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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Multi-arrival infrasound from meteoroids: Fragmentation signatures versus propagation effects in a fine-scale layered atmosphere

Infrasonic signatures of meteoroid fragmentation are frequently ambiguous: do multiple arrivals signify a complex breakup or merely the distorting effects of a layered atmosphere? Resolving this ambiguity is critical for accurate energy estimates and source reconstruction. In this study, we address this challenge by analyzing a unique regional dataset of well-constrained meteoroid events observed by the Southern Ontario Meteor Network and the co-located Elginfield Infrasound Array. We employ pseudo-differential parabolic equation (PPE) simulations to quantify how fine-scale gravity-wave structures in the stratosphere and lower thermosphere modify acoustic waveforms at ranges <300 km. Our modeling reveals that while fine-scale layering can stretch signals and generate diffuse oscillatory tails, it does not produce discrete, high-amplitude pulse splitting at ranges below ∼140 km. By applying these results to the rare multi-arrival event 20060305, we demonstrate that its distinct double arrival at 100 km range is inconsistent with atmospheric multipathing and provides definitive evidence of separate fragmentation episodes. These findings establish new diagnostic criteria for separating source physics from propagation artifacts, improving the reliability of infrasound as a monitoring tool for natural bolides, space debris re-entries, and catastrophic launch failures.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Atmospheric Structure Prediction for Infrasound Propagation Modeling Using Deep Learning

Abstract Infrasound is generated by a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources. Infrasonic waves travel through the dynamic atmosphere, which can change on the order of minutes to hours. Infrasound propagation largely depends on the wind and temperature structure of the atmosphere. Numerical weather prediction models are available to provide atmospheric specifications, but uncertainties in these models exist and they are computationally expensive to run. Machine learning has proven useful in predicting tropospheric weather using Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) networks. An LSTM network is utilized to make atmospheric specification predictions up to ∼30 km for three different training and testing scenarios: (a) the model is trained and tested using only radiosonde data from the Albuquerque, NM, USA station, (b) the model is trained on radiosonde stations across the contiguous US, excluding the Albuquerque, NM, USA station, which was reserved for testing, and (c) the model is trained and tested on radiosonde stations across the contiguous US. Long Short‐Term Memory predictions are compared to a state‐of‐the‐art reanalysis model and show cases where the LSTM outperforms, performs equally as well, or underperforms in comparison to the state‐of‐the‐art. Regional and temporal trends in model performance across the US are also discussed. Results suggest that the LSTM model is a viable tool for predicting atmospheric specifications for infrasound propagation modeling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluation of a generalized least squares algorithm for infrasound beamforming with coherent background noise

Infrasonic signals of interest can occur during periods with persistent, coherent, background noise, which may be natural or anthropogenic. For high signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio transient signals, an ‘overprinting’ of the coherent background may occur, and the signal may still be detected. However, this approach fails for low SNR signals of interest, which may be obscured by coherent noise. An infrasound beamforming method based on generalized least squares (GLS) is investigated for detecting transient signals of interest in the presence of coherent and incoherent background noise. This approach relies on an estimate of the noise covariance, captured in a covariance matrix, to effectively null contributions to the array response from noisy directions of arrival. Synthetic array data is used to investigate the performance of the GLS beamformer compared to the Bartlett beamformer when coherent and incoherent backgrounds are present. Additionally, the effects of array element number and relative strength of the interfering signal on the GLS estimates is investigated. GLS empirical area under the curve estimates suggest that the beamformer can recover coherent power for a signal of interest lower in amplitude than the coherent background, but this effectiveness degrades more quickly with SNR for a four element array compared to a six or eight element infrasound array. Finally, infrasound from the Forensic Surface Experiment, a bolide signal observed at IMS array I37NO, and a volcanic signal recorded at the Alaska Volcano Observatory array ADKI are used to evaluate GLS performance on recorded data. A ten minute window was used to capture the background noise, and the coherent background signal was nulled in all three examples.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Seismoacoustic Signatures Observed During a Long-Term Deployment of Infrasound Sensors at the Nevada National Security Site

Earthquakes have repeatedly been shown to produce inaudible acoustic signals (<20 Hz), otherwise known as infrasound. These signals can propagate hundreds to thousands of kilometers and still be detected by ground-based infrasound arrays depending on the source strength, distance between source and receiver, and atmospheric conditions. Another type of signal arrival at infrasound arrays is the seismic induced motion of the sensor itself, or ground-motion-induced sensor noise. Measured acoustic and seismic waves produced by earthquakes can provide insight into properties of the earthquake such as magnitude, depth, and focal mechanism, as well as information about the local lithology and atmospheric conditions. Large earthquakes that produce strong acoustic signals detected at distances greater than 100 km are the most commonly studied; however, more recent studies have found that smaller magnitude earthquakes ($M$ w <2.0) can be detected at short ranges. In that vein, this study will investigate the ability for a long-term deployment of infrasound sensors (deployed as part of the Source Physics Experiments [SPE] from 2014 to 2020) to detect both seismic and infrasonic signals from earthquakes at local ranges (<50 km). Methods used include a combination of spectral analysis and automated array processing, supported by U.S. Geological Survey earthquake bulletins. Further, this investigation revealed no clear acoustic detections for short range earthquakes. However, secondary infrasound from an $M$ w 7.1 earthquake over 200 km away was detected. Important insights were also made regarding the performance of the SPE networks including detections of other acoustic sources such as bolides and rocket launches. Finally, evaluation of the infrasound arrays is performed to provide insight into optimal deployments for targeting earthquake infrasound.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Back-Azimuth Estimation of Air-to-Ground Coupled Infrasound from Transverse Coherence Minimization [Slides]

Infrasonic signals are generated by a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources and can propagate long distances through a windy, layered atmosphere. When these signals impinge on the ground, the resulting deformation can be recorded by buried seismometers, we call this signal a ground coupled airwave (GCA). GCAs are relatively common, and several methods now exist to leverage an infrasound microphone to separate GCAs from pure seismic motion.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reverse Time Migration of Explosion-generated Infrasound and Ground-Coupled Airwaves

Accurately locating sources of seismic and infrasonic energy is integral to global monitoring of earthquakes and explosions. Infrasound arrivals times can be used to calculate the origins of events that generate acoustic energy. Picking times of emergent infrasound arrivals, however, can be difficult and prone to uncertainty. Reverse time migration (RTM) is a waveform based location method that does not rely on picked arrival times. Here we use RTM to locate a known chemical explosion that generated acoustic and acoustic-to-seismic signals on 26 and 108 receivers, respectively. All location predictions are less than 24 km from the known location with time errors of less than three minutes. We find strong overall agreement between our results and those of existing RTM and arrival time based methods. Our initial results suggest that RTM is a promising method of event location using acoustic arrivals recorded on both infrasound and seismic instrumentation.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2023

Using Deep Learning to Develop a High Resolution Planetary Boundary Layer Model for Infrasound Propagation

Infrasound, with frequencies less than 20 Hz, is generated by both natural and anthropogenic sources. When one of these sources exerts a force on the atmosphere, infrasonic waves are generated. The propagation of these waves largely depends on temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Previous work has used deep learning to accurately predict atmospheric specifications to altitudes of ~40 km. However, this model breaks down for local distances because it is too low resolution. Here we use a high-resolution meteorological dataset collected in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA to develop a deep learning model that can predict temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Predictions are compared to ground truth observations to show that the model performs well at predicting temperature and wind direction but struggles with prediction wind speed. Model limitations and improvements are also discussed.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Historical Bolide Infrasound Dataset (1960–1972)

We present the first fully curated, publicly accessible archive of infrasonic records from ten large bolide events documented by the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center’s global microbarometer network between 1960 and 1972. Captured on analog strip-chart paper, these waveforms predate modern digital arrays and space-based sensors, making them a unique window on meteoroid activity in the mid-twentieth century. Prior studies drew important scientific conclusions from the records but released only limited artifacts, chiefly period–amplitude tables and unprocessed scans, leaving the underlying data inaccessible for independent study. The present release transforms those limited excerpts into a research-ready resource. By capturing ten large events in the mid-20th century, the dataset constitutes a critical reference point for assessing bolide activity before the advent of modern space-based and digital ground-based monitoring. The multi-year coverage and worldwide distribution of events provide a valuable reference for comparing past and more recent detections, facilitating assessments of long-term flux and the dynamics of acoustic wave propagation in Earth’s atmosphere. The dataset’s availability in a consolidated format ensures straightforward access to waveforms and derived measurements, supporting a wide range of scientific inquiries into bolide physics and infrasound monitoring. By preserving these historical acoustic observations, the collection maintains a significant record of mid-20th-century meteoroid entries. It thereby establishes a basis for further refinement of impact hazard evaluations, contributes to historical continuity in atmospheric observation, and enriches the study of meteoroid-generated infrasound signals on a global scale.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Detection of the Large Surface Explosion Coupling Experiment by a Sparse Network of Balloon-Borne Infrasound Sensors

In recent years, high-altitude infrasound sensing has become more prolific, demonstrating an enormous value especially when utilized over regions inaccessible to traditional ground-based sensing. Similar to ground-based infrasound detectors, airborne sensors take advantage of the fact that impulsive atmospheric events such as explosions can generate low frequency acoustic waves, also known as infrasound. Due to negligible attenuation, infrasonic waves can travel over long distances, and provide important clues about their source. Here, we report infrasound detections of the Apollo detonation that was carried on 29 October 2020 as part of the Large Surface Explosion Coupling Experiment in Nevada, USA. Infrasound sensors attached to solar hot air balloons floating in the stratosphere detected the signals generated by the explosion at distances 170–210 km. Three distinct arrival phases seen in the signals are indicative of multipathing caused by the small-scale perturbations in the atmosphere. We also found that the local acoustic environment at these altitudes is more complex than previously thought.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Perspectives and Challenges in Bolide Infrasound Processing and Interpretation: A Focused Review with Case Studies

Infrasound sensing plays a critical role in the detection and analysis of bolides, offering passive, cost-effective global monitoring capabilities. Key objectives include determining the timing, location, and yield of these events. Achieving these goals requires a robust approach to detect, analyze, and interpret rapidly moving elevated sources such as bolides (also re-entry). In light of advancements in infrasonic methodologies, there is a need for a comprehensive overview of the characteristics that distinguish bolides from other infrasound sources and methodologies for bolide infrasound analysis. This paper provides a focused review of key considerations and presents a unified framework to enhance infrasound processing approaches specifically tailored for bolides. Three representative case studies are presented to demonstrate the practical application of infrasound processing methodologies and deriving source parameters while exploring challenges associated with bolide-generated infrasound. These case studies underscore the effectiveness of infrasound in determining source parameters and highlight interpretative challenges, such as variations in signal period measurements across different studies. Future research should place emphasis on improving geolocation and yield accuracy. This can be achieved through rigorous and systematic analyses of large, statistically significant samples of such events, aiming to resolve interpretative inconsistencies and explore the causes for variability in signal periods and back azimuths. The topic described here is also relevant to space exploration involving planetary bodies with atmospheres, such as Venus, Mars, and Titan.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1971

Observations on pulsating auroras

Infrasonic pulsations of optical auroral luminosity in 3914 A positive molecular nitrogen ion and 5577 A O I emission measurement by double photometer system

Miller, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Probing the atmosphere with infrasound

Recent studies are reported which have contributed to the knowledge of atmospheric structure and have established the practicality of infrasonic techniques for probing the atmosphere to heights of 120 km or more. Observations of a few types of infrasound are reviewed, and the theories used to account for the infrasound propagation and the deduced atmospheric structures are discussed.

Posmentier, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Development of isothermal rigs

The results of the Resonant Infrasonic Gauging System (RIGS) development program are reported. The RIGS is a gauging system that is capable of measuring propellant quantity under zero-G as well as under accelerated (one-G) conditions. With the exception of liquid hydrogen, it can be used to gauge virtually any propellant in liquid form including cryogenics. The gauge consists of a sensor unit which is attached to the propellant tank and electronic control unit which may be positioned separately from the sensor. The control unit receives the signals from the sensor as well as the ullage gas pressure and propellant temperature measurements, and computes the propellant quantity remaining in the tank. During the course of this program two prototype RIGS sensors were designed and constructed. The sensors were tested first in the laboratory using water as the simulated propellant and, later, using LN2 in a 100-gallon tank. The system tests proved that the gauge operates virtually as predicted by theory and yielded an accuracy better than 1%.

Kaminskas, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Whole body measurement systems

A system for measuring the volume and volume variations of a human body under zero gravity conditions is disclosed. An enclosed chamber having a defined volume and arranged for receiving a human body is provided with means for infrasonically varying the volume of the chamber. The changes in volume produce resultant changes in pressure, and under substantially isentropic conditions, an isentropic relationship permits a determination of gas volume which, in turn, when related to total chamber volume permits a determination of the body volume. By comparison techniques, volume changes of a human independent of gravity conditions can be determined.

Ogle, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

High latitude ionospheric winds related to solar-interplanetary conditions

Treated jointly, two recent results imply that the distribution of winds in the polar ionosphere should change as a function of the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field. (1) From the motions of chemically released ion and neutral clouds, it is apparent that neutral winds in the high latitude ionosphere are driven principally by ion drag forces. (2) OGO-6 electric field measurements have demonstrated that there are definite relationships between the time-latitude distribution of ionospheric plasma convection and interplanetary magnetic field parameters, and also that the distribution is most sensitive to the azimuthal angle of the interplanetary field. Although direct neutral wind to interplanetary magnetic field comparisons are not available, logic clearly implies a close relationship. The lower altitude, meteorological effects of these externally driven ionospheric winds are not known. However, observations of infrasonic waves following sudden ionization enhancements indicate the existence of momentum transfer.

Heppner, J. P.↗