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At least 1,351 records · Page 75

Vehicle Lateral Offset Estimation Using Infrastructure Information for Reduced Compute Load

Accurate perception of the driving environment and a highly accurate position of the vehicle are paramount to safe Autonomous Vehicle (AV) operation. AVs gather data about the environment using various sensors. For a robust perception and localization system, incoming data from multiple sensors is usually fused together using advanced computational algorithms, which historically requires a high-compute load. To reduce AV compute load and its negative effects on vehicle energy efficiency, we propose a new infrastructure information source (IIS) to provide environmental data to the AV. The new energy–efficient IIS, chip–enabled raised pavement markers are mounted along road lane lines and are able to communicate a unique identifier and their global navigation satellite system position to the AV. This new IIS is incorporated into an energy efficient sensor fusion strategy that combines its information with that from traditional sensor. IIS reduce the need for camera imaging, image processing, and LIDAR use and point cloud processing. We show that IIS, when combined with traditional sensors, results in more accurate perception and localization outcomes and a reduced AV compute load.

Sharma, Sachin↗

Cloud-top pressure retrieval with DSCOVR EPIC oxygen A- and B-band observations

An analytic transfer inverse model for Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) observations is proposed to retrieve the cloud-top pressure (CTP) with the consideration of in-cloud photon penetration. In this model, an analytic equation was developed to represent the reflection at the top of the atmosphere from above cloud, in cloud, and below cloud. The coefficients of this analytic equation can be derived from a series of EPIC simulations under different atmospheric conditions using a nonlinear regression algorithm. With estimated cloud pressure thickness, the CTP can be retrieved from EPIC observation data by solving the analytic equation. To simulate the EPIC measurements, a program package using the double-k approach was developed. Compared to line-by-line calculation, this approach can calculate high-accuracy results with a 100-fold computation time reduction. During the retrieval processes, two kinds of retrieval results, i.e., baseline CTP and retrieved CTP, are provided. The baseline CTP is derived without considering in-cloud photon penetration, and the retrieved CTP is derived by solving the analytic equation, taking into consideration in-cloud and below-cloud interactions. The retrieved CTPs for the oxygen A and B bands are smaller than their related baseline CTP. At the same time, both baseline CTP and retrieved CTP at the oxygen B band are larger than those at the oxygen A band. Compared to the difference in baseline CTP between the B band and A band, the difference in retrieved CTP between these two bands is generally reduced. Out of around 10 000 cases, in retrieved CTP between the A and B bands we found an average bias of 93 mb with a standard deviation of 81 mb. The cloud layer top pressure from Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) measurements is used for validation. Under single-layer cloud situations, the retrieved CTPs for the oxygen A band agree well with the CTPs from CALIPSO, the mean difference of which within 5 mb in the case study. Under multiple-layer cloud situations, the CTPs derived from EPIC measurements may be larger than the CTPs of high-level thin clouds due to the effect of photon penetration.

DSCOVR↗

Design of the UCLA general circulation model

An edited version is reported of notes distributed at the Summer Workshop on the UCLA General Circulation Model in June 1971. It presents the computational schemes of the UCLA model, along with the mathematical and physical principles on which these schemes are based. Included are the finite difference schemes for the governing fluid-dynamical equations, designed to maintain the important integral constraints and dispersion characteristics of the motion. Also given are the principles of parameterization of cumulus convection by an ensemble of identical clouds. A model of the ground hydrology, involving the liquid, ice and snow states of water, is included. A short summary is given of the scheme for computing solar and infrared radiation transfers through clear and cloudy air.

Arakawa, A.↗

Preparing an on-Demand Cloud Processing Workflow for NISAR Ecosystems Science Products

In preparation for the NISAR launch and data collection in 2024, the NISAR Project Science Team is building workflows for each Science Team discipline (Ecosystems, Cryosphere, and Solid Earth). This abstract focuses on the Ecosystem disciplines and the development of on-demand cloud-processing workflows for wetlands inundation, forest biomass, agricultural active crop area, and forest disturbance. The workflow simulates NISAR data using UAVSAR or ALOS-2 Single Look Complex data, which are processed to Level 2 geocoded polarimetric covariance matrix products using InSAR Scientific Computing Environment 3.0 software and to Level 3 science products using the Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents. In this presentation, we describe these workflows and efforts to improve efficiency and data accessibility by using a cloud processing system. We present preliminary sample products from each Ecosystem discipline: inundation, forest biomass, crop area, and forest disturbance.

Christensen, Alexandra↗

A comparison of cloud motion winds from ATS 6 images with coinciding SMS 1 winds

A methodology is developed for accurate measurement of cloud motion winds from the geosynchronous ATS 6 image data. Attitude changes between consecutive images (as a function of scan-line number) are accounted for in wind computations through measurement of the earth-edge displacements between the successive infrared images. Also, an image matching procedure is used to remove obvious and distracting image distortions. The availability of SMS imagery coinciding with ATS 6 imagery makes SMS an excellent reference against which the quality of ATS 6 winds can be tested. The resulting winds inferred from cloud displacement measurements taken from a sequence of the corrected images are found to agree better than 2 m/sec rms with winds measured from coincident SMS 1 imagery.

Kuhlow, W. W.↗

Importance of ice nucleation and precipitation on climate with the Parameterization of Unified Microphysics Across Scales version 1 (PUMASv1)

Cloud microphysics is critical for weather and climate prediction. In this work, we document updates and corrections to the cloud microphysical scheme used in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and other models. These updates include a new nomenclature for the scheme, now called Parameterization of Unified Microphysics Across Scales (PUMAS), and the ability to run the scheme on graphics processing units (GPUs). The main science changes include refactoring an ice number limiter and associated changes to ice nucleation, adding vapor deposition onto snow, and introducing an implicit numerical treatment for sedimentation. We also detail the improvements in computational performance that can be achieved with GPU acceleration. We then show the impact of these scheme changes on the (a) mean state climate, (b) cloud feedback response to warming, and (c) aerosol forcing. We find that corrections are needed to the immersion freezing parameterization and that ice nucleation has important impacts on climate. We also find that the revised scheme produces less cloud liquid and ice but that this can be adjusted by changing the loss process for cloud liquid (autoconversion). Furthermore, there are few discernible effects of the PUMAS changes on cloud feedbacks but some reductions in the magnitude of aerosol–cloud interactions (ACIs). Small cloud feedback changes appear to be related to the implicit sedimentation scheme, with a number of factors affecting ACIs.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Importance of Ice Nucleation and Precipitation on Climate With the Parameterization of Unified Microphysics Across Scales Version 1 (PUMASv1)

Cloud microphysics is critical for weather and climate prediction. In this work, we document updates and corrections to the cloud microphysical scheme used in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and other models. These updates include a new nomenclature for the scheme, now called Parameterization of Unified Microphysics Across Scales (PUMAS), and the ability to run the scheme on graphics processing units (GPUs). The main science changes include refactoring an ice number limiter and associated changes to ice nucleation, adding vapor deposition onto snow, and introducing an implicit numerical treatment for sedimentation. We also detail the improvements in computational performance that can be achieved with GPU acceleration. We then show the impact of these scheme changes on the (a) mean state climate, (b) cloud feedback response to warming, and (c) aerosol forcing. We find that corrections are needed to the immersion freezing parameterization and that ice nucleation has important impacts on climate. We also find that the revised scheme produces less cloud liquid and ice but that this can be adjusted by changing the loss process for cloud liquid (autoconversion). Furthermore, there are few discernible effects of the PUMAS changes on cloud feedbacks but some reductions in the magnitude of aerosol–cloud interactions (ACIs). Small cloud feedback changes appear to be related to the implicit sedimentation scheme, with a number of factors affecting ACIs.

Clouds↗

Modeling multiple scattering transient of an ultrashort laser pulse by spherical particles

The multiple scattering of an ultrashort laser pulse by a turbid dispersive medium (namely a cloud of bubbles in water) is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The theory of Gouesbet and Gréhan (2000) is used to derive an energetic model of the scattering transient. It is shown that the spreading and extinction of the pulse can be decoupled from the transient of scattering, which allows to describe each phenomenon individually. The transient of scattering is modeled with the Lorenz-Mie Theory and thus is also valid for a relative refractive index lower than one, contrary to the Debye series expansion which does not converge close to the critical angle. This is made possible after the introduction of a new physical object, the Scattering Impulse Response Function (SIRF) which allows to detect the different modes of scattering transient, in time and direction. Here the present approach is more generic, as it enables to simulate clouds of air bubbles in water, which was not possible previously. Two different approaches are proposed within the Monte Carlo framework. The first is a pure Monte Carlo approach where the delay due to the scattering is randomly drawn at each event, while the second is based on the transport of the whole scattering signal. They are both embedded in the Monte Carlo code Scatter3D. Both models produce equivalent trends and are validated against published numerical results. They are then applied to the multiple scattering of ultra short pulse by a cloud of bubble in water in the forward direction. The pulse spread due to the propagation in water is computed for a wide range of traveled distances and pulse durations, and the optimal pulse duration is given to minimize the pulse spread at a given distance. The main result is that the scattered photons exit the turbid medium earlier than the ballistic photons and produce a double peak related to the refraction in the bubble. This demonstrates the possibility to develop new diagnostics to characterize dynamic bubbly flows.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Accelerating Control Systems with GitOps: A Path to Automation and Reliability

GitOps is a foundational approach for modernizing infrastructure by leveraging Git as the single source of truth for declarative configurations. The poster explores how GitOps transforms traditional control system infrastructure, services and applications by enabling fully automated, auditable, and version-controlled infrastructure management. Cloud-native and containerized environments are shifting the ecosystem not only in the IT industry but also within the computational science field, as is the case of CERN and Diamond Light Source among other Accelerator/Science facilities which are slowly shifting towards modern software and infrastructure paradigms. The ACORN project, which aims to modernize Fermilab’s control system infrastructure and software is implementing proven best-practices and cutting-edge technology standards including GitOps, containerization, infrastructure as code and modern data pipelines for control system data acquisition and the inclusion of AI/ML in our accelerator complex.

Gonzalez, M. [Fermilab]↗

Planetary geology, stellar evolution and galactic cosmology

Field studies of selected basalt flows in the Snake River Plain, Idaho, were made for comparative lunar and Mars geological investigations. Studies of basalt lava tubes were also initiated in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and northern California. The main effort in the stellar evolution research is toward the development of a computer code to calculate hydrodynamic flow coupled with radiative energy transport. Estimates of the rotation effects on a collapsing cloud indicate that the total angular momentum is the critical parameter. The study of Paschen and Balmer alpha lines of positronium atoms in the center of a galaxy is mentioned.

Source record↗

Stream network analysis from orbital and suborbital imagery, Colorado River Basin, Texas

The author has identified the following significant results. Orbital SL-2 imagery (earth terrain camera S-190B), received September 5, 1973, was subjected to quantitative network analysis and compared to 7.5 minute topographic mapping (scale: 1/24,000) and U.S.D.A. conventional black and white aerial photography (scale: 1/22,200). Results can only be considered suggestive because detail on the SL-2 imagery was badly obscured by heavy cloud cover. The upper Bee Creek basin was chosen for analysis because it appeared in a relatively cloud-free portion of the orbital imagery. Drainage maps were drawn from the three sources digitized into a computer-compatible format, and analyzed by the WATER system computer program. Even at its small scale (1/172,000) and with bad haze the orbital photo showed much drainage detail. The contour-like character of the Glen Rose Formation's resistant limestone units allowed channel definition. The errors in pattern recognition can be attributed to local areas of dense vegetation and to other areas of very high albedo caused by surficial exposure of caliche. The latter effect caused particular difficulty in the determination of drainage divides.

Baker, V. R.↗

Rain, fog, and clouds for aircraft simulators

Environmental chamber creates realistic fog and rain effects in aircraft simulator. It reproduces clouds, homogeneous fog, patches of fog, rain and fog, and rain only. It is used with real time digital computer, color computer generated image display that simulates airport lights, or color television camera that produces moving display of airport runway as depicted on model terrain board.

Chase, W. D.↗

Severe storms and local weather research

Developments in the use of space related techniques to understand storms and local weather are summarized. The observation of lightning, storm development, cloud development, mesoscale phenomena, and ageostrophic circulation are discussed. Data acquisition, analysis, and the development of improved sensor and computer systems capability are described. Signal processing and analysis and application of Doppler lidar data are discussed. Progress in numerous experiments is summarized.

Source record↗

Interactive processing of SEASAT scatterometer data

The Man-computer Interactive Data Access System (McIDAS), adapted for the interactive processing of satellite-derived temperature soundings and cloud-track winds for the FGGE Special Effort, was adapted for the processing and evaluation of SEASAT data. The implementation of the McIDAS SEASAT processing system required (1) extensive modifications to the data base structure to store and display SASS winds, as well as corroborative level II data, model first guess fields and level III analyses, and (2) the development of software to dealias and analyze SASS wind vectors interactively.

Atlas, R.↗

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of the planetary nebula in the Fornax galaxy

The planetary nebula in the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy is carbon rich, according to calculations based on measurements of the 1909 A emission line doublet of semiforbidden C III obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer. The ratio N(C)/N(O) is approximately equal to 3.7, comparable to the largest reliably determined carbon/oxygen ratios in high excitation planetaries of the Milky Way. The present result is based on four low-dispersion spectra with a combined exposure time of 27.2 hours; the Fornax planetary nebula is probably the most distant known planetary that can be observed with IUE. The IUE data were analyzed together with visible-wavelength emission-line fluxes reported by Danziger et al. (1978) to compute abundances for various elements. In terms of chemical composition, the Fornax nebula resembles planetary nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds more closely than it does typical or carbon-rich planetaries in the Galaxy.

Maran, S. P.↗

Reduction of weather effects in the calculation of sea ice concentration from microwave radiances

A technique is presented which improves existing methods of calculating sea ice concentrations from microwave radiances by reducing weather-related effects over open ocean areas and in the vicinity of marginal sea ice zones. Winds, atmospheric water vapor, cloud liquid water, and rain increase the microwave emission over these regions and thus result in erroneous values of computed sea ice concentration. The method described is based on the microwave spectral properties of sea ice and ice-free ocean and utilizes ratios of the polarized radiances at the 0.81-cm (37 GHz) and 1.7-cm (18 GHz) wavelengths. Following a discussion of the physical basis for this technique, examples are provided which demonstrate its utility. While the technique was developed for use with the Nimbus 7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer data, it is applicable also to data from other microwave radiometers operating in a similar wavelength range.

Gloersen, P.↗

Comparative accuracy of selected multiple scattering approximations

Doubling method computational results which have yielded plane albedo, total transmission and fractional absorption for plane-parallel atmospheres composed of cloud droplets are presently compared with data obtained with selected radiative transfer approximations. The relative and absolute accuracies of asymptotic theory for thick layers and delta-Eddington, Meador-Weaver (1980) and Coakley-Chylek (1975) approximations are compared as a function of optical thickness, solar zenith angle, and single scattering albedo. The delta-Eddington approximation is the most accurate for conservative scattering when the solar zenith angle is small, while Meador-Weaver is the most accurate for nonconservative scattering.

King, M. D.↗

Visible phase curves of Uranus and Neptune and scattering in their atmospheres

The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 narrow angle cameras have been imaging Uranus and Neptune (through several filters) from distances of several AU for the past four years. The justification for this is to determine the way in which the albedoes of the two planets vary with angle from the sun. The Voyager 1 spacecraft has already reached a phase angle of approx. 40 deg. for Neptune and approx. 70 deg. for Uranus. The albedo of a gaseous planet depends on the phase angle (angle from the sun through the planet to the observer), the color being observed, and the vertical distribution and nature of aerosols and clouds in the atmosphere of the planet. Since the colors are known and the phase angles, and phase curves will be used to constrain models of the aerosol and cloud structrures of Uranus and Neptune. A knowledge of the way albedo varies with phase angle allows one to compute the total amount of sunlight being absorbed by a planet. With knowledge of the solar flux incident on the planet and knowledge of how much infrared is being emitted by the planet (at least in the direction of the Earth and sun) one can determine a rough extimate of the internal heat source of the planet. Although Jupiter and Saturn have measured internal heat sources of magnitude comparable to their absorbed energy from the sun, preliminary results indicate that Uranus may not have an internal heat and that Neptune if it has one that heat source is small.

Wenkert, D.↗