SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “topography”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 991 records · Page 55

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2024

Atmospheric-river-induced precipitation in California as simulated by the regionally refined Simple Convective Resolving E3SM Atmosphere Model (SCREAM) Version 0

Abstract. Using the regionally refined mesh (RRM) configuration of the US Department of Energy's Simple Cloud-Resolving Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) Atmosphere Model (SCREAM), we simulate and evaluate four meteorologically distinct atmospheric river events over California. We test five different RRM configurations, each differing in terms of the areal extent of the refined mesh and the resolution (ranging from 800 m to 3.25 km). We find that SCREAM RRM generally has a good representation of the AR-generated precipitation in CA, even for the control simulation which has a very small 3 km refined patch, and is able to capture the fine-scale regional distributions that are controlled largely by the fine-scale topography of the state. It is found that SCREAM generally has a wet bias over topography, most prominently over the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with a corresponding dry bias on the lee side. We find that refining the resolution beyond 3 km (specifically 1.6 km and 800 m) has virtually no benefit towards reducing systematic precipitation biases but that improvements can be found when increasing the areal extent of the upstream refined mesh. However, these improvements are relatively modest and only realized if the size of the refined mesh is expanded to the scale where employing RRM no longer achieves the substantial cost benefit it was intended for.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Wind redistribution of snow impacts the Ka- and Ku-band radar signatures of Arctic sea ice

Wind-driven redistribution of snow on sea ice alters its topography and microstructure, yet the impact of these processes on radar signatures is poorly understood. Here, we examine the effects of snow redistribution over Arctic sea ice on radar waveforms and backscatter signatures obtained from a surface-based, fully polarimetric Ka- and Ku-band radar at incidence angles between 0° (nadir) and 50°. Two wind events in November 2019 during the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition are evaluated. During both events, changes in Ka- and Ku-band radar waveforms and backscatter coefficients at nadir are observed, coincident with surface topography changes measured by a terrestrial laser scanner. At both frequencies, redistribution caused snow densification at the surface and the uppermost layers, increasing the scattering at the air–snow interface at nadir and its prevalence as the dominant radar scattering surface. The waveform data also detected the presence of previous air–snow interfaces, buried beneath newly deposited snow. The additional scattering from previous air–snow interfaces could therefore affect the range retrieved from Ka- and Ku-band satellite altimeters. With increasing incidence angles, the relative scattering contribution of the air–snow interface decreases, and the snow–sea ice interface scattering increases. Relative to pre-wind event conditions, azimuthally averaged backscatter at nadir during the wind events increases by up to 8 dB (Ka-band) and 5 dB (Ku-band). Results show substantial backscatter variability within the scan area at all incidence angles and polarizations, in response to increasing wind speed and changes in wind direction. Our results show that snow redistribution and wind compaction need to be accounted for to interpret airborne and satellite radar measurements of snow-covered sea ice.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2020

Frost Table Elevation across a Low-Centered and a High-Centered Polygon, Mapped using Ground Penetrating Radar, Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska, 2015

Ground Penetrating Radar, active layer thickness point measurements, and ground elevation surveys were conducted on a low-centered and a high-centered polygon in Utqiagvik (Barrow), AK (on October 2nd, 2015) to map frost table topography and evaluate its influence on hydrological flow. Data were collected to improve our understanding of the topography of the permafrost table across polygons which may have a major influence on hydrology. This dataset includes 2 zip files containing the raw data, 2 csv files of processed data, and a pdf user guide.The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research.The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska.Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1971

Analytical solution for the wind-driven circulation in a lake containing an island

An analysis was carried out to determine analytically the effect of an island on the wind driven currents in a shallow lake (or sea). A general analysis is developed that can be applied to a large class of lake and island geometries and bottom topographies. Detailed numerical results are obtained for a circular island located eccentrically or concentrically in a circular lake with a logarithmic bottom topography. It is shown that an island can produce volume flow (vertically integrated velocities) gyres that are completely different from those produced by a normal basin without an island. These gyres in the neighborhood of the island will produce different velocity patterns, which include the acceleration of flow near the island shore.

Goldstein, M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Utilizing ERTS-A imagery for tectonic analysis through study of Big Horn Mountains region

The author has identified the following significant results. Winter imagery in December 6-10, 1972 and January 11-13, 1972, provides optimum snow cover and depth such that, along with low sun angle, topography and drainage are markedly enhanced. Several features are visible that are poorly, or even not distinguishable on clear scenes without snow. Examples are Bear Butte (igneous plug) and Elkhorn Peak (dome) on scene (1136-17130), northeastern Black Hills, (1172-17130) a linear linking the Cascade anticline and Cretaceous hogbacks near Hot Springs, S. D. south to the Niobrara River, and (1140-17373) the Lake Basin fault zone north of Billings, Montana. Extremely heavy snows in April completely blot out all vegetation and topography in the Bighorn, Wind River, and Beartooth ranges.

Hoppin, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Recognition of beach and nearshore depositional features of Chesapeake Bay

Beach and nearshore depositional features are being mapped with the objectives of determining a quick-look analysis of littoral drift and sedimentation patterns in areas of little or no data. Evaluation of beach and nearshore features aid in the selection of small boat harbors, shoreline protective structures, and general coastal zone development. Through ERTS-1 aircraft support imagery, beach depositional features mapped are cuspate forelands, welded beach ridges, and recurved spits. The nearshore depositional features exhibit a bar and trough topography with three distinct types of sedimentary structures; longshore, transverse, and reticulated bars. Synoptic coverage of beach and nearshore depositional features by ERTS-1 data help in determining the general sedimentation patterns, growth of the beach features and stability of the bar and trough topography.

Kerhin, R. T.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A generalized geologic map of Mars

A generalized geologic map of Mars has been constructed largely on the basis of differences in the topography of the surface. A number of topographic features on Mars whose form is highly diagnostic of their origin are shown. Of particular note are the shield volcanoes and lava plains. In some areas, the original features have been considerably modified by subsequent erosional and tectonic processes. These have not, however, resulted in homogenization of the planet's surface, but rather have emphasized its variegated character by leaving a characteristic imprint in specific areas. The topography of the planet, therefore, lends itself well to remote geologic interpretation.

Carr, M. H.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Mariner 9 observations of the surface of Mars in the north polar region

The recession rate of the north polar cap, as monitored by Mariner 9, was not significantly different than has been observed from earth in the past. Thus, the dynamic planet-wide dust storm does not seem to have had a noticeable effect on the thickeness of the CO2 deposit which developed during the standard mission. The dominant role of local topography in controlling the configuration of the retreating cap is confirmed. At narrow-angle resolution the retreating frost has high-lighted topographic detail that may represent Martian polar eolian deposits. At wide angle resolution the topography of the smooth plains, rugged etch pitted terrain, and complex central polar deposits is emphasized by the frost.

Soderblom, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Mare ridges and lava lakes

The autointrusive hypothesis of the origin of several vagaries of prominent mare ridges is explained. Data are based on a comparison between the structure of a Hawaiian lava lake and the mare ridges. Resulting data suggest that these ridges may have formed as squeeze-ups and autointrusives in tension fractures over buried topography in the crust of luna lava lakes. Data also suggest that mare ridges may result from: (1) pressure ridges in flows, (2) compressional features resulting from subsidence of mare lava, (3) volcanic ring structures and extrusives, or loccoliths fed by lunar grid controlled dikes, (4) draped topography and fissure eruptives, (5) drag folds or tension-gash dikes caused by wrench faulting at depth, and (6) postmare thrust faults.

Hodges, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Theoretical autophotogrammetry. I - The method of the photometric potential

The present work presents preliminary efforts at a mathematical formulation of a photogrammetric method suitable for computerized processing. A theory is derived for the extraction of surface topography from stereometric pairs of photographs. The theory can be applied to either convergent or near-orthographic-projection stereo. Scene brightness is treated as a scalar function defined on a general surface embedded in ordinary three-dimensional space (the actual topography). Correspondence of points is based on adjustments leading to photometric equivalence, while the adjustments are based on the local value of the photometric gradient.

Wildey, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Satellite instrumentation for ocean surface measurements

Sea surface observables for ocean dynamics applications are related to topography, physical structure, and the chemothermodynamic state. Radar sensors are required for the topography and physical structure groups of observations. The characteristics of narrow band radar are considered, taking into account long pulse radar to measure wind speed and a long pulse radar-interferometer mode for wave sensing. Time domain radar techniques offer the alternative to determination of the sea surface structure by measuring the magnitude of the scattering cross-section. Multifrequency radiometric observations in the microwave visible and infrared spectral regions are required for ocean chemothermodynamic state measurements.

Eckerman, J.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Summary of Skylab S-193 altimeter altitude results

The SKYLAB S-193 altimeter altitude results are presented in a concise format for further use and analysis by the scientific community. The altimeter mission and instrumentation is described along with the altimeter processing techniques and values of parameters used for processing. The determination of reference orbits is discussed, and the tracking systems utilized are tabulated. Techniques for determining satellite pointing are presented and a tabulation of pointing for each data mission included. The geographical location, the ocean bottom topography, the altimeter-determined ocean surface topography, and the altimeter automatic gain control history is presented. Some typical applications of this data are suggested.

Mcgoogan, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Satellite altimetry applications

In satellite altimetry the highly stable platform provided by a satellite is utilized as a moving reference system from which vertical measurements to the ocean surface are made. Satellite altimetry applications are related to geoid determination, questions concerning the consideration of local topography, geological-structure studies, investigations regarding the distribution of wave heights, current detection, and the mapping of land topography.

Mcgoogan, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Geometry of aortic heart valves

Photogrammetric measurements of the surface topography of the aortic valves obtained from silicon rubber molds of freshly excised human aortic valves are presented. The data are part of an investigation into the design of a new prosthetic valve which will be a central-flow device, like the real valve and unlike previous central-occluding prostheses. Since the maximum stress on the heart valve is induced when the valve is closed and subject to diastolic back-pressure, it was decided to determine the valve geometry during diastole. That is, the molds were formed by pouring the rubber down the excised aortas, causing the valves to close. The molds were made under different pressures (20-120 torr); photogrammetry served as a vehicle for the assessment of the mold topography through the following outputs: digital models, surface profiles, and contour maps.

Karara, H. M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Expected Seasat-A scientific results

The higher accuracy and extended coverage of the SEASAT-A altimeter allows for the determinations of a highly refined geoid, of open ocean currents and circulations, of ocean subsurface topography, and of earth surface topography. The radar altimeter on SEASAT-A is also considered as a tracking station in orbit for range and range rate tracking work.

Hoge, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Skylab altimeter observations over terrain

The author has identified the following significant results. Data obtained by Skylab radar altimeter (S193) over the continental U.S.A. for pass 1 of SL-3 were analyzed to relate radar return signal parameters such as range, power, and waveform to ground track terrain features. The altimeter, which was originally designed for ocean observations, performed predictably well over terrain with moderate to low relief. The maximum return from more complex areas corresponded usually to the lower flatter regions within the seven kilometer diameter footprint. Altimeter measured heights correlated with map topography with an rms deviation of + or - 30 m for terrain topography with large height dispersion (passes 1 and 28) and + or - 5 m for slowly varying terrain (passes 16, 17, and 18). Analysis of the waveform and statistical characteristics of the individual signals indicated that larger signal power was usually related to dominantly specular reflections from patches 100 m or larger. Results established the capability of a spacecraft altimeter system to observe characteristic radar signatures for different types of terrain within the bandwidth restrictions of the AGC and range tracker loops.

Shapiro, A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

The anatomy of an anomaly

An anomalous tonal pattern, apparently associated with the Beaver Creek oil field in central Wyoming, was identified using an MSS Band 5 to 4 ratio image made from digital LANDSAT data. This pattern was attributed to an increase in iron with rocks and/or soils which might have resulted from escaping hydrocarbons. The nature of this anomaly was investigated by producing several different combinations of band ratios and by conducting appropriate field studies. The results indicated (1) the existence of a well-defined oval feature related to exposure of iron-cemented red sandstones in a badlands topography, (2) a broader iron-influenced anomaly surrounding this feature, and (3) a spectral response of the rocks, soils, and alluvium making up this iron-colored surface that is readily distinguishable from that of iron-rich reddish Chugwater siltstones exposed in nearby anticlines. The general pattern of the broad anomaly extending beyond the Beaver Creek field is controlled by several factors including variations in vegetation (mainly sage and tall grasses), soil composition and moisture, and topography in addition to variations in iron content of the rock materials. From the available evidence, there is no provable correlation between the oval or the broad anomalies and the distribution of petroleum-producing structures or possible surface alteration effects related to uranium deposits known to occur within this region.

Short, N. M.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Nearshore coastal mapping

Two test sites of different water quality and bottom topography were used to test for maximum water depth penetration using the Skylab S-192 MSS for measurement of nearshore coastal bathymetry. Sites under investigation lie along the Lake Michigan coastline where littoral transport acts to erode sand bluffs and endangers developments along 1,200 miles of shore, and on the west coast of Puerto Rico where unreliable shoal location and depth information constitutes a safety hazard to navigation. The S-192 and S-190A and B provide data on underwater features because of water transparency in the blue/green portion of the spectrum. Depth of 20 meters were measured with the S-192 in the Puerto Rico test site. The S-190B photography with its improved spatial resolution clearly delineates the triple sand bar topography in the Lake Michigan test site. Several processing techniques were employed to test for maximum depth measurement with least error. The results are useful for helping to determine an optimum spectral bandwidth for future space sensors that will increase depth measurements for different water attenuation conditions where a bottom reflection is detectable.

Polcyn, F. C.↗