sensing-based physical models, machine-learning algorithms and land surface models (LSMs). We then utilized 4 remote-sensing-based physical models, 2 machine-learning algorithms and 14 LSMs to analyze the spatial and temporal variations in global terrestrial ET. The results showed that the ensemble means of annual global terrestrial ET estimated by these three categories of approaches agreed well, with values ranging from 589.6 mm yr-1 (6.56×104 km3 yr-1) to 617.1 mm yr-1 (6.87×10 4 km3 yr -1 ). For the period from 1982 to 2011, both the ensembles of remote-sensing-based physical models and machine-learning algorithms suggested increasing trends in global terrestrial ET (0.62 mm yr -2 with a significance level of p<0.05 and 0.38 mm yr -2 with a significance level of p<0.05, respectively). In contrast, the ensemble mean of the LSMs showed no statistically significant change (0.23 mm yr -2 , p>0.05), although many of the individual LSMs reproduced an increasing trend. Nevertheless, all 20 models used in this study showed that anthropogenic Earth greening had a positive role in increasing terrestrial ET. The concurrent small interannual variability, i.e., relative stability, found in all estimates of global terrestrial ET, suggests that a potential planetary boundary exists in regulating global terrestrial ET, with the value of this boundary being around 600 mm yr -1 . Uncertainties among approaches were identified in specific regions, particularly in the Amazon Basin and arid/semiarid regions. Improvements in parameterizing water stress and canopy dynamics, the utilization of new available satellite retrievals and deep-learning methods, and model–data fusion will advance our predictive understanding of global terrestrial ET.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Linking OH Variability to Observable Variables, Meteorology and Transport

The hydroxyl radical (OH) plays a vital role in tropospheric chemistry, as it provides the dominant sink for a multitude of pollutants and climate-relevant gases such as methane. Observational constraints on the global distribution and temporal variability of OH are limited, and models simulate a wide range of OH distributions. While OH itself has a short atmospheric lifetime, OH is photochemically coupled to longer-lived species that undergo atmospheric transport. Here, we investigate how much of the OH variability within and between models can be explained by differences in observable species to develop diagnostics for OH differences. We find that NO 2 and water vapor together explain much of the spatial and temporal variability in simulated OH, and we use satellite observations to identify biases in these variables. The OH response to ENSO also differs between models, and we investigate potential causes of these differences such as differences in convection or lightning NOx. We also explore the potential of idealized tracers to represent the OH distribution. Within a single model, meteorological variables such as humidity and idealized tracers of transport can explain a significant portion of the OH spatial variability. We use a Gradient Boosted Regression Trees, a type of machine learning, to account for non-linear relationships between OH and the input variables.

Meteorology↗

Data assimilation and model evaluation experiment datasets

The Institute for Naval Oceanography, in cooperation with Naval Research Laboratories and universities, executed the Data Assimilation and Model Evaluation Experiment (DAMEE) for the Gulf Stream region during fiscal years 1991-1993. Enormous effort has gone into the preparation of several high-quality and consistent datasets for model initialization and verification. This paper describes the preparation process, the temporal and spatial scopes, the contents, the structure, etc., of these datasets. The goal of DAMEE and the need of data for the four phases of experiment are briefly stated. The preparation of DAMEE datasets consisted of a series of processes: (1) collection of observational data; (2) analysis and interpretation; (3) interpolation using the Optimum Thermal Interpolation System package; (4) quality control and re-analysis; and (5) data archiving and software documentation. The data products from these processes included a time series of 3D fields of temperature and salinity, 2D fields of surface dynamic height and mixed-layer depth, analysis of the Gulf Stream and rings system, and bathythermograph profiles. To date, these are the most detailed and high-quality data for mesoscale ocean modeling, data assimilation, and forecasting research. Feedback from ocean modeling groups who tested this data was incorporated into its refinement. Suggestions for DAMEE data usages include (1) ocean modeling and data assimilation studies, (2) diagnosis and theoretical studies, and (3) comparisons with locally detailed observations.

Lai, Chung-Cheng A.↗

NASA Earth: Synthetic Spectranomics - Deep Learning of Surface 3-D Geometry, Chemistry, and Hyperspectra to Inform Next-generation Land Models

Machine and deep learning (ML/DL) have transformed our approach to Earth observation and system modeling (EOSM), unifying both in view of ML/DL models as a form of data assimilation (DA). Trained on diverse Earth observation records, detailed physical models, or hybrids of both in physics-informed machine learning, ML/DL may improve upon existing Earth system model (ESM) formulations while creating entirely new classes of models. One important application of deep learning is observation synthesis, allowing ESM developers to prepare for the increased spatial, temporal, and spectral/polar resolution of proposed future observing systems. This may involve the retrospective application of learning algorithms to existing observational records, with or without physical radiative transfer models, to co-inform mission planning and ESM development while providing a degree of data continuity for new missions.

Adam Erickson↗

Accuracy and performance of LACIE yield estimates in major wheat producing regions of the world

The LACIE yield models developed, implemented, and tested during the three phases of the experiment represent the first generation of models designed for the large-scale prediction of wheat production. The models are capable of supporting the stated project goal of being within 10 percent of the actual wheat production 90 percent of the time. The limitations of the models are inherent in their nature. The temporal resolution limits their ability to handle the erratic weather occurring in critical situations. The relatively large spatial resolution of the individual models limits the capture of localized but important episodic events.

Phinney, D. E.↗

Automated Assessment of Visual Quality of Digital Video

The advent of widespread distribution of digital video creates a need for automated methods for evaluating visual quality of digital video. This is particularly so since most digital video is compressed using lossy methods, which involve the controlled introduction of potentially visible artifacts. Compounding the problem is the bursty nature of digital video, which requires adaptive bit allocation based on visual quality metrics. In previous work, we have developed visual quality metrics for evaluating, controlling, and optimizing the quality of compressed still images[1-4]. These metrics incorporate simplified models of human visual sensitivity to spatial and chromatic visual signals. The challenge of video quality metrics is to extend these simplified models to temporal signals as well. In this presentation I will discuss a number of the issues that must be resolved in the design of effective video quality metrics. Among these are spatial, temporal, and chromatic sensitivity and their interactions, visual masking, and implementation complexity. I will also touch on the question of how to evaluate the performance of these metrics.

Watson, Andrew B.↗