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At least 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Daytime lidar measurements of tidal winds in the mesospheric sodium layer at Urbana, Illinois

For more than 15 years lidar systems have been used to study the chemistry and dynamics of the mesospheric sodium layer. Because the layer is an excellent tracer of atmospheric wave motions, sodium lidar has proven to be particularly useful for studying the influence of gravity waves and tides on mesospheric dynamics. These waves, which originate in the troposphere and stratosphere, propagate through the mesosphere and dissipate their energy near the mesopause making important contributions to the momentum and turbulence budget in this region of the atmosphere. Recently, the sodium lidar was modified for daytime operation so that wave phenomena and chemical effects could be monitored throughout the complete diurnal cycle. The results of continuous 24 hour lidar observations of the sodium layer structure are presented alond with measurement of the semidiurnal tidal winds.

Kwon, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Strong turbulence and atmospheric waves in stellar occultations

General techniques for producing model lightcurves for a variety of realistic atmospheric irregularities, including turbulence and inertia-gravity waves, are presented and applied. The restrictions of weak scintillation theory are relaxed and model lightcurves are constructed using wave optics for atmospheres with strong, anisotropic turbulence. This is accomplished by numerical simulations which model the propagation of a wave through a phase-changing screen while maintaining complete amplitude and phase information from the wave. The results are compared with available weak scintillation theory and with recent occultation data. The effects of large scale atmospheric waves with realistic horizontal structure are examined, and the reliability of the numerical inversion method in retrieving the true atmospheric vertical structure under conditions of strong ray crossing and horizontal inhomogeneities is assessed. The nature of model lightcurve spikes generated using geometric optics and wave optics are compared.

French, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The damping of ocean surface waves by a monomolecular film measured by wave staffs and microwave radars

Open ocean and wave tank experiments were carried out with the aim of studying the damping of capillary and gravity waves by a monomolecular film. These films of biogenic origin influence air-sea interaction processes and thereby affect the use of remote sensing techniques in oceanography. Measurement was carried out by wave staffs, by a coherent X band microwave scatterometer mounted on a sea-based platform, and by an incoherent K band microwave scatterometer carried by an aircraft under moderate wind conditions. A wave attenuation of about 40-60% is observed in the frequency range between 3.2 and 16 Hz. Tank experiments show that a direct influence of oleyl alcohol surface films on wave damping is confined to frequencies equal to or greater than 2 Hz; a further indirect effect of films on the damping of ocean waves in the frequency range between 0.12 and 0.7 Hz (by modifying the wind input and wave-wave interaction mechanisms) is also indicated

Huehnerfuss, H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mechanisms for SAR imaging of ocean surface phenomena: Theory and experiment

Understanding the SAR response to surface wave is a central issue in the analysis of SAR ocean images. The imaging mechanism for gravity waves and the practical question of just which characteristics of the ocean wave field can be measured remotely using SAR were examined. Assessments of wave imaging theory are based primarily on comparisons of the directional wave height variance spectrum psi (K) measured by in situ buoys with estimates from SAR images. Other criteria are also recommended, e.g., the effects of focus adjustments. It is assumed that fluctuations in SAR image intensity are proportional to fluctuations in ocean surface height. If this were true, the Fourier power spectrum of a SAR image and corresponding surface measurements of psi would coincide. Differences between SAR estimates based on this hypothesis and buoy measurements of psi are then used to begin the assessment of rival wave imaging theories.

Vesecky, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Synthetic aperture radar observation of ocean roughness from rolls in an unstable marine boundary layer

Simultaneous synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and cloud photographic observations of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida were made from a high-altitude aircraft when there was an unstable marine boundary layer. The synthetic aperture radar images show unusual kilometer-sized features on the ocean surface which are related to clouds. The ocean near shore was cloud-free and had no radar features, while from 30 to 330 km offshore there were clouds and prominent kilometer-sized features in the SAR image. These radar features are most prominent when the radar was looking upwind, are less prominent when the radar was looking downwind, and disappear entirely when the radar was looking crosswind. Since ocean radar echo strengths are believed to be controlled primarily by ocean waves satisfying the Bragg relation, these radar features most likely resulted from local enhancements of short gravity waves with 17- to 34-cm wavelengths, which in turn are surface expressions of roll convections in a kilometer-thick unstable marine boundary layer.

Thompson, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Wave propagation into the middle atmosphere

Recent observations of various types of waves propagating into the middle atmosphere are reviewed. Emphasis is made on the excitation processes in the lower atmosphere and their vertical propagation through the background flow as a function of the latitude, height and season. The following subjects are discussed: (1) Vertical propagation of quasi-stationary forced Rossby waves into the winter stratosphere in connection with the sudden warming; (2) Spectral distribution and seasonal characteristics of normal mode (free) Rossby waves and the asymmetry of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres; and (3) Seasonal variation of internal gravity waves in the middle atmosphere. Further discussions are presented for future studies based on accumulated observational data during the MAP period.

Hirota, I.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Observations with the ROWS instrument during the Grand Banks calibration/validation experiments

As part of a global program to validate the ocean surface sensors on board ERS-1, a joint experiment on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland was carried out in Nov. 1991. The principal objective was to provide a field validation of ERS-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) measurement of ocean surface structure. The NASA-P3 aircraft measurements made during this experiment provide independent measurements of the ocean surface along the validation swath. The Radar Ocean Wave Spectrometer (ROWS) is a radar sensor designed to measure direction of the long wave components using spectral analysis of the tilt induced radar backscatter modulation. This technique greatly differs from SAR and thus, provides a unique set of measurements for use in evaluating SAR performance. Also, an altimeter channel in the ROWS gives simultaneous information on the surface wave height and radar mean square slope parameter. The sets of geophysical parameters (wind speed, significant wave height, directional spectrum) are used to study the SAR's ability to accurately measure ocean gravity waves. The known distortion imposed on the true directional spectrum by the SAR imaging mechanism is discussed in light of the direct comparisons between ERS-1 SAR, airborne Canadian Center for Remote Sensing (CCRS) SAR, and ROWS spectra and the use of the nonlinear ocean SAR transform.

Vandemark, D.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Wave Driven Non-linear Flow Oscillator for the 22-Year Solar Cycle

In the Earth's atmosphere, a zonal flow oscillation is observed with periods between 20 and 32 months, the Quasi Biennial Oscillation. This oscillation does not require external time dependent forcing but is maintained by non-linear wave momentum deposition. It is proposed that such a mechanism also drives long-period oscillations in planetary and stellar interiors. We apply this mechanism to generate a flow oscillation for the 22-year solar cycle. The oscillation would occur just below the convective envelope where waves can propagate. Using scale analysis, we present results from a simplified model that incorporates Hines' gravity wave parameterization. Wave amplitudes less than 10 m/s can produce reversing zonal flows of 25 m/s that should be sufficient to generate a corresponding oscillation in the poloidal magnetic field. Low buoyancy frequency and the associated increase in turbulence help to produce the desired oscillation period of the flow.

Mayr, Hans G.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Ionospheric Signature of Surface Mine Blasts from Global Positioning System Measurements

Sources such as atmospheric or buried explosions and shallow earthquakes are known to produce infrasonic pressure waves in the atmosphere. Because of the coupling between neutral particles and electrons at ionospheric altitudes, these acoustic and gravity waves induce variations of the ionospheric electron density. The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides a way of directly measuring the total electron content in the ionosphere and, therefore, of detecting such perturbations in the upper atmosphere. In July and August 1996, three large surface mine blasts (1.5 Kt each) were detonated at the Black Thunder coal mine in eastern Wyoming. As part of a seismic and acoustic monitoring- experiment, we deployed five dual-frequency GPS receivers at distances ranging from 50 to 200 km from the mine and were able to detect the ionospheric perturbation caused by the blasts. The perturbation starts 10 to 15 min after the blast, lasts for about 30 min, and propagates with an apparent horizontal velocity of 1200 meters per second. Its amplitude reaches 3 x 10 (exp 14) el per square meters in the 7-3 min period band, a value close to the ionospheric perturbation caused by the M = 6.7 Northridge earthquake. The small signal-to-noise ratio of the perturbation can be improved by slant-stacking the electron content time-series recorded by the different GPS receivers taking into account the horizontal propagation of the perturbation. The energy of the perturbation is concentrated in the 200 to 300 second period band, a result consistent with previous observations and numerical model predictions. The 300 second band probably corresponds to gravity modes and shorter periods to acoustic modes, respectively. Using a 1-D stratified velocity model of the atmosphere we show that linear acoustic ray tracing fits arrival times at all GPS receivers. We interpret the perturbation as a direct acoustic wave caused by the explosion itself. This study shows that even relatively small subsurface events can produce ionospheric perturbations that are above the detection threshold of the GPS technique. By sensing derivative signals, which can be detected over a relatively broad region, it appears that GPS might be particularly useful for source characterization within the first acoustic quiet zone where infrasound would probably be ineffective. This suggests that dual-frequency GPS monitoring could contribute to Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty verification.

Calais, Eric↗
NASA NTRS1972

Some aspects of atmosphere waves in realistic atmospheres

Atmospheric tides travelling from the mesosphere into the upper thermosphere are discussed. As a preliminary, an elementary discussion of internal gravity waves is presented. Tides excited by the absorption of extreme ultraviolet radiation within the thermosphere are described also. Theory suggests a much larger semidiurnal oscillation in the thermosphere than is observed.

Lindzen, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Observations of Intermediate-Scale Diurnal Waves in the Equatorial Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

The purpose of this study is to seek observational evidence for diurnal, vertically propagating inertia-gravity waves (IGWs) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). Numerical modeling studies indicate that vertically propagating IGWs excited by tropical heating provide a significant source of momentum for the semiannual oscillation (SAO) in the equatorial zonal mean winds. The power spectrum of these waves has a strong diurnal component. We analyze global patterns of ascending and descending node differences in MLT satellite temperatures, which are assumed in this study to be proxies for waves of diurnal period. Juxtaposed upon the planetary-scale features are localized variations with longitudinal wavelengths ranging from 25 deg to 50 deg, and with vertical wavelengths between 13 and 25 km. These intermediate-scale variations are spatially coherent, and persist for several weeks. Their amplitudes generally increase with altitude, while their phase structures suggest both eastward and westward propagation. The variance of wave numbers 9-17 in the MLT is examined in relation to the underlying stratospheric zonal mean zonal gradient winds. Stronger variances generally coincide with periods where the underlying zonal mean winds are relatively light, or unidirectional. The weak inverse association between variance strength and zonal wind magnitude is suggestive of a wave filtering mechanism.

Lieberman, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Current Scientific Issues in Large Scale Atmospheric Dynamics

Topics in large scale atmospheric dynamics are discussed. Aspects of atmospheric blocking, the influence of transient baroclinic eddies on planetary-scale waves, cyclogenesis, the effects of orography on planetary scale flow, small scale frontal structure, and simulations of gravity waves in frontal zones are discussed.

Miller, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Alfvenic pulses in the solar atmosphere

Some nonlinear aspects of Alfvenic pulses propagating in coronal loops and the underlying chromosphere are numerically investigated. Heat conduction and radiation are included. The Alfvenic pulses are modeled as axisymmetric twists on a vertical cylindrical flux tube. They nonlinearly couple into acoustic-gravity waves propagating along the flux tube. A single Alfvenic pulse is found to leave two acoustic-gravity pulses in its wake. These pulses can result in significant motions of the transition region and underlying chromosphere. These motions do not resemble spicules, but they may correspond to a variety of observations indicating that the solar atmosphere is in a continual dynamic state. It is suggested that a dynamic chromosphere and transition region may be the inevitable consequence of the coronal heating process itself.

Mariska, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A Lagrangian mean theory of wave, mean-flow interaction with applications to nonacceleration and its breakdown

A review is given of new Lagrangian mean theory of wave transport. Attention is focused on the so-called 'nonacceleration' theorem, and it is shown that such a theorem arises naturally in the Lagrangian mean framework. Also discussed is a simple example of the Stokes drift, a concept which is central to nonacceleration. The Lagrangian mean theory substantially simplifies and unifies the understanding of wave driving in cases where nonacceleration is violated because of wave transience and dissipation. Moreover, the theory has given new insights in one particular case, that of Rossby gravity wave, mean-flow interaction. These insights have successfully explained some hitherto unresolved paradoxes in the theory of the quasi-biennial oscillation of zonal wind in the equatorial stratosphere. Some brief remarks are also made concerning some of the outstanding difficulties of the theory in need of future investigation.

Dunkerton, T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Lee waves: Benign and malignant

The flow of an incompressible fluid over an obstacle will produce an oscillation in which buoyancy is the restoring force, called a gravity wave. For disturbances of this scale, the atmosphere may be treated as dynamically incompressible, even though there exists a mean static upward density gradient. Even in the linear approximation - i.e., for small disturbances - this model explains a great many of the flow phenomena observed in the lee of mountains. However, nonlinearities do arise importantly, in three ways: (1) through amplification due to the decrease of mean density with height; (2) through the large (scaled) size of the obstacle, such as a mountain range; and (3) from dynamically singular levels in the fluid field. These effects produce a complicated array of phenomena - large departure of the streamlines from their equilibrium levels, high winds, generation of small scales, turbulence, etc. - that present hazards to aircraft and to lee surface areas. The nonlinear disturbances also interact with the larger-scale flow in such a manner as to impact global weather forecasts and the climatological momentum balance. If there is no dynamic barrier, these waves can penetrate vertically into the middle atmosphere (30-100 km), where recent observations show them to be of a length scale that must involve the coriolis force in any modeling. At these altitudes, the amplitude of the waves is very large, and the phenomena associated with these wave dynamics are being studied with a view to their potential impact on high performance aircraft, including the projected National Aerospace Plane (NASP). The presentation shows the results of analysis and of state-of-the-art numerical simulations, validated where possible by observational data, and illustrated with photographs from nature.

Wurtele, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Lee waves, benign and malignant

The flow of an incompressible, stratified fluid over an obstacle will produce an oscillation in which buoyancy is the restoring force, called a gravity wave. For disturbances of this scale, the atmosphere may be treated as incompressible; and even the linear approximation will explain many of the phenomena observed in the lee of mountains. However, nonlinearities arise in two ways: (1) through the large (scaled) size of the mountain, and (2) from dynamically singular levels in the fluid field. These produce a complicated array of phenomena that present hazards to aircraft and to lee surface areas. If there is no dynamic barrier, these waves can penetrate vertically into the middle atmosphere (30-100 km attitude), where recent observations show them to be of a length scale that must involve the Coriolis force in any modeling. At these altitudes, the amplitude of the waves is very large, and the waves are studied with a view to their potential impact on the projected National Aerospace Plane. This paper presents the results of analyses and state-of-the-art numerical simulations, validated where possible by observational data.

Wurtele, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Propagation of acoustic waves in a stratified atmosphere, 1

This work is motivated by the chromospheric 3 minute oscillations observed in the K(sub 2v) bright points. We study acoustic gravity waves in a one-dimensional, gravitationally stratified, isothermal atmosphere. The oscillations are excited either by a velocity pulse imparted to a layer in an atmosphere of infinite vertical extent, or by a piston forming the lower boundary of a semi-infinite medium. We consider both linear and non-linear waves.

Kalkofen, W.↗