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Space Weather 101
Objective of the presentation: Enhance awareness of space weather and why you should care
Investigating the Role of Incident Ion Flux in Solar Wind Space Weathering of Carbon-Rich Asteroidal Regolith Via H+ and He+ Irradiation of the Murchison Meteorite
We present results from a set of low and high flux 1 keV/amu H + and He + irradiation experiments performed on slabs of the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. The low flux conditions for H + and He + irradiation were ~1-1.5 orders of magnitude lower than the high flux conditions, and each experiment was irradiated to a total fluence between ~3 × 10 16 to ~6 × 10 16 ions/cm 2 . Irradiation-induced changes in the surface chemistry and optical properties of the Murchison samples were evaluated using in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (VNIR). We characterized the microstructure and composition of ion damaged rims in focused ion beam (FIB) cross-sections extracted from olivine and matrix material in each irradiated Murchison slab using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XPS results suggest that both low flux and high flux H + and He + irradiation cause minor sputtering of surface carbon as well as a reduction in the valence state of iron, from Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ . Slope bluing is observed in VNIR spectra of the irradiated samples which may reflect carbonization and dehydrogenation of organic species and contrasts with reddening trends associated with npFe 0 formation. Although we do not observe a strong flux-dependence on the crystallinity of ion-damaged olivine, TEM analyses reveal a variety of microstructures in all olivine FIB-sections, suggesting that crystallographic orientation affects amorphization efficiency. Analyses of matrix FIB-sections indicate that phyllosilicate alteration is mainly driven by He+ irradiation, where the higher incident flux leads to greater amorphization and the formation of more distinct ion-damaged layers, similar to smooth layers in returned Ryugu particles. TEM results also provide some evidence that higher ion flux leads to greater vesiculation, with He + irradiation being more efficient at vesiculation than H + irradiation, and that higher ion flux may promote the segregation of Mg and Si into laterally extensive lenses and layers in olivine samples. We discuss the implications of these findings for constraining the role that ion flux plays in the development of space weathering characteristics in silicate phases present in carbonaceous asteroidal regoliths. These results will be important for understanding the complexity of this process and how it operates on carbon-rich airless bodies like asteroids Bennu and Ryugu.
Preliminary Results from the HOTTech-2 Venus Weathering Experiment
Rocks exposed on the surface of Venus are subjected to extreme conditions. The most notable features of the planet’s atmosphere are its pressure (93 bars), its temperature (~460 degrees C), and the presence of oxidizing species such as SO 2 . In aggregate, these factors can be expected to alter exposed rocks over geologic timescales. Our understanding of the nature of this alteration is limited, as the conditions on the Venusian surface are unlike any encountered on the surface of Earth. Last summer, we initiated a multi-year experimental study of Venusian weathering processes. This project dovetails with the community’s Venus Exploration Roadmap, as it addresses priorities such as the study of Venus’ modern habitability and preparations for the upcoming VERITAS, DAVINCI+, and EnVision missions.
Improving the Fire Weather Index System for Peatlands Using Peat-Specific Hydrological Input Data
The Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) system, even though originally developed and calibrated for an upland Jack pine forest, is used globally to estimate fire danger for any fire environment. However, for some environments, such as peatlands, the applicability of the FWI in its current form, is often questioned. In this study, we replaced the original moisture codes of the FWI with hydrological estimates resulting from the assimilation of satellite-based L-band passive microwave observations into a peatland-specific land surface model. In a conservative approach that maintains the integrity of the original FWI structure, the distributions of the hydrological estimates were first matched to those of the corresponding original moisture codes before replacement. The resulting adapted FWI, hereafter called FWIpeat, was evaluated using satellite-based information on fire presence over boreal peatlands from 2010 through 2018. Adapting the FWI with model- and satellite-based hydrological information was found to be beneficial in estimating fire danger, especially when replacing the deeper moisture codes of the FWI. For late-season fires, further adaptations of the fine fuel moisture code show even more improvement due to the fact that late-season fires are more hydrologically driven. The proposed FWIpeat should enable improved monitoring of fire risk in boreal peatlands.
Space Weather 101
Earth has an intrinsic magnetic field. Most people know this, because they use the magnetized needle of a compass to locate the cardinal directions north, east, south, and west. Most people don’t realize however, that Earth’s magnetic field extends well out into space where it meets, combines, and interacts with the Sun’s much stronger magnetic field. The interactions happen because the Sun sends out a steady stream of mostly protons and electrons in all directions along its magnetic field -- the solar wind. The Sun also produces continuous light emissions in infrared to ultraviolet to X-ray, in addition to eruptive emissions of X-rays and bulk ionized gas, called flares and coronal mass ejections. The ionizing radiation from the Sun striking our upper atmosphere creates a layer of ionized gas that leads to our own outflowing ionized gas, called plasma, along Earth’s magnetic field lines. The Sun’s outflowing solar wind and coronal mass ejections, together with its large magnetic field, drive strong responses inside Earth’s magnetic and plasma system. Together with cosmic radiation, these processes in the space environment are called Space Weather. That term includes the responses Earth’s magnetized plasma system has to these external drivers, which cause dangerous conditions for astronauts and satellites in space, as well as to us and our systems in the atmosphere and on the ground. This lecture is intended to make you aware of the risks and lead you to a basic awareness of the processes going on in our near-Earth space environment.
Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office FY 2017 Budget At-A-Glance
The Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs (WIP) Office is part of EERE’s balanced research, development, demonstration, and deployment approach to accelerate America’s transition to a clean energy economy. WIP’s mission is to partner with state and local organizations to improve energy security and to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and practices by a wide range of government, community, and business stakeholders.
Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Hurricanes and Other Severe Weather
Field examinations of hurricane-damaged photovoltaic systems have revealed important design, construction, and operational factors that greatly influence a system's survivability from a severe weather event. The U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) is expanding its recommended design specifications to include factors and best practices for system survivability identified from 2017 hurricanes. This fact sheet provides an overview of the upcoming additions to these design specifications.
High-Frequency Forecasting of Solar Radiation Using a Hybrid Numerical Weather Prediction and Stochastic Downscaling Model
This poster presents an overview of high-frequency forecasting of solar radiation using a hybrid numerical weather prediction and stochastic downscaling model.
Guidance on Utility Rate Estimations and Weather Normalization in Performance Contracts
Document explains how to use estimated energy and water rates and normalized weather data in determining payments under a federal energy savings performance contract (ESPC) or utility energy service contract (UESC).
Leveraging Weatherization Assistance Program Funds for Greater Impact
Under federal law, all Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) State Program Administrators are empowered to invest in teaming up with their subgrantees and local utilities or other state program administrators to develop expanded, non-federal funding streams, and coordinated delivery systems.
Key Takeaways from Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Wage Study & Analysis
In early 2021, the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) and its Workforce Development Working Group provided turnkey survey tools to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) network on compensation rates for six core WAP positions. From February to April 2021 wage surveys were voluntarily conducted by 27 states, with 286 Subgrantees self-reporting hourly wage data. For context, a $1/hour increase in wages = $2,080/year increase in salary.
Weatherization Updates From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides technical assistance and research to support high-quality work and highly qualified workers in the weatherization and home performance industry. NREL staff will provide updates on their work on the Standard Work Specifications, Home Energy Professional Certifications, Continuous Improvement Workshops, workforce training and research, and other topics.
Building for Growth: Weatherization Updates from NREL
Our NREL team (Jal Desai, Juliana Williams, and Cory Chovanec) will discuss recent and future projects at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in support to the U.S Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). NREL staff will provide updates on several initiatives, including worker credentials, Standard Work Specifications, visualization resources, and more! Be prepared to provide feedback and share new ideas in pursuit of continuous improvement within WAP.
Cold Weather Impacts on Electric School Buses
School bus fleets considering electric school buses (ESBs) can start here to learn how cold weather impacts ESBs and considerations for optimizing bus performance when temperatures drop.
Cold Weather Impacts on Battery-Electric Transit Buses
Transit fleets exploring the adoption of battery-electric buses (BEBs) can start here to learn about the effects of cold weather and how to enhance bus performance in low temperatures.
Hot Weather Impacts on Battery-Electric Transit Buses
Transit fleets considering integrating battery-electric buses (BEBs) can start by examining the impact of hot weather on BEBs and identifying key factors to optimize bus performance in high temperatures.
Hot Weather Impacts on Electric School Buses
School bus fleets considering electric school buses can use this resource to learn how hot weather impacts them, and learn how to optimize bus performance when temperatures rise.