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At least 1,513 records · Page 84
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NASA NTRS1986

El Chichon aerosols in the stratosphere: Analyses of lidar data and calculations of radiation budget

Lidar observation at Fukuoka has provided over four years the data of ElChichon aerosols in the stratosphere. Analyses of the data show that an enormous amount of volcanic aerosols has continuously decreased since the beginning of 1983 with significant fluctuations. These fluctuations reveal themselves as a seasonal variation of aerosol content with a maximum in winter-spring and a minimum in summer. The vertical structure of the aerosol layer also shows the seasonal variation. Although the height of a peak around 18 km in the vertical profile of scattering ratio show littel variation, the higher second peak appears frequently from late fall and the lower third peak from late winter to late spring just as two and more tropopauses appear in these periods. The mechanism which causes the seasonal variation will be discussed in terms of the transport by the atmoshperic circulation and the removal through the tropopause gap. Radiation budget in the atmosphere was calculated taking into account the large amount of aerosols observed in the early stages of the El Chichon event. The heating rate of the atmosphere is more than 1 K in the bottom region of the stratosphere even in the nighttime. The possible effect of the volcanic aerosols on the other geophysical phenomena will be discussed using the calculated values of the heating rate.

Fujiwara, M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Mesospheric gravity-wave climatology at Adelaide

The MF Adelaide partial-reflection radar has been operating continuously since November 1983. This has enabled a climatology of gravity-wave activity to be constructed for the mesosphere. The data have been analyzed for a medium-period range of 1 to 8 hr. and a longer period range between 8 and 24 hr. covering the inertio-period waves. The tidal motions have been filtered out prior to analysis. For the data analyses so far (Nov. 1983 to Dec. 1984), a number of interesting features emerged. Firstly, the wave activity at heights above 80 km shows a small seimannual variation with season with the activity being strongest in summer and winter. At heights below 80 km however, there is a similar but more marked variation with the weakest amplitudes occurring at the time of the changeovers in the prevailing circulation. If breaking gravity waves are responsible for much of the turbulence in the mesosphere, then the periods March to April and September to October might also be expected to be periods of weak turbulence. The wave field appears to be partially polarized. The meridional amplitudes are larger than the zonal amplitudes, especially in water. It is found that the degree of polarization is about 15% in summer and 30% in winter. The polarized component is found to propagate in the opposite direction to the background flow in the stratosphere, which suggests that the polarization arises through directional filtering of the waves as they propagate up from below.

Vincent, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A simple model for the interaction of planetary and synoptic-scale waves in the troposphere

The time-mean circulation of the troposphere during the Northern hemisphere winter is dominated by planetary-scale stationary waves superposed on longitudinal-mean westerly flow. The movement and generation of weather-making, synoptic-scale transient waves are controlled by this large-scale circulation. The interannual variablity of planetary scale waves determines the severity of the winter season over broad geographic regions through such factors as frequency of storms, precipitation and temperature. A conceptual model that incorporates these feedbacks between the two scales is developed and guides the formulation of the quantitative low-order model which retains a few basic physical processes and wave components. In the low-order model the fluxes of sensible heat and momentum and latent heat release by transient eddies are parameterized in terms of the evolving large-scale circulation. Radiative forcing and damping, planetary-scale variations in moisture and topography and Ekman dissipation are also included. Testing of this model is in progress. The results will help interpret experiments from sophisticated general-circulation models and ascertain the need for satellite observations of precipitation.

Branscome, Lee E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Automated calibration of a flight particle spectrometer

An automatic calibration system was designed for use in the vacuum facility at the Space Science Laboratory of the Marshall Space Flight Center. That system was developed and used in the intervening winter to calibrate the ion spectrometer that eventually flew in May 1986 aboard the NASA project, CRIT 1. During this summer, it is planned to implement the calibration of both an ion and electron spectrometer of a new design whose basic elements were conceived during the winter of 1985 to 1986. This spectrometer was completed in the summer and successfully mounted in the vacuum tank for calibration. However, the source gate valve malfunctioned, and, at the end of the summer, it still needed a replacement. During the inevitable delays in the experimental research, the numerical model of the Critical Velocity effect was completed and these results were presented.

Torbert, Roy B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Satellite microwave and in situ observations of the Weddell Sea ice cover and its marginal ice zone

The radiative and physical characteristics of the Weddell Sea ice cover and its marginal ice zone are analyzed using multichannel satellite passive microwave data and ship and helicopter observations obtained during the 1983 Antarctic Marine Ecosystem Research. Winter and spring brightness temperatures are examined; spatial variability in the brightness temperatures of consolidated ice in winter and spring cyclic increases and decrease in brightness temperatures of consolidated ice with an amplitude of 50 K at 37 GHz and 20 K at 18 GHz are observed. The roles of variations in air temperature and surface characteristics in the variability of spring brightness temperatures are investigated. Ice concentrations are derived using the frequency and polarization techniques, and the data are compared with the helicopter and ship observations. Temporal changes in the ice margin structure and the mass balance of fresh water and of biological features of the marginal ice zone are studied.

Comiso, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

An analysis of the high-latitude thermospheric wind pattern calculated by a thermospheric general circulation model. II - Neutral parcel transport

A diagnostic package developed to analyze runs made by the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere general circulation model is used to calculate neutral parcel trajectories in the high-latitude E and F regions. Parcel trajectories are presented for a number of different cases to illustrate the main characteristics of F region parcel transport in the winter high-latitude region. Several examples of E region parcel trajectories are similarly analyzed, concentrating on both the southern (summer) and northern (winter) regions. F region parcel trajectories are calculated backward in time from passage over a given geographical location to illustrate the 'genesis' of those parcels whose velocities can be monitored from a ground-based Fabry-Perot observatory.

Killeen, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

SAM II measurements of Antarctic PSC's and aerosols

Measurements by the SAM II satellite instrument show that polar stratospheric clouds (PSC's) are a regular feature of the austral winter season in either nonvolcanically or volcanically disturbed periods. The tops of these clouds are observed above 20 km in early winter and descend in altitude over the course of the season to heights near 15 km in mid September. Typically, PSC's persist in the lowest stratospheric altitudes throughout September. Subsequently, October always represents a relative annual minimum in aerosol extinction above 15 km and in stratospheric column amount. In addition, volcanically produced aerosols in Antarctica peaked in early 1983 and, if linearly related to ozone losses, are probably not a contributing factor to the continued loss of total ozone in the Antarctic spring in 1984 and 1985.

Mccormick, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the relationship between the thermal structure of the stratosphere and the seasonal distribution of ozone

An attempt is made to put the phenomenon of Antarctic ozone hole in a global perspective by pointing out that there is a much larger and more persistent 'hole' over the tropics. The thermal structure of the Antarctic lower stratosphere in winter is more similar to the tropical lower stratosphere than the Arctic lower stratosphere in winter. The dynamical transport that is responsible for creating the two column ozone minima has similar relationships to the thermal structure in the lower stratosphere in the two regions.

Tung, Ka Kit↗
NASA NTRS1986

Large-scale short-period sea ice atmosphere interaction

Changes in the microwave brightness temperature measured by the Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) flown on board the Nimbus V satellite reveal large-scale sea ice fluctuations in the Antarctic marginal ice zone. These ice margin fluctuations arre predominantly wave numbers 1-4, with phase speeds of about 3 m/s independent of wave number. The spatial pattern and eastward advection of the sea ice anomalies match those of the atmospheric sea level pressure, and are consistent with sea ice displacement due to surface wind stress. Examination of the outgoing longwave radiation indicates that suppression of high clouds in regions of increased sea ice inc reases the radiative cooling which contributes to maintaining the ice. Data from three winter seasons indicate about a one-third probability of occurence of this large scale high frequency sea ice atmosphere interaction during any given 2-week period in winter.

Cahalan, Robert F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Components of the ice age circulation

The effects of ice age boundary conditions on atmospheric dynamics and regional climate patterns are investigated using four GCM simulations. Particular consideration is given to sea surface temperature-sea ice distribution, the appearance of land ice, and the increased elevation of land ice. It is observed that the ice-age sea surface temperature stabilizes the atmosphere over the oceans, increases the frequency of storm tracking through central North America, and amplifies transient eddy energy without increasing baroclinic generation. It is detected that low-elevation ice generates low pressure over eastern North America and southern Europe in winter, while increasing cloud cover and cooling the land in summer. Elevation of the ice sheets cools the land in winter, further intensifies storms off northeastern North America, induces subsidence warming downstream of the European ice sheets in summer, and increases the transient and stationary eddy energy through increased baroclinicity.

Rind, D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Cloud-to-ground lightning flash characteristics from June 1984 through May 1985

A magnetic direction-finding network for the detection of lightning cloud-to-ground strikes has been installed along the east coast of the United States. Time, location, flash polarity, stroke count, and peak signal amplitude are recorded in real time. The data were recorded from Maine to North Carolina and as far west as Ohio; analyses were restricted to flashes within 300 km of a direction finder. Measurements of peak signal strength have been obtained from 720,284 first return strokes lowering negative charge. The resulting distribution indicates that few negative strokes have peak currents exceeding 100 kA. Measurements have also been obtained of peak signal strength from 17,694 first return strokes lowering positive charge. These strokes have a median peak current of 45 kA, with some peak currents reaching 300-400 kA. The median peak signal strength and the peak current, double from summer to winter for both negative and positive first return strokes. The polarity of ground flashes is observed to be less than 5 percent positive throughout the summer and early fall, then increases to over 50 percent during the winter, and returns to less than 10 percent in early spring. The percent of positive flashes with one stroke is observed to be approximately 90 percent throughout the year. The percent of negative flashes with one stroke is observed to increase from 40 percent in the summer to approximately 80 percent in January, returning to less than 50 percent in the spring.

Orville, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Satellite-derived attributes of cloud vortex systems and their application to climate studies

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) visible and infrared mosaics are analyzed in conjunction with synoptic meteorological observations of sea level pressure (SLP) and upper-air height to derive composite patterns of cyclonic cloud vortices for the Northern Hemisphere. The patterns reveal variations in the structure and implied dynamics of cyclonic systems at different stages of development that include: (1) increasing vertical symmetry of the lower-level and upper-air circulations and (2) decreasing lower-tropospheric thicknesses and temperature advection, associated with increasing age of the vortex. Cloud vortices are more intense in winter than in summer and typically reach maximum intensity in the short-lived prespiral signature stage. There are major structural differences among frontal wave, polar air, and 'instant occlusion' cyclogenesis types. Cyclones in the dissipation stage may reintensify (deepen), as denoted by the appearance in the imagery of an asymmetric cloud band or a tightened spiral vortex. The satellite-derived statistics on cloud vortex intensity, which are seasonal- and latitude- as well as type-dependent, are applied to a preliminary examination of the synoptic manifestations of seasonal climate variability. An apparently close relationship is found, for two winter and spring seasons, between Northern Hemisphere cyclonic activity and variations in cryosphere variables, particularly the extent of Arctic sea ice. The results may indicate that increased snow and ice extent accompany a southward displacement of cyclonic activity and/or a predominance of deeper systems. However, there is also a strong regional dependence to the ice-synoptics feedback. This study demonstrates the utility of high resolution meteorological satellite imagery for studies of climate variations (climate dynamics).

Carleton, Andrew M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Human Adaptation to Isolated and Confined Environments

A study was conducted over seven months in a winter Antarctic isolated and confined environment (ICE). Physiological and psychological data was collected several times a week. Information was collected on a monthly basis on behavior and the use of physical facilities. Adaptation and information indicated that there was a significant decrease in epinephrine and norepinephrine during the middle trimester of the winter. No vital changes were found for blood pressure. Self reports of hostility and anxiety show a linear increase. There were no significant changes in depression during ICE. The physiological and psychological data do not move in a synchronous fashion over time. The data also suggest that both ambient qualities of an ICE and discrete social environmental events, such as the arrival of the summer crew, have an impact on the outcome measures used. It may be most appropiate to develop a model for ICE's that incorporates not only global chronic stressors common to all ICE's but also the role of discrete environmental effects which can minimize or enhance the influence of more chronic stressors. Behavioral adjustment information highlight the importance of developing schedules which balance work and recreational activities.

Evans, Gary W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Loran-C monitor correlation over a 92-mile baseline in Ohio

Two Loran C monitors, at Galion and Athens, Ohio, were operated over a one-year period, measuring chain 9960 Time Delay (TD) and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Analysis of data concentrated on correlation of short term TD variations during the winter months of 1985 to 86, over the 92 nm baseline. Excellent correlation was found, with slight additional improvement possible if local temperature is also included in the analysis. Although SNR and TD effects were suspected during the presence of thunderstorms near the monitors, the scope of the study did not permit storm by storm analysis. A computer tape data base of all measurements was produced, with measurements at both sites included. Data recording and analysis concentrated on the fall and winter months of September 1985 to February 1986.

Lilley, Robert W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Lagrangian mean circulations in the stratosphere

The mean Lagrangian motion in the winter stratosphere is computed on the basis of three-dimensional winds derived from the 1978/1979 winter LIMS satellite observations, initializing material tubes of air parcels every 4 days and following them for periods of 10 days each. When the wave amplitudes are large, the tubes break and the parcels disperse; during the major sudden warming, every material tube in the stratosphere was broken, leading to extensive mixing between low and high amplitude parcels. The Lagrangian mean vertical motion tended to be smaller than the motion in the transformed Eulerian coordinate system.

Lyjak, Lawrence V.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Spring-to-summer transitions of global circulations during May-July 1979

Gridded datasets produced for May-July 1979 from the FGGE data by the Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres were used to study the characteristics of a well-documented seasonal transition, as revealed by weekly averages, from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and from fall to winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Analysis of the weekly departures from the seasonal averages (i.e., anomalies) reveals an eastward-propagating divergence disturbance with wave-number one. The passage of this pulse over Central America appears to trigger the displacement of negative outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) anomalies northward from the South American winter location. The center of maximum divergence is found over Asia during the onset of the summer monsoon and is also found in conjunction with strengthening of the negative OLR anomalies over this region.

Nogues-Paegle, Julia↗
NASA NTRS1987

How close are ground-based Fabry-Perot thermospheric wind and temperature measurements to exospheric values? A simulation study

A computer simulation model of the measurement process for a ground-based Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) has been developed and used to study how variations of wind and temperature along the instrument line-of-sight affect the Doppler shift and width of the observed nightglow O(1D) emission line at high spectral resolution. Ground-based-derived temperatures in the nighttime sector of the winter hemisphere are found to give values that are representative of the peak O(1D) emission altitude. However, when the vertical temperature gradients are large, the ground-based FPI temperature measurement may differ by as much as about 12 percent from the temperature at the peak emission height. Simulations of the FPI measurement of nighttime thermospheric temperatures show that ground-based-derived temperatures may be lower by about 10 percent than the corresponding exospheric temperatures in the winter hemisphere and by about 15 percent in the summer hemisphere.

Mccormac, F. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Radiative energy budget estimates for the 1979 southwest summer monsoon

A major objective of the summer monsoon experiment (SMONEX) was the determination of the heat sources and sinks associated with the southwest summer monsoon. The radiative component is presented here. The vertically integrated tropospheric radiation energy budget is negative and varies significantly as a function of monsoon activity. The gradient in the latitudinal mean tropospheric cooling reverses between the winter periods and the late spring/early summer periods. The radiative component of the vertical profile of the diabatic heating is derived. These profiles are a strong function of the stage of the monsoon as well as the geographic region. In general, the surface experiences a net gain of radiative energy during the late spring and early summer periods. During the winter periods, areas northward of 25 N display net surface losses, while the remaining areas exhibit net gains.

Ackerman, Steven A.↗