Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Latitude”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High Latitude Considerations in the Latest GPCP monthly and daily products (V3.1)

The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) product is a popular combined satellite-gauge precipitation data set in which the long-term standards of consistency and homogeneity is underlined. Here we discuss various high latitude analysis considered in the recently released GPCP V3.1 monthly and daily products. Satellite data are used over land and ocean and obtained from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSMI), Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS), geostationary imagers and polar orbiting infrared sounders. GPCP uses the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) over land, as its in situ component, but prior to combination with satellite data GPCC estimates are adjusted for gauge undercatch. Advanced sensors aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), CloudSat, and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission have enabled more accurate estimation of rain and snowfall rates in recent years. Started with GPCP V3.1 these observations are integrated into GPCP through the development of the Tropical Combined Climatology (TCC) used at lower latitudes and the Merged CloudSat, TRMM, and GPM (MCTG) climatology used over the extra tropics and higher latitudes. Improved calibrations of Television-Infrared Operational Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) and Advanced Infrared Sounder (AIRS) precipitation are used outside 60ºN-S, where inside this zone the Goddard Profiling (GPROF) algorithm retrievals from SSMI/SSMIS is used to calibrate geostationary IR based precipitation estimate at monthly scale. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mass change observations are used to determine snowfall accumulations over frozen land and arctic basins and to assess gauge undercatch corrections. Observations of snow on sea ice from NASA’s Operation IceBridge (OIB) flights are utilized as an additional tool for snowfall assessment over sea ice. GPCP V3.1 has higher spatial resolution (0.5ox0.5o) than earlier versions (2.5ox2.5o) over both land and ocean, going back to 1983. Version 3 Daily product uses the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission (IMERG) Final Run V06 estimates, where available (initially restricted to 60°N-S), as well as rescaled TOVS/AIRS data in high-latitude areas, all calibrated to the GPCP V3.1 Monthly estimate. GPCP V3.1 shows about 6% increase in global oceanic precipitation and about 4.5% increase over global land and ocean compared to the previous version (V2.3), some major changes occur over the ocean and around 40oS and 60 oS. We will discuss other important changes of GPCP V3.1, compared to the earlier versions, and our future plans. Through this presentation we will also discuss that while ACCP will provide key information about precipitation, synergistic use of other Earth observing systems (e.g., mass change; recognized as a designated mission in 2017 decadal survey) can also help refine precipitation analysis, especially in high latitude and cold regions.

Ali Behrangi↗
DOE OSTI2020

Little influence of Arctic amplification on mid-latitude climate

Observations and model simulations show enhanced warming in the Arctic under increasing greenhouse gases, a phenomenon known as the Arctic amplification (AA), that is likely caused by sea-ice loss. AA reduces meridional temperature gradients linked to circulation, thus mid-latitude weather and climate changes have been attributed to AA, often on the basis of regression analysis and atmospheric simulations. However, other modelling studies show only a weak link. This inconsistency may result from deficiencies in separating the effects of AA from those of natural variability or background warming. In this work, using coupled model simulations with and without AA, we show that cold-season precipitation, snowfall and circulation changes over northern mid-latitudes come mostly from background warming. AA and sea-ice loss increase precipitation and snowfall above ~60° N and reduce meridional temperature gradients above ~45° N in the lower–mid troposphere. However, minimal impact on the mean climate is seen below ~60° N, with weak reduction in zonal wind over 50°–70° N and 150–700 hPa, mainly over the North Atlantic and northern central Asia. These results suggest that the climatic impacts of AA are probably small outside the high latitudes, thus caution is needed in attributing mid-latitude changes to AA and sea-ice loss on the basis of statistical analyses that cannot distinguish the impact of AA from other correlated changes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

High-latitude proton precipitation and light ion density profiles during the magnetic storm initial phase.

Measurements of precipitating protons and light ion densities by experiments on Ogo 4 indicate that widespread proton precipitation occurs in predawn hours during the magnetic storm initial phase from the latitude of the high-latitude ion trough, or plasmapause, up to latitudes greater than 75 deg. A softening of the proton spectrum is apparent as the plasmapause is approached. The separation of the low-latitude precipitation boundaries for 7.3-keV and 23.8-keV protons is less than about 1 deg, compared with a 3.6-deg separation that has been computed by using the formulas of Gendrin and Eather and Carovillano. Consideration of probable proton drift morphology leads to the conclusion that protons are injected in predawn hours, widespread precipitation occurring in the region outside the plasmapause. Protons less energetic than 7 keV drift eastward, whereas the more energetic protons drift westward, producing the observed dawn-dusk asymmetry for the lower-energy protons.

Burch, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The latitude dependencies of the solar wind

The motion of spacecraft following the earth's orbit occurs within the solar latitude range of 7 deg 15 min N on approximately September 7 to 7 deg 15 min S on approximately March 6. The latitude dependencies so far detected within this range have shown that the photospheric dipole-like field of the sun makes very important contributions to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) observed near the ecliptic. Changes in geomagnetic activity from even to odd numbered 11-year solar cycles are related to changes in the sun's dipolar field. The north-south IMF component and meridional, nonradial flow are important to a complete understanding of steady-state solar wind dynamics. Coronal conditions must be latitude-dependent in a way that accounts for the observed latitude dependence of the velocity and density of the solar wind.

Rosenberg, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effect of electric fields on the daytime high-latitude E and F regions

We have obtained solutions of the coupled continuity, momentum, and energy equations for NO(+), O(+), and O2(+) ions for conditions appropriate to the daytime high-latitude E and F regions. Owing to the rapid increase of the reaction O(+) + N2 yielding NO(+) + N with ion energy, high-latitude electric fields and consequent perpendicular-E x B drifts deplete O(+) in favor of NO(+). For electric field strengths less than about 10 mV/m the depletion of O(+) is small, and the altitude profiles of ion density are similar to those found at mid-latitudes. However, for moderate electric field strengths (50 mV/m), NO(+) is substantially increased in relation to O(+) and becomes an important ion throughout the F region. For large electric fields (200 mV/m), NO(+) completely dominates the ion composition to at least 600 km, decreasing at high altitudes with a diffusive equilibrium scale height. Since the overall F region electron density decreases markedly with increasing electric field strength, it appears that high-latitude, daytime electron density troughs are directly related to the presence of ionospheric electric fields.

Schunk, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Total ozone derived from UV spectrophotometer measurements on the NASA CV-990 aircraft for the fall 1976 latitude survey flights

An ultraviolet interference filter spectrophotometer was modified to use a photodiode and was flown on latitude survey flights in the fall of 1976. Comparison with Dobson station total ozone values shows agreement between UVS and Dobson total ozone of + or - 2 percent. The procedure used to convert UVS measured ozone above the aircraft altitude to total ozone above ground level introduces an additional 2 percent deviation for very high altitude UVS ozone data. Under stable aircraft operating conditions, the UVS derived ozone values have a variability, or reproducibility, of better than + or -1 percent. The UVS data from the latitude survey flights yield a detailed latitude profile of total ozone over the Pacific Ocean during November 1976. Significant latitudinal structure in total ozone is found at the middle latitudes (30 deg to 40 deg N and S).

Hanser, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The equatorial latitude of auroral activity during 1972-1977

The equatorial latitude of auroral activity has been derived from both electron and optical observations with the DMSP satellites. Virtually all of the observations obtained during the five-year interval June 1972-September 1977 have been used to construct a nearly continuous plot of invariant geomagnetic latitude versus time. This plot has two main characteristics: (1) a diurnal variation of approximately plus or minus 5 deg which is associated with the precession of the earth's magnetic dipole axis about the earth's rotation axis; and (2) an irregular variation of roughly 5-10 deg for intervals of one to several days associated with the occurrence of solar flares and coronal holes. Using a condensed, Bartels-type display of these measurements, it is concluded that: (a) modest auroral expansions (to latitude about 60 deg) occur during the main body of high-speed streams from coronal holes; (b) great expansions (to latitude less than 55 deg) occur only during intervals of intense interplanetary magnetic fields such as may occur at the leading edge of a high-speed stream or at a flare-produced interplanetary shock.

Sheeley, N. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Determination of solar proton fluxes and energies at high solar latitudes by UV radiation measurements

The latitudinal variation of the solar proton flux and energy causes a density increase at high solar latitudes of the neutral gas penetrating the heliosphere. Measurements of the neutral density by UV resonance radiation observations from interplanetary spacecraft thus permit deductions on the dependence of the solar proton flux on heliographic latitude. Using both the results of Mariner 10 measurements and of other off-ecliptic solar wind observations, the values of the solar proton fluxes and energies at polar heliographic latitudes are determined for several cases of interest. The Mariner 10 analysis, together with IPS results, indicate a significant decrease of the solar proton flux at polar latitudes.

Witt, N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Plasma density features associated with strong convection in the winter high-latitude F region

A single plasma convection model was combined with an ionospheric-atmospheric composition model to study plasma density features associated with string convection in the winter high-latitude F region. Time dependent, three-dimensional, ion density distributions for NO(+), O2(+), N2(+), O(+) and He(+) were produced, and the ionosphere above 42 deg N magnetic latitude was covered for 24 hours. The study found that for strong and weak convection, electron density exhibited a variation with altitude, latitude, longitude and universal time. Ionospheric features were evident for strong convection, but modified in comparison with those found for slow convection. Also found for strong convection was a more pronounced tongue of ionization, the appearance of a new polar hole in the polar cap, and a midlatitude electron density trough that was not as deep as found for a weak convection. In addition, good agreement was found between predictions and Atmosphere Explorer measurements of ion composition variation with latitude and local time.

Sojka, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Additional measurements of the high-latitude sunspot rotation rate /Research note/

Sunspot rotation rate measurements at high sunspot latitudes are reported for the period 1966-68, based on ten spots at latitudes greater than about 28 deg from H-alpha patrol records for this period. A sidereal rotation rate of 13.70 + or - 0.07 deg/day was found on the average, at 31.05 + or - 0.01 deg. Taken together, the full set of measurements in this latitude regime yield a rotation rate that is in excellent agreement with the result derived by Newton and Nunn (1951) from recurrent spots at lower latitudes throughout the six cycles from 1878 to 1944.

Landman, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

High-latitude ionospheric model - First step towards a predictive capability

In order to study the plasma density features associated with both weak and strong convection in the winter high-latitude F-region, a simple plasma convection model was combined with an ionospheric-atmospheric composition model. In a model calculation, a field tube of plasma is followed as it moves along a convection trajectory through a moving, neutral atmosphere. The altitude profiles of the ion densities are obtained by solving the appropriate continuity, momentum and energy equations, including many high-latitude processes. The result of following many such plasma field tubes is a time-dependent, three-dimensional ion density distribution for the ions NO(+), O2(+), O(+), N(+), and He(+). The high-latitude ionosphere is covered over one complete day above 42 deg N magnetic latitude, at altitudes of 160-800 km.

Schunk, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Predicted diurnal variations of electron density for three high-latitude incoherent scatter radars

A high-latitude ionospheric model is used to predict the diurnal variations of electron density which should be observed by the EISCAT, Chatanika, and Millstone Hill incorporated scatter facilities. The calculations take into account a strong convection model without substorms. The provided electron density predictions should be used to obtain an indication of the quantitative differences in measured electron density that are to be expected when the three radars probe the high-latitude ionosphere simultaneously. These differences vary with altitude, latitude, local time, and season, and are associated with the UT dependence of the high-latitude ionosphere which results from the offset between the geomagnetic and geographic poles. It was found that the three facilities should observe the greatest difference in electron density variations in winter.

Sojka, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Observations of the diurnal dependence of the high-latitude F region ion density by DMSP satellites

Data from the DMSP F2 and F4 satellites for the period December 5-10, 1979, have been used to study the diurnal dependence of the high-latitude ion density at 800-km altitude. A 24-hour periodicity in the minimum orbital density (MOD) during a crossing of the high-latitude region is observed in both the winter and summer hemispheres. The phase of the variation in MOD is such that it has a minimum during the 24-hour period between 0700 and 0900 UT. Both the long-term variation of the high-latitude ion density on a time scale of days, and the orbit-by-orbit variations at the same geomagnetic location in the northern (winter) hemisphere for the magnetically quiet time period chosen, show good qualitative agreement with the diurnal dependence predicted by a theoretical model of the ionospheric density at high latitudes under conditions of low convection speeds (Sojka et al., 1981).

Sojka, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The latitude dependence of the variance of zonally averaged quantities

Geometric characteristics of the spherical earth are shown to be responsible for the increase of variance with latitude of zonally averaged meteorological statistics. An analytic model is constructed to display the effect of a spherical geometry on zonal averages, employing a sphere labeled with radial unit vectors in a real, stochastic field expanded in complex spherical harmonics. The variance of a zonally averaged field is found to be expressible in terms of the spectrum of the vector field of the spherical harmonics. A maximum variance is then located at the poles, and the ratio of the variance to the zonally averaged grid-point variance, weighted by the cosine of the latitude, yields the zonal correlation typical of the latitude. An example is provided for the 500 mb level in the Northern Hemisphere compared to 15 years of data. Variance is determined to increase north of 60 deg latitude.

North, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ionospheric hot spot at high latitudes

Schunk and Raitt (1980) and Sojka et al. (1981) have developed a model of the convecting high-latitude ionosphere in order to determine the extent to which various chemical and transport processes affect the ion composition and electron density at F-region altitudes. The numerical model produces time-dependent, three-dimensional ion density distributions for the ions NO(+), O2(+), N2(+), O(+), N(+), and He(+). Recently, the high-latitude ionospheric model has been improved by including thermal conduction and diffusion-thermal heat flow terms. Schunk and Sojka (1982) have studied the ion temperature variations in the daytime high-latitude F-region. In the present study, a time-dependent three-dimensional ion temperature distribution is obtained for the high-latitude ionosphere for an asymmetric convection electric field pattern with enhanced flow in the dusk sector of the polar region. It is shown that such a convection pattern produces a hot spot in the ion temperature distribution which coincides with the location of the strong convection cell.

Schunk, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Changes in the High-latitude Ocean as Possible Causes of Atmospheric CO2 Variations

Measurements on air enclosed in old polar ice have indicated that the atmospheric CO2 concentration was ca. 50 to 70 ppm lower in late glacial times than during the Holocene. Similar measurements performed on samples from a Greenland ice core, dating ca. 30,000 to 40,000 B.P., and have yielded evidence of several CO2 oscillations with an amplitude of ca. 50 ppm. Each change lasted on the order of a few centuries. A mechanism by which circulation changes in the high-latitude ocean could lead to rapid variations in atmospheric CO2 is proposed. In the Antarctic Ocean a slowing down of the vertical mixing would imply a smaller upward flux of sigma CO2 and nutrients. Assuming constant productivity, sigma CO2 and nutrients would be more completely used which would imply lower CO2 in these high-latitude surface waters. In areas with a warm surface, a slowing down of the circulation would not have a direct impact on CO2 because productivity would automatically decrease by the same factor as the upwelling rate of nutrients. Studies with a simple box model of the ocean-atmosphere system suggest that a suddent decrease by a factor of 2 of the water exchange between the surface and deep sea in high latitudes could lead to a CO2 decrease of ca. 40 to 50 ppm with a time constant of ca. 200 years. Deep-sea sediment studies indicate rapid changes in the high-latitude surface conditions of the North Atlantic and the Antarctic Oceans at the end of the last glaciation. Studies of carbon isotope ratios should help ascertain whether this proposed mechanism was indeed responsible for the CO2 variation.

Siegenthaler, U.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Relationship of the interplanetary electric field to the high-latitude ionospheric electric field and currents Observations and model simulation

The electrical coupling between the solar wind, magnetosphere, and ionosphere is studied. The coupling is analyzed using observations of high-latitude ion convection measured by the Sondre Stromfjord radar in Greenland and a computer simulation. The computer simulation calculates the ionospheric electric potential distribution for a given configuration of field-aligned currents and conductivity distribution. The technique for measuring F-region in velocities at high time resolution over a large range of latitudes is described. Variations in the currents on ionospheric plasma convection are examined using a model of field-aligned currents linking the solar wind with the dayside, high-latitude ionosphere. The data reveal that high-latitude ionospheric convection patterns, electric fields, and field-aligned currents are dependent on IMF orientation; it is observed that the electric field, which drives the F-region plasma curve, responds within about 14 minutes to IMF variations in the magnetopause. Comparisons of the simulated plasma convection with the ion velocity measurements reveal good correlation between the data.

Clauer, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Calculated nighttime eastward plasma drift velocities at low latitudes and their solar cycle dependence

After calculating ambient electron densities as a function of altitude, latitude and local time, a simplified expression is used to calculate F-region eastward plasma drifts given a zonal neutral wind model. The derived eastward plasma drift on a magnetic flux tube is examined as a function of the flux tube apex height. If the neutral wind is assumed to be independent of latitude the plasma drift maximizes along the flux tube which intercepts the F-region peak concentration at the Appleton anomaly. Above this altitude the velocity decreases to reflect a decrease in the flux tube integrated F-region Pedersen conductivity. For a latitude dependent wind the plasma drift tends to maximize along the flux tube which intercepts the F-peak at the dip equator. Above this altitude the drift decreases to reflect the latitude distribution of the wind.

Anderson, D. N.↗