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At least 901 records · Page 50

Thermal balance of the atmospheres of Jupiter and Uranus

Two-dimensional, radiative-convective-dynamical models of the visible atmospheres of Jupiter and Uranus are presented. Zonally-averaged temperatures and heat fluxes are calculated numerically as functions of pressure and latitude. In addition to radiative heat fluxes, the dynamical heat flux due to large-scale baroclinic eddies is included and is parametrized using a mixing length theory which gives heat fluxes similar to those of Stone. The results for Jupiter indicate that the internal heat flow is non-uniform in latitude and nearly balances the net radiative flux leaving the atmosphere. The thermal emission is found to be uniform in latitude in agreement with Pioneer and Voyager observations. Baroclinic eddies are calculated to transport only a small amount of the meridional heat flow necessary to account for the uniformity of thermal emission with latitude. The bulk of the meridional heat transfer is found to occur very deep in the stable interior of Jupiter as originally proposed by Ingersoll and Porco. The relative importance of baroclinic eddies vs. internal heat flow in the thermal balance of Uranus depends on the ratio of emitted thermal power to absorbed solar power. The thermal balance of Uranus is compared to that of Jupiter for different values of this ratio.

Friedson, A. J.↗

Correlation Studies of Sea Ice Concentration with Surface Temperature and Meltponding

The spatial and temporal variability of sea ice concentrations derived from passive microwave data is studied in conjunction with co-registered high resolution infrared and visible satellite data. Cloud free infrared and visible data provide surface temperature and large scale surface characteristics, respectively, that can be used to better understand regional and seasonal fluctuations in ice concentrations. Results from correlation analysis of ice concentration versus surface temperature data show the intuitively expected negative relationship but the strength in the relationship is unexpectedly very strong. In the Antarctic, the correlation is consistently very high spatially when yearly anomalies are used, and not so high in some areas when seasonal anomalies are used, especially during spring and summer. In the monthly anomalies, the correlation is also good, especially in dynamically active regions. The expanse in the anomalies in surface temperature are shown to go way beyond the sea ice regions into the open ocean and continental areas, suggesting strong atmospheric forcing. Weak correlations are normally found in highly consolidated areas, where large changes in temperature do not cause large changes in ice concentration on a short term, and in open ocean polynya areas, where the change in ice concentration may be cause by melt from the underside of the ice. In the Arctic, strong correlations between surface temperature and ice concentration are evident for all seasons except during the summer. In the summer, factors such as meltponding, surface wetness, and ice breakup, as detected by high resolution visible data, contributes to larger uncertainties in the determination of ice concentration and the lack of good correlation of the variables.

Comiso, J. C.↗

Fully "Eqwipped" to See the Heat

Developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory over the past decade with an excess of $15 million of government research and development investment, quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) are infrared imaging sensors that can operate in the long wavelength portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, where objects at an ambient temperature emit the most energy. QWIPTECH was formed in July 1998 to offer JPL's QWIPs in a commercial format. The company currently holds an exclusive worldwide license to manufacture and sell the infrared photodetector sensors as part of a focal plane array called a QWIP Chip(TM). The QWIP Chip provides high thermal sensitivity (0.001 C) and possesses a broad dynamic range, permitting precise observations over a wide range of temperatures. Since the technology uses heat rather than light, it can "see" in complete darkness and through conditions such as dust, smoke, and light fog.

Source record↗

Nonlinear dynamics of global atmospheric and earth system processes

During the grant period, the authors continued ongoing studies aimed at enhancing their understanding of the operation of the atmosphere as a complex nonlinear system interacting with the hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere in response to external radiative forcing. Five papers were completed with support from the grant, representing contributions in three main areas of study: (1) theoretical studies of the interactive atmospheric response to changed biospheric boundary conditions measurable from satellites; (2) statistical-observational studies of global-scale temperature variability on interannual to century time scales; and (3) dynamics of long-term earth system changes associated with ice sheet surges.

Zhang, Taiping↗

NASA's Earth Observation Program: Past, Present and Future

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a space-based observing system comprised of a series of satellite sensors by which scientists can monitor the Earth, a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) enabling researchers worldwide to access the satellite data, and an interdisciplinary science research program to interpret the satellite data. In this electronic theater presentation I will illustrate how scientists can learn about the Earth's atmosphere, land, oceans, and cryosphere from the vantage point of space-based global observations. This presentation will emphasize, but will not be limited to, Earth observations from space that highlight the ecosystem and environment of southern Africa, including: (i) dynamic geosynchronous satellite observations of southern Africa and nearby Indian Ocean, (ii) vegetation dynamics (normalized difference vegetation index and leaf area index), (iii) sea surface temperature, ocean topography, and surface winds over the Benguela and Agulhas Currents, (iv) Landsat 7 imagery of Cape Town, Etosha Pan, and other regions of southern Africa (v) fire distribution and dynamics in the Miombo woodland of Zambia, Angola, and Malawi, (vi) aerosol and cloud properties in southern Africa, and (vii) ice sheet distribution in and around Antarctica. We will illustrate these and other topics with a dynamic theater-style presentation, along with animations of satellite launch deployments and orbital mapping to highlight aspects of Earth observations from space.

King, Michael D.↗

Spectroscopy of infrared-active phonons in high-temperature superconductors

For a large variety of superconducting materials both experimental and theoretical lattice dynamical studies have been performed to date. The assignment of the observed infrared- and Raman-active phonon modes to the particular lattice eigenmodes is generally accepted. We will concentrate here upon the analysis of the changes of the infrared-phonon parameters (frequency and linewidth) upon entering the superconducting state which, as will be shown, may provide information on the magnitude of the superconductivity-related gap and its dependence on the superconducting transition temperature Tc.

Litvinchuk, A. P.↗

INPIStron switched pulsed power for dense plasma pinches

The inverse plasma switch INPIStron was employed for 10kJ/40kV capacitor bank discharge system to produce focused dense plasmas in hypocycloidal-pinch (HCP) devices. A single unit and an array of multiple HCP's were coupled as the load of the pulsed power circuit. The geometry and switching plasma dynamics were found advantageous and convenient for commutating the large current pulse from the low impedance transmission line to the low impedance plasma load. The pulse power system with a single unit HCP, the system A, was used for production of high temperature plasma focus and its diagnostics. The radially running down plasma dynamics, revealed in image converter photographs, could be simulated by a simple snow-plow model with a correction for plasma resistivity. The system B with an array of 8-HCP units which forms a long coaxial discharge chamber was used for pumping a Ti-sapphire laser. The intense UV emission from the plasma was frequency shifted with dye-solution jacket to match the absorption band of the Ti crystal laser near 500 nm. An untuned laser pulse energy of 0.6 J/pulse was obtained for 6.4 kJ/40 kV discharge, or near 103 times of the explosion limit of conventional flash lamps. For both systems the advantages of the INPIStron were well demonstrated: a single unit is sufficient for a large current (greater than 50 kA) without increasing the system impedance, highly reliable and long life operation and implied scalability for the high power ranges above I(sub peak) = 1 MA and V(sub hold) = 100 kV.

Han, Kwang S.↗

Localized injection of large-amplitude Pc 1 waves and electron temperature enhancement near the plasmapause observed by DE2 in the upper ionosphere

The relation between electron temperature enhancement and large amplitude Pc 1 wave injections in the upper ionosphere is investigated using the data obtained by the Dynamics Explorer 2 spacecraft. Results can be summarized as follows: (1) The region of the temperature enhancement coincides with that of the wave injection which is latitudinally very narrow (less than 100 km) in comparison with the wavelength along the ambient magnetic field (several hundred kilometers). (2) The duration of the wave injection (or the temperature enhancement) seems to be less than a few hours even under quiet geomagnetic conditions, and/or the injection seems to be very localized, not only latitudinally, but also longitudinally. (3) The appearance and the magnitude of temperature enhancement depend on both the wave amplitude and the satellite altitude. (4) Two of the 22 events that were analyzed show a clear enhancement of low-energy electron flux (5 to 30 eV) at the wave injection, and the flux is field-aligned both downward and upward. The region of the temperature enhancement coincides with that of the downward electron flux. From these results, it is suggested that the temperature enhancement which accompanies large-amplitude waves with Pc 1 pulsation frequencies (0.2 to 5 Hz) is caused by the direct acceleration of thermal electrons at low altitudes by the parallel electric field (0.01 to 0.001 mV/m) of the ion-cyclotron waves (kinetic Alfven waves) having an oblique wave normal.

Iyemori, T.↗

Computational And Experimental Studies Of Three-Dimensional Flame Spread Over Liquid Fuel Pools

Schiller, Ross, and Sirignano (1996) studied ignition and flame spread above liquid fuels initially below the flashpoint temperature by using a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics code that solves the coupled equations of both the gas and the liquid phases. Pulsating flame spread was attributed to the establishment of a gas-phase recirculation cell that forms just ahead of the flame leading edge because of the opposing effect of buoyancy-driven flow in the gas phase and the thermocapillary-driven flow in the liquid phase. Schiller and Sirignano (1996) extended the same study to include flame spread with forced opposed flow in the gas phase. A transitional flow velocity was found above which an originally uniform spreading flame pulsates. The same type of gas-phase recirculation cell caused by the combination of forced opposed flow, buoyancy-driven flow, and thermocapillary-driven concurrent flow was responsible for the pulsating flame spread. Ross and Miller (1998) and Miller and Ross (1998) performed experimental work that corroborates the computational findings of Schiller, Ross, and Sirignano (1996) and Schiller and Sirignano (1996). Cai, Liu, and Sirignano (2002) developed a more comprehensive three-dimensional model and computer code for the flame spread problem. Many improvements in modeling and numerical algorithms were incorporated in the three-dimensional model. Pools of finite width and length were studied in air channels of prescribed height and width. Significant three-dimensional effects around and along the pool edge were observed. The same three-dimensional code is used to study the detailed effects of pool depth, pool width, opposed air flow velocity, and different levels of air oxygen concentration (Cai, Liu, and Sirignano, 2003). Significant three-dimensional effects showing an unsteady wavy flame front for cases of wide pool width are found for the first time in computation, after being noted previously by experimental observers (Ross and Miller, 1999). Regions of uniform and pulsating flame spread are mapped for the flow conditions of pool depth, opposed flow velocity, initial pool temperature, and air oxygen concentration under both normal and microgravity conditions. Details can be found in Cai et al. (2002, 2003). Experimental results recently performed at NASA Glenn of flame spread across a wide, shallow pool as a function of liquid temperature are also presented here.

Ross, Howard D.↗

Temperature and circulation in the stratospheres of the outer planets

A zonally symmetric, linear radiative-dynamical model is compared with observations of the upper tropospheres and stratospheres of the outer planets. Seasonal variation is included in the model. Friction is parameterized by linear drag (Rayleigh friction). Gas opacities are accounted for but aerosols are omitted. Horizontal temperature gradients are small on all the planets. Seasonal effects are strongest on Saturn and Neptune but are weak even in these cases, because the latitudinal gradient of radiative heating is weak. Seasonal effects on Uranus are extremely weak because the radiative time constant is longer that the orbital period. One free parameter in the model is the frictional time constant. Comparison with observed temperature perturbations over zonal currents in the troposphere shows that the frictional time constant is on the same order as the radiative time constant for all these objects. Vertical motions predicted by the model are extremely weak. They are much smaller than one scale height per orbital period, except in the immediate neighborhood of tropospheric and zonal currents.

Conrath, Barney J.↗

Temperature and circulation in the stratosphere of the outer planets

A zonally symmetric, linear radiative-dynamical model is compared with observations of the upper tropospheres and stratospheres of the outer planets. Seasonal variation is included in the model. Friction is parameterized by linear drag (Rayleigh friction). Gas opacities are accounted for but aerosols are omitted. Horizontal temperature gradients are small on all the planets. Seasonal effects are strongest on Saturn and Neptune but are weak even in these cases, because the latitudinal gradient of radiative heating is weak. Seasonal effects on Uranus are extremely weak because the radiative time constant is longer than the orbital period. One free parameter in the model is the frictional time constant. Comparison with observed temperature perturbations over zonal currents in the troposphere shows that the frictional time constant is on the same order as the radiative time constant for all these objects. Vertical motions predicted by the model are extremely weak. They are much smaller than one scale height per orbital period, except in the immediate neighborhood of tropospheric and zonal currents.

Conrath, Barney J.↗

An Intercomparison of Changes Associated with Earth's Lower Tropospheric Temperature Using Traditional and AMIP-Style Reanalyses

Reanalyses have become an integral tool for evaluating regional and global climate variations, and an important component of this is modifications to the energy budget. Reductions in Arctic Sea ice extent has induced an albedo feedback, causing the Arctic to warm more rapidly than anywhere else in the world, referred to as "Arctic Amplification." This has been demonstrated by observations and numerous reanalyses, including the Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2). However, the Arctic Amplification signal is non-existent in a ten member ensemble of the MERRA-2 Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (M2AMIP) simulations, using the same prescribed climate forcing, including Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and ice. An evaluation of the temperature tendency within the lower troposphere due to radiation, moisture, and dynamics as well as the surface energy budget in MERRA-2 and M2AMIP will demonstrate that despite identical prescribed SSTs and sea ice in both versions, enhanced warming in the Arctic in MERRA-2 is in response to the analysis increment tendency due to temperature observations. Furthermore, the role of boundary conditions, model biases and changes in observing systems on the Arctic Amplification signal will be assessed. Literature on the topic of Arctic Amplification demonstrates that the enhanced warming begins in the mid-1990s. Anomalously warm Arctic SST in the early time period of MERRA-2 can mute the trend in Arctic lower troposphere temperature without the constraint of observations in M2AMIP. Additionally, MERRA-2 uses three distinct datasets of SST and sea ice concentration, which also plays a role.

Arcti↗

Dynamic Force Reconstruction of Transient Flap Control Force Experiments in a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

This work details the design of a sliced-cone model with a flap embedded within the slice. The flap is controlled by a fast acting servo to simulate a control force of a hypersonic vehicle. Design considerations such as sensor placement, expected loading, servo arm selection, and cavity temperatures are detailed in this work. Such a design imparts a dynamic response of the test article and as such, dynamic force measurement methodologies are required to reconstruct the control forcing. Three methods are of particular interest: the Sum of Weighted Accelerations Technique, Time Domain Deconvolution Method, and Frequency Domain Inverse Method. Novel versions of each method have been applied to this dataset to improve the reconstruction accuracy.

dynamic balance↗

Dynamic Force Reconstruction of Transient Flap Control Force Experiments in a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

This work details the design of a sliced-cone model with a flap embedded within the slice. The flap is controlled by a fast acting servo to simulate a control force of a hypersonic vehicle. Design considerations such as sensor placement, expected loading, servo arm selection, and cavity temperatures are detailed in this work. Such a design imparts a dynamic response of the test article and as such, dynamic force measurement methodologies are required to reconstruct the control forcing. Three methods are of particular interest: the Sum of Weighted Accelerations Technique, Time Domain Deconvolution Method, and Frequency Domain Inverse Method. Novel versions of each method have been applied to this dataset to improve the reconstruction accuracy.

dynamic balance↗

GMAO OSSE Framework in Support of PBL Mission Science

The planetary boundary layer is the bottom layer of the troposphere where most of human activities take place. Atmospheric pollutants are capped by the temperature inversion layer in PBL. The thickness of PBL, ranging from tens of meter to several kilometer, affects pollutant dispersion and air quality. The thickness of PBL typically shows a strong diurnal cycle but it is difficult to model and predict its change because complicated dynamic and thermodynamic processes involved with air-surface exchange of temperature and moisture, convective mixing, surface friction, topography, advection and radiation heating and cooling influence the PBL height. Various parameterization schemes for PBL were developed but the underlying processes of PBL are neither clearly understood nor represented in NWP models and adding large uncertainty into weather and climate predictions. There are no systematic global observations to provide information on thermodynamic structure of PBL and efforts to explore new spaceborne instruments and measurement techniques are growing. This study aims to develop a PBL OSSE framework leveraging existing GMAO’s OSSE system that utilizes GEOS data assimilation and global forecast model (1) to evaluate existing and potential new observation types for the PBL structure analysis and prediction and (2) to test sensitivity of PBL parameterization schemes to PBL forecasts.

Min-Jeong Kim↗

"Inert" Strengths of Silicon Nitride Ceramics at Elevated Temperatures

An attempt to determine high temperature "inert" strengths of several silicon nitride ceramics was made by using dynamic fatigue testing at the very high stressing rate of 2 x 106 MPa/min. The fatigue strengths of all the silicon nitride materials exhibited a well-defined convergence to the corresponding room-temperature inert strengths as stressing rate was increased. The result showed that the high temperature Inert" strength of a ceramic material can be obtained by using sufficiently high stressing rates (greater or = 2 x 10(exp 6) MPa/min) at which fatigue strength converges to a specific value. The specific value can be close to the room-temperature strength of the material.

Choi, Sung R.↗

Advanced infrared astronomy

This task supports the application of infrared heterodyne and Fourier transform spectroscopy to ultra-high resolution studies of molecular constituents of planetary astomspheres and cometary comae. High spectral and spatial resolutions are especially useful for detection and study of localized, non-thermal phenomena in low temperature and low density regions, for detection of trace constituents and for measurement of winds and dynamical phenomena such as thermal tides. Measurement and analysis of individual spectial lines permits retrieval of atmospheric molecular abundances and temperatures and thus, information on local photochemical processes. Determination of absolute line positions to better than 10 to the minus eighth power permits direct measurements of gas velocity to a few meters/sec. Observations are made from ground based heterodyne spectrometers at the Kitt Peak McMath solar telescope and from the NASA infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Wind velocities at 110km altitude on Venus were extracted approximately 1 m/sec from measurements of non-thermal emission cores of 10.3 micron CO2 lines. Results indicate a subsolar to antisolar circulationwith a small zonal retrograde component.

Kostiuk, T.↗

Inverse correlations between the ion temperature anisotropy and plasma beta in the Earth's quasi-parallel magnetosheath

Average proton parameters in the magnetosheath downstream from the quasi-perpendicular shock (the quasi-perpendicular magnetosheath) for high solar wind dynamic pressure conditions are observed to vary continuously from high-beta, low-temperature anisotropy to low-beta, high-temperature anisotropy. Observations and theory have shown that this inverse correlation is a direct consequence of pitch angle scattering by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, which regulate the anisotropy, restoring the plasma toward marginal stability. ALthough the previously documented spectral characteristics of EMIC waves are not evident downstream of the quasi-parallel bow shock, the inverse anisotropy-beta relation found in the quasi-perpendicular magnetosheath also holds in the quasi-parallel magnetosheath. This indicates that the EMIC instability regulates the ion anisotropy regardless of the shock geometry.

Fuselier, Stephen A.↗