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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Global patterns of cloud optical thickness variation with temperature

A global cloud climatology dataset is used to study patterns of cloud optical thickness variation with temperature. The data, which cover the period from July 1983 through June 1995, contain detailed information on the distribution of cloud radiative properties and their diurnal and seasonal variations, as well as information on the vertical distribution of temperature and humidity in the troposphere. For cold low clouds over land, the temperature coefficient of change in optical thickness has a value of about 0.04, which is similar to that deduced from Soviet aircraft observations and derived from thermodynamic considerations for the change of cloud liquid water with temperature. It is suggested that, in this cold-temperature range, cloud optical thickness variations are dominated by changes in the liquid water content of the cloud and that the liquid water content changes in accordance with the thermodynamic theory.

Tselioudis, George↗
NASA NTRS1983

Evidence linking coronal mass ejections with interplanetary magnetic clouds

Using proxy data for the occurrence of those mass ejections from the solar corona which are directed earthward, we investigate the association between the post-1970 interplanetary magnetic clouds of Klein and Burlaga and coronal mass ejections. The evidence linking magnetic clouds following shocks with coronal mass ejections is striking; six of nine clouds observed at Earth were preceded an appropriate time earlier by meter-wave type II radio bursts indicative of coronal shock waves and coronal mass ejections occurring near central meridian. During the selected periods when no clouds were detected near Earth, the only type II bursts reported were associated with solar activity near the limbs. Where the proxy solar data to be sought are not so clearly suggested, that is, for clouds preceding interaction regions and clouds within cold magnetic enhancements, the evidence linking the clouds and coronal mass ejections is not as clear; proxy data usually suggest many candidate mass-ejection events for each cloud. Overall, the data are consistent with and support the hypothesis suggested by Klein and Burlaga that magnetic clouds observed with spacecraft at 1 AU are manifestations of solar coronal mass ejection transients.

Wilson, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Are interplanetary magnetic clouds manifestations of coronal transients at 1 AU?

Using proxy data for the occurrence of those mass ejections from the solar corona which are directed earthward, the association between the post-1970 interplanetary magnetic clouds of Klein and Burlaga (1982) and coronal mass ejections is investigated. The evidence linking magnetic clouds following shocks with coronal mass ejections is striking; six of nine clouds observed at earth were preceded an appropriate time earlier by meter-wave type II radio bursts indicative of coronal shock waves and coronal mass ejections occurring near central meridian. During the selected control periods when no clouds were detected near earth, the only type II bursts reported were associated with solar activity near the limbs. Where the proxy solar data to be sought are not so clearly suggested, that is, for clouds preceding interaction regions and clouds within cold magnetic enhancements, the evidence linking the clouds and coronal mass ejections is not as clear; proxy data usually suggest many candidate mass-ejection events for each cloud.

Wilson, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Thermal evaporation of spherical clouds - Effects of viscous stresses

The thermal evaporation of a cold spherical cloud embedded in hot gas is analyzed, including the effects of viscous stresses as well as 'saturation' of the conductive heat flux, for the case of equal electron and ion temperatures. The relevant transport properties for an H-He plasma are discussed, including the modification of these transport coefficients when temperature or velocity gradients become large. The fluid-dynamical equations for steady spherical evaporation are given and cast into dimensinless form. Numerical integration of these equations and the results are discussed, emphasizing the novel features of the viscous solutions, astrophysical implications, and uncertainties in the physics.

Giuliani, J. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2008

N-15-Rich Organic Globules in a Cluster IDP and the Bells CM2 Chondrite

Organic matter in primitive meteorites and chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles (CP IDPs) is commonly enriched in D/H and 15N/14N relative to terrestrial values [1-3]. These anomalies are ascribed to the partial preservation of presolar cold molecular cloud material [1]. Some meteorites and IDPs contain m-size inclusions with extreme H and N isotopic anomalies [2-4], possibly due to preserved pristine primordial organic grains. We recently showed that the in the Tagish Lake meteorite, the principle carriers of these anomalies are sub- m, hollow organic globules [5]. The globules likely formed by photochemical processing of organic ices in a cold molecular cloud or the outermost regions of the protosolar disk [5]. We proposed that similar materials should be common among primitive meteorites, IDPs, and comets. Similar objects have been observed in organic extracts of carbonaceous chondrites [6-8], however their N and H isotopic compositions are generally unknown. Bulk H and N isotopic compositions may indicate which meteorites best preserve interstellar organic compounds. Thus, we selected the Bells CM2 carbonaceous chondrites for study based on its large bulk 15N (+335 %) and D (+990 %) [9].

Messenger, S.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Submicrometer Organic Grains: Widespread Constituents of the Early Solar System

Primitive meteorites and interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) contain remants of interstellar organic matter, marked by anomalous H and N isotopic ratios. These isotopic anomalies are attributed to mass fractionation during chemical reactions at cryogenic temperatures (10-100K) in a cold molecular cloud. Significant variations in the chemistry and isotopic compositions of organic compounds within and between these samples suggest varying histories of alteration and dilution of the presolar components. Recent studies have reported large H and N isotopic anomalies preserved in sub-m organic inclusions in both meteorites and IDPs. In the Tagish Lake meteorite, the largest H and N isotopic anomalies are associated with sub-m, hollow organic globules. The common physical, chemical, and isotopic characteristics of these globules suggest that they formed before being incorporated into their parent meteorite. These organic globules probably originated as organic ice coatings that formed on preexisting ice or mineral grains in a cold molecular cloud. Radiation driven photochemistry may have processed them into refractory organic grains. This model implies that submicrometer organic grains were widely distributed throughout the solar nebula during the epoch of planet formation. Submicrometer organic particles were detected by the Giotto and Vega encounters with comet Halley, termed CHON particles based on their major element chemistry. The first direct samples of cometary dust (comet Wild-2) were returned by the Stardust spacecraft in January 2006. These samples exhibit widely varying, fine grained mineralogy similar to anhydrous IDPs, including submicrometer carbonaceous grains. The submicrometer organic grains from comet Wild-2 exhibit H and N isotopic anomalies of similar magnitude to those commonly observed in primitive meteorites and IDPs. Isotopically anomalous, submicrometer organic grains have now been observed in meteorites, IDPs, the Oort-cloud comet Halley, and the Kuiper-belt comet Wild-2, suggesting that such grains were prevalent throughout the protoplanetary disk.

Messenger, Scott↗
NASA NTRS1985

A large, cold, and unusual molecular cloud in Monoceros

Observations of the J = 1 tends to 0 rotational transition of CO near the galactic plane in Monoceros (1 is approximately equal to 216 deg) reveal a molecular cloud with unusually low peak CO temperatures (less than 2 K) but wide lines (about 7 km/s) typical of much warmer clouds. At the assumed distance of 3 kpc, the cloud is large (250 x 100 pc), has a mass of 7-11 x 10 to the 5th solar masses, and is well removed from the galactic midplane (130 pc). Except for a possible H II region, all the signs of star formation usually shown by clouds of comparable mass are missing. The cloud, unlike cloud complexes of similar size, is a single, continuous object that apparently has not been torn apart by star formation. Clouds with such properties are rare in the Galaxy; only one or two similar objects have been found. The possibility that the cloud is young and not yet forming stars but will evolve into a typical cloud complex once star formation begins is discussed.

Maddalena, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Detection of nitric oxide in the dark cloud L134N

The first detection of interstellar nitric oxide (NO) in a cold dark cloud, L134N is reported. Nitric oxide was observed by means of its two 2 Pi 1/2, J = 3/2 - 1/2, rotational transitions at 150.2 and 150.5 GHz, which occur because of Lambda-doubling. The inferred column density for L134N is about 5 x 10 to the 14th/sq cm toward the SO peak in that cloud. This value corresponds to a fractional abundance relative to molecular hydrogen of about 6 x 10 to the -8th and is in good agreement with predictions of quiescent cloud ion-molecule chemistry. NO was not detected toward the dark cloud TMC-1 at an upper limit of 3 x 10 to the -8th or less.

Mcgonagle, D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Nitrogen sulfide in quiescent dark clouds

We report the first detection of interstellar nitrogen sulfide (NS) in cold dark clouds. Several components of the (2)Pi(sub 1/2), J = 3/2 to 1/2 and J = 5/2 to 3/2 transitions were observed in TMC-1 and L134N. The inferred column density for TMC-1 is N(sub NS) approximately 8 x 10(exp 12)/sq cm toward the NH3 peak in that cloud, and in L134N is N(sub NS) approximately 3 x 10(exp 12)/sq cm toward the position of peak NH3 emission. These values correspond to fractional abundances relative to molecular hydrogen of f(sub NS) approximately 8 x 10(exp -10) for TMC-1, and f(sub NS) approximately 6 x 10(exp -10) for L134N. The NS emission is extended along the TMC-1 ridge and is also extended in L134N. The measured abundances are significantly higher than those predicted by some recent gas phase ion-molecule models.

Mcgonagle, Douglas↗
NASA NTRS1998

Occurrence and Forms of Water and Ice on the Earth and Beyond, and the Origin(s) of Life

The natural history of the biogenic elements (H,C,O,N) from their first association within cold molecular clouds to their delivery to the Earth during the late bombardment of the inner solar system, is intimately linked to water ice. The earliest organic compounds are formed in cold interstellar molecular clouds as a result of UV and thermal processing of sub-micrometer ice grains which contain trapped carbon and nitrogen molecules. Structural changes in the water ice host underlie and fundamentally control important macroscopic phenomena such as the outgassing of volatiles, the rates of chemical reactions, and processing and retention of organic compounds. Prebiotic organic material was in all likelihood delivered the early Earth in a pristine state as a consequence of its sequestration within a protective water ice host.

Blake, David F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Gravity waves and GOES IR data study of an isolated tornadic storm on 29 May 1977

Enhanced convection-initiated gravity waves associated with an isolated tornado in the absence of a squall line are investigated. Ray-tracing computations based on data observed on May 29, 1977 indicated that the wave sources were located in north-central Oklahoma. Comparison with a radar echo map during the time period when the waves were excited showed that the waves were generated by an isolated cloud with enhanced convection. GOES infrared digital data during the time period from wave excitation to tornado touchdown were analyzed. Results showed that the cloud where the gravity waves were excited was characterized by both a very low temperature at the cloud top and a very high expansion rate of the cold cloud-top area. The lead time between the excitation of the gravity waves and the tornado touchdown is discussed in conjunction with the growth rate of the clouds associated with the tornado.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Preconditioning of overcast-to-broken cloud transitions by riming in marine cold air outbreaks

Marine cold air outbreaks (CAOs) commonly form overcast cloud decks that transition into broken cloud fields downwind, dramatically altering the local radiation budget. In this study, we investigate the impact of frozen hydrometeors on these transitions. We focus on a CAO case in the NW Atlantic, the location of the multi-year flight campaign ACTIVATE (Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment). We use MERRA-2 (Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, version 2) reanalysis fields to drive large eddy simulations with mixed-phase two-moment microphysics in a Lagrangian framework. We find that transitions are triggered by substantial rain (rainwater paths >25 g m−2), and only simulations that allow for aerosol depletion result in sustained breakups, as observed. Using a range of diagnostic ice nucleating particle concentrations, Ninp, we find that increasing ice progressively accelerates transitions, thus abbreviating the overcast state. Ice particles affect the cloud-topped boundary layer evolution, primarily through riming-related processes prior to substantial rain, leading to (1) a reduction in cloud liquid water, (2) early consumption of cloud condensation nuclei, and (3) early and light precipitation cooling and moistening below cloud. We refer to these three effects collectively as “preconditioning by riming”. Greater boundary layer aerosol concentrations available as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) delay the onset of substantial rain. However, cloud breakup and low CCN concentration final stages are found to be inevitable in this case, due, primarily, to liquid water path buildup. An ice-modulated cloud transition speed suggests the possibility of a negative cloud–climate feedback. To address prevailing uncertainties in the model representation of mixed-phase processes, the magnitude of ice formation and riming impacts and, thereby, the strength of an associated negative cloud–climate feedback process, requires further observational evaluation by targeting riming hot spots with in situ imaging probes that allow for both the characterization of ice particles and abundance of supercooled droplets.

Marine cold air outbreaks↗
NASA NTRS1991

A survey for infrared excesses among high galactic latitude SAO stars

This project involves extending the previous analysis of infrared excesses among a volume-limited sample of 134 nearby A-K main-sequence stars to a magnitude-limited sample of stars, culled from the SAO Catalog, with excesses determined from the IRAS Point Source Catalog flux density ratios. This new sample includes 5706 B-M type stars, 379 of which have infrared excesses. The objective involved use of a statistically complete survey of objects in a standard catalog in order to assess the frequency with which different physical processes can affect the infrared output of stars. These processes include, but are not limited to, orbiting cold particle clouds and the onset of rapid mass loss. It is concluded that cold disks are consistent with the infrared excesses found among A-G dwarfs and G-K giants in the sample.

Stencel, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Life and the Universe: From Astrochemistry to Astrobiology

Great strides have been made in our understanding of interstellar material thanks to advances in infrared astronomy and laboratory astrophysics. Ionized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), shockingly large molecules by earlier astrochemical standards, are widespread and very abundant throughout much of the cosmos. In cold molecular clouds, the birthplace of planets and stars, interstellar atoms and molecules freeze onto extremely cold dust and ice particles forming mixed molecular ices dominated by simple species such as water, methanol, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Within these clouds, and especially in the vicinity of star and planet forming regions, these ices and PAHs are processed by ultraviolet light and cosmic rays forming hundreds of far more complex species, some of biogenic interest. Eventually, these are delivered to primordial planets by comets and meteorites. As these materials are the building blocks of comets and related to carbonaceous micrometeorites, they are likely to be important sources of complex organic materials delivered to habitable planets (including the primordial Earth) and their composition may be related to the origin of life. This talk will focus on the chemical evolution of these cosmic materials and their relevance to astrobiology.

Atmoshperic Chemistry↗
NASA NTRS1980

On the dynamics of agglomerating ensembles of clouds

It is shown that for dynamical time scales longer than 10 million years the ensemble of interstellar cold diffuse clouds may be described by equations of mass and momentum conservation where the pressure has the form p/v-squared/ where /v-squared/ is the mass averaged square velocity dispersion. Equilibrium cloud spectra are derived and an equation of state obtained. The equation of state undergoes a phase transition at a critical density close to the local interstellar gas density. At higher densities, more massive clouds are formed and the cloud fluid softens. It is suggested that this mechanism may naturally regulate the interstellar gas density if star formation is very efficient in the cooler high-density systems.

Cowie, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Dense clouds near the central engine of active galactic nuclei

A model is presented which assumes the existence of cold dense clouds near the central engine of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The effects of such clouds on the observed spectrum are explored. It is shown that this model is consistent with the complicated observed spectra and variability behavior of most extensively studied Seyfert nuclei. The results are compared with other proposed models. The existing observational evidence appears to support the 'cloud-model'.

Sivron, R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Dense Clouds near the Central Engine of Active Galactic Nuclei

A model is presented which assumes the existence of cold dense clouds near the central engine of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). The effects of such clouds on the observed spectrum are explored. It is shown that this model is consistent with the complicated observed spectra and variability behavior of most extensively studied Seyfert nuclei. The results are compared with other proposed models. The existing observational evidence appears to support the "cloud-model."

Sivron, R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Optically thin cirrus clouds over oceans and possible impact on sea surface temperature of warm pool in western Pacific

Over the convectively active tropical ocean regions, the measurement made from space in the IR and visible spectrum have revealed the presence of optically thin cirrus clouds, which are quite transparent in the visible and nearly opaque in the IR. The Nimbus-4 IR Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS), which has a field of view (FOV) of approximately 100 km, was utilized to examine the IR optical characteristics of these cirrus clouds. From the IRIS data, it was observed that these optically thin cirrus clouds prevail extensively over the warm pool region of the equatorial western Pacific, surrounding Indonesia. It is found that the seasonal cloud cover caused by these thin cirrus clouds exceeds 50 percent near the central regions of the warm pool. For most of these clouds, the optical thickness in the IR is less than or = 2. It is deduced that the dense cold anvil clouds associated with deep convection spread extensively and are responsible for the formation of the thin cirrus clouds. This is supported by the observation that the coverage of the dense anvil clouds is an order of magnitude less than that of the thin cirrus clouds. From these observations, together with a simple radiative-convective model, it is inferred that the optically thin cirrus can provide a greenhouse effect, which can be a significant factor in maintaining the warm pool. In the absence of fluid transports, it is found that these cirrus clouds could lead to a runaway greenhouse effect. The presence of fluid transport processes, however, act to moderate this effect. Thus, if a modest 20 W/sq m energy input is considered to be available to warm the ocean, then it is found that the ocean mixed-layer of a 50-m depth will be heated by approximately 1 C in 100 days.

Prabhakara, C.↗