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At least 163 records · Page 9

Design and performance/measurement simulation studies for a ER-2 sunphotometer

Work and results, including developed software, obtained under this grant (NAG 2-620) have been reported in various progress reports, an M.S. Thesis, and software programs. The purpose of this final report is simply to provide a documented listing of what has already been reported. This includes the following: (1) Conceptual Design and Simulation of a Spectral Sunphotometer for the ER-2 Aircraft; (2) Continued Simulation and Design Studies for an ER-2 Sunphotometer; and (3) Simulation and Performance Studies of a Spectra Sunphotometer for the ER-2 Aircraft. Also, software and computational results for modeling airmass and diffuse light effects due to aerosols were provided in support of NASA ARC research on the effects of aerosols resulting from the Pinatubo volcanic eruptions. The references for these articles are as follows: (1) Post Pinatubo Optical Depth Spectra vs. Latitude and Vortex Structure; and (2) Pinatubo and Pre-Pinatubo Optical-Depth Spectra -- Mauna Loa Measurements, Comparisons, Inferred Particle Size Distributions, Radiative Effects, and Relationships to Lidar Data.

Reagan, J. A.↗

Observation of melt onset on multiyear Arctic sea ice using the ERS 1 synthetic aperture radar

We present nearly coincident observations of backscattering from the Earth Remote-Sensing Satellite (ERS) 1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and of near-surface temperature from six drifting buoys in the Beaufort Sea, showing that the onset of melting in snow on multiyear sea ice is clearly detectable in the SAR data. Melt onset is marked by a clean, steep decrease in the backscattering cross section of multiyear ice at 5.3 GHz and VV polarization. We investigate the scattering physics responsible for the signature change and find that the cross section decrease is due solely to the appearance of liquid water in the snow cover overlying the ice. A thin layer of moist snow is sufficient to cause the observed decrease. We present a prototype algorithm to estimate the date of melt onset using the ERS 1 SAR and apply the algorithm first to the SAR data for which we have corresponding buoy temperatures. The melt onset dates estimated by the SAR algorithm agree with those obtained independently from the temperature data to within 4 days or less, with the exception of one case in which temperatures oscillated about 0 C for several weeks. Lastly, we apply the algorithm to the entire ERS 1 SAR data record acquired by the Alaska SAR Facility for the Beaufort Sea north of 73 deg N during the spring of 1992, to produce a map of the dates of melt onset over an area roughly 1000 km on a side. The progression of melt onset is primarily poleward but shows a weak meridional dependence at latitudes of approximately 76 deg-77 deg N. Melting begins in the southern part of the study region on June 13 and by June 20 has progressed to the northermost part of the region.

Winebrenner, D. P.↗

Ice velocity at the ice front of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, as observed with ERS interferometry

ERS images of the two ends of the ice front of the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf (Antarctica) were utilized interferometrically to study the deformation rate of the ice shelf in response to viscous creep. On the western bank of Berkner Island (BI), near Hemmen Ice Rise (HIR), a time series of ERS data acquired in February 1992, in both ascending and descending mode, and with a three-day time interval, were utilized to map the ice velocity in two dimensions. Finite-element ice-shelf flow simulations are compared with the ERS interferograms to interpret the ice motion in terms of the physical constraints on ice-shelf flow. The efforts to fit artificial interferograms generated with model velocity output suggest that the flow regime is strongly influenced by three processes. First, a void-creation process responsible for rifts at coastal margins tends to uncouple the ice shelf from the ice rise and neighboring coast of BI. Secondly, sea ice within the void space appears to act as a binding agent between discrete ice-shelf fragments, allowing rigid-body rotations of these fragments. Third, strain rates appear to be enhanced in a narrow zone adjacent to HIR, implying significant strain softening along the boundary. It is believed that synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferogram/model intercomparison represents a powerful impetus towards the development of better, more physically realistic ice-shelf flow models.

Rignot, Eric↗

A Comparison of Measurements from ATMOS and Instruments Aboard the ER-2 Aircraft: Halogenated Gases

We compare volume mixing ratio profiles of N2O, CFC-11, CFC-12, CCl4, SF6, and HCl in the mid-latitude lower stratosphere measured by the ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer on the ATLAS-3 Space Shuttle Mission with in situ measurements acquired from the NASA ER-2 aircraft during Nov. 1994. Good agreement is found between ATMOS and in situ correlations of [CFC-11], [CFC-12], and [SF6] with [N2O]. ATMOS measurements of [CCl4] are 15% high compared to ER-2 data, but agree within the systematic uncertainties. ATMOS observations of [HCl] vs [N2O] are within approximately 10% of ER-2 data for [HCl] > 1 ppbv, but exceed in situ measurements by larger fractional amounts for smaller [HCl]. ATMOS measurements of [ClONO2] agree well with values inferred from in situ observations of [ClO], [NO], and [O3]. The sum of [HCl] and [ClONO2] observed by ATMOS, supplemented by a minor contribution from [ClO] estimated with a photochemical model, is consistent with the levels of inorganic chlorine inferred from in situ measurements of chlorine source gases.

Chang, A. Y.↗

Topographic Phase Recovery from Stacked ERS Interferometry and a Low-Resolution Digital Elevation Model

A hybrid approach to topographic recovery from ERS interferometry is developed and assessed. Tropospheric/ionospheric artifacts, imprecise orbital information, and layover are key issues in recovering topography and surface deformation from repeat-pass interferometry. Previously, we developed a phase gradient approach to stacking interferograms to reduce these errors and also to reduce the short-wavelength phase noise (see Sandwell arid Price [1998] and Appendix A). Here the method is extended to use a low-resolution digital elevation model to constrain long-wavelength phase errors and an iteration scheme to minimize errors in the computation of phase gradient. We demonstrate the topographic phase recovery on 16-m postings using 25 ERS synthetic aperture radar images from an area of southern California containing 2700 m of relief. On the basis of a comparison with 81 GPS monuments, the ERS derived topography has a typical absolute accuracy of better than 10 m except in areas of layover. The resulting topographic phase enables accurate two-pass, real-time interferometry even in mountainous areas where traditional phase unwrapping schemes fail. As an example, we form a topography-free (127-m perpendicular baseline) interferogram spanning 7.5 years; fringes from two major earthquakes and a seismic slip on the San Andreas Fault are clearly isolated.

Sandwell, David T.↗

The Potato virus X TGBp3 protein associates with the ER network for virus cell-to-cell movement

Potato virus X (PVX) TGBp3 is required for virus cell-to-cell movement. Cell-to-cell movement of TGBp3 was studied using biolistic bombardment of plasmids expressing GFP:TGBp3. TGBp3 moves between cells in Nicotiana benthamiana, but requires TGBp1 to move in N. tabacum leaves. In tobacco leaves GFP:TGBp3 accumulated in a pattern resembling the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To determine if the ER network is important for GFP:TGBp3 and for PVX cell-to-cell movement, a single mutation inhibiting membrane binding of TGBp3 was introduced into GFP:TGBp3 and into PVX. This mutation disrupted movement of GFP:TGBp3 and PVX. Brefeldin A, which disrupts the ER network, also inhibited GFP:TGBp3 movement in both Nicotiana species. Two deletion mutations, that do not affect membrane binding, hindered GFP:TGBp3 and PVX cell-to-cell movement. Plasmids expressing GFP:TGBp2 and GFP:TGBp3 were bombarded to several other PVX hosts and neither protein moved between adjacent cells. In most hosts, TGBp2 or TGBp3 cannot move cell-to-cell.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗

(abstract) Detection of Mesoscale Oceanic Phenomena in the Southern California Bight via ERS-1 SAR

ERS-1 SAR images are examined with the intent of identifying mesoscale oceanic phenomena in the Southern California Bight (SCB). The SCB is a region of dynamic physical and biological processes, and as such has long been studied. The ERS-1 SAR images are augmented with other remote sensing data, including SIR-C SAR, AVHRR, ERS-1 ATSR, and Space Shuttle hand-held photography. Analysis of these images has revealed a more dynamic mesoscale field than was previously suspected. Eddies with scales on the order of 20-30 km in diameter have been the most common mesoscale features evident, but the presence of oceanic fronts and internal waves, as well as atmospheric internal waves, have been documented as well. The multisensor data record will provide insight as to the underlying ocean and meterological conditions that lead to the prevalence especially of the eddies in this region.

Southern California Bight SCB remote sensing data ↗

(abstract) Monitoring Seasonal Change in Taiga Forests Using ERS-1 SAR Data

Sensitivity of radar backscatter to the dielectric and geometric character of forested regions suggests significant changes in backscatter are expected with season due to freezing temperatures, snow, wind, leaf fall, and drought. The first European Remote Sensing Satellite, ERS-1, offers a unique opportunity to monitor a complete seasonal cycle for the Alaskan taiga forest ecosystem with synthetic aperture radar. During the 3-day repeat Commissioning Phase of ERS-1, from August 1991to December 1991, ERS-1 SAR data were collected in the region of Manley Hot Springs, Alaska, along the Tanana River, west of Fairbanks. In parallel with the SAR data collection, meteorological data from three weather stations positioned in three forest stands were collected continuously along with in situ measurements of the dielectric and moisture properties of the canopy and of ground cover which were collected during each overflight. The in situ data were collected in floodplain forest stands dominated by balsam poplar, white spruce, and black spruce. These results from the Commissioning Phase as well as preliminary results from the 35-day Repeat Phase will be presented.

characteristics geometric characteristics moisture↗

Comparison of the KSC-ER Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System (CGLSS) and the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN)

The NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Air Force Eastern Range (ER) are located in a region of Florida that experiences the highest area density of lightning strikes to ground in the United States, with values approaching 16 fl/km 2/yr when accumulated in 10x10 km (100 sq km) grids (see Figure 1). Consequently, the KSC-ER use data derived from two cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning detection networks to detect hazardous weather, the "Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System" (CGLSS) that is owned and operated by the Air Force and the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) that is owned and operated by Vaisala, Inc. These systems are used to provide lightning warnings for ground operations and to insure mission safety during space launches at the KSC-ER. In order to protect the rocket and shuttle fleets, NASA and the Air Force follow a set of lightning safety guidelines that are called the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC). These rules are designed to insure that vehicles are not exposed to the hazards of natural or triggered lightning that would in any way jeopardize a mission or cause harm to the shuttle astronauts. Also, if any CG lightning strikes too close to a vehicle on a launch pad, it can cause time-consuming mission delays due to the extensive retests that are often required for vehicles and/or payloads when this occurs. If any CG lightning strike is missed or mis-located by even a small amount, the result could have significant safety implications, require expensive retests, or create unnecessary delays or scrubs in launches. Therefore, it is important to understand the performance of each lightning detection system in considerable detail.

Ward, Jennifer G.↗

Classification of Small Negative Lightning Reports at the KSC-ER

The NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Air Force Eastern Range (ER) operate an extensive suite of lightning sensors because Florida experiences the highest area density of ground strikes in the United States, with area densities approaching 16 fl/sq km/yr when accumulated in 10x10 km (100 sq km) grids. The KSC-ER use data derived from two cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning detection networks, the "Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System" (CGLSS) and the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (TradeMark) (NLDN) plus a 3-dimensional lightning mapping system, the Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) system, to provide warnings for ground operations and to insure mission safety during space launches. For operational applications at the KSC-ER it is important to understand the performance of each lightning detection system in considerable detail. In this work we examine a specific subset of the CGLSS stroke reports that have low values of the negative inferred peak current, Ip, i.e. values between 0 and -7 kA, and were thought to produce a new ground contact (NGC). When possible, the NLDN and LDAR systems were used to validate the CGLSS classification and to determine how many of these reported strokes were first strokes, subsequent strokes in a pre-existing channel (PEC), or cloud pulses that the CGLSS misclassified as CG strokes. It is scientifically important to determine the smallest current that can reach the ground either in the form of a first stroke or by way of a subsequent stroke that creates a new ground contact. In Biagi et al (2007), 52 low amplitude, negative return strokes ([Ip] < or = 10 kA) were evaluated in southern Arizona, northern Texas, and southern Oklahoma. The authors found that 50-87% of the small NLDN reports could be classified as CG (either first or subsequent strokes) on the basis of video and waveform recordings. Low amplitude return strokes are interesting because they are usually difficult to detect, and they are thought to bypass conventional lightning protection that relies on a sufficient attractive radius to prevent "shielding failure" (Golde, 1977). They also have larger location errors compared to the larger current events. In this study, we use the estimated peak current provided by the CGLSS and the results of our classification to determine the minimum Ip for each category of CG stroke and its probability of occurrence. Where possible, these results are compared to the findings in the literature.

Ward, Jennifer G.↗

High-Altitude ADS-B/GPS LPV Flight Tests on a NASA ER-2 Research Airplane

The research presented in this paper describes the conceptual design of a system architecture that integrates Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Global Positioning System (GPS) Localizer Performance Vertical (LPV) guidance technology onto a unique high-altitude research airplane: a United States Air Force (USAF) / Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, Maryland) Aeronautics U-2S airplane. The design features modern display capabilities to provide air-to-air surveillance and precision navigation, to adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards for operations in upper Class E airspace. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) variant of the U-2S, now called the Earth Resources (ER-2) airplane, remains unrivaled in the art of sustained high-altitude flight for scientific expeditions. Capable of routinely cruising above flight level (FL) 650 that had been considered, at inception, the domain of only the most elite experimental research aircraft types. Nicknamed the Dragon Lady, this U-2S research testbed is still one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The exceptional military design of the vehicle, security guidelines, and the performance envelope of the ER-2 posed unique challenges to the integration of modern civilian avionics. ADS-B epitomizes the next generation of surveillance technology, incorporating both air and ground aspects. ADS-B provides air traffic control (ATC) with a more accurate picture of the three-dimensional positioning of aircraft in various phases of flight, including en route, terminal, approach, and ground operations. The airborne surveillance system broadcasts its identification, position, altitude, velocity, and other information. GPS LPV represents a significant advancement in aviation technology, emphasizing the pivotal role that GPS and Performance-Based Navigation concepts will play in the foreseeable future. This technology represents a shift from sensor-based navigation to performance-based navigation, allowing for more flexible and efficient use of airspace. This research described herein is structured as follows: Section II, “Systems Background,” provides a systems background and description of an ADS-B and GPS LPV system equipped on the high-altitude ER-2 research airplane to satisfy the FAA airworthiness requirements for high-altitude flight operations. Section III, “Flight Test System,” describes the flight-test airplane systems. Section IV, “Analysis of GPS SBAS, Safety, and Ground Tests,” provides an overview of the GPS Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) and an analysis of the GPS LPV metrics, safety, and ground tests. Section V, “High-Altitude Flight Tests,” describes the high-altitude flight tests, including 3 flight-test results, analysis, human factors, and lessons learned. Section VI, the conclusion, draws insights from the lessons learned, discusses the design challenges associated with ADS-B and GPS LPV, and showcases the paramount significance of these pivotal technologies in aircraft surveillance and navigation.

Ricardo A. Arteaga↗

Materials Data on Er(CuO2)2 by Materials Project

Er(CuO2)2 crystallizes in the tetragonal I4_1/a space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Er3+ is bonded in a 8-coordinate geometry to eight equivalent O2- atoms. There are four shorter (2.36 Å) and four longer (2.38 Å) Er–O bond lengths. Cu+2.50+ is bonded in a square co-planar geometry to four equivalent O2- atoms. There is two shorter (1.89 Å) and two longer (1.92 Å) Cu–O bond length. O2- is bonded to two equivalent Er3+ and two equivalent Cu+2.50+ atoms to form a mixture of distorted edge and corner-sharing OEr2Cu2 tetrahedra.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Er(HO)3 by Materials Project

Er(OH)3 crystallizes in the hexagonal P6_3/m space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Er3+ is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to nine equivalent O2- atoms. There are six shorter (2.39 Å) and three longer (2.47 Å) Er–O bond lengths. H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.97 Å. O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to three equivalent Er3+ and one H1+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Er(SiAu)2 by Materials Project

Er(AuSi)2 crystallizes in the tetragonal I4/mmm space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Er3+ is bonded to eight equivalent Si4- atoms to form ErSi8 hexagonal bipyramids that share corners with sixteen equivalent AuSi4 tetrahedra, edges with four equivalent ErSi8 hexagonal bipyramids, edges with eight equivalent AuSi4 tetrahedra, and faces with four equivalent ErSi8 hexagonal bipyramids. All Er–Si bond lengths are 3.22 Å. Au+2.50+ is bonded to four equivalent Si4- atoms to form AuSi4 tetrahedra that share corners with eight equivalent ErSi8 hexagonal bipyramids, corners with four equivalent AuSi4 tetrahedra, edges with four equivalent ErSi8 hexagonal bipyramids, and edges with four equivalent AuSi4 tetrahedra. All Au–Si bond lengths are 2.56 Å. Si4- is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to four equivalent Er3+, four equivalent Au+2.50+, and one Si4- atom. The Si–Si bond length is 2.28 Å.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Er(CoB)2 by Materials Project

Er(CoB)2 crystallizes in the tetragonal I4/mmm space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Er3+ is bonded in a body-centered cubic geometry to eight equivalent B3- atoms. All Er–B bond lengths are 2.84 Å. Co+1.50+ is bonded to four equivalent B3- atoms to form a mixture of corner and edge-sharing CoB4 tetrahedra. All Co–B bond lengths are 2.01 Å. B3- is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to four equivalent Er3+ and four equivalent Co+1.50+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Er(Bi3O5)4 by Materials Project

Er(Bi3O5)4 crystallizes in the cubic I23 space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Er3+ is bonded to four equivalent O2- atoms to form ErO4 tetrahedra that share corners with twelve equivalent BiO5 square pyramids. All Er–O bond lengths are 2.15 Å. Bi+3.08+ is bonded to five O2- atoms to form distorted BiO5 square pyramids that share corners with eight equivalent BiO5 square pyramids, a cornercorner with one ErO4 tetrahedra, and an edgeedge with one BiO5 square pyramid. There are a spread of Bi–O bond distances ranging from 2.11–2.55 Å. There are three inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded to one Er3+ and three equivalent Bi+3.08+ atoms to form corner-sharing OErBi3 tetrahedra. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to three equivalent Bi+3.08+ atoms. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three equivalent Bi+3.08+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Er(ReO4)3 by Materials Project

Er(ReO4)3 crystallizes in the trigonal R3c space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Er3+ is bonded in a 9-coordinate geometry to nine O2- atoms. There are a spread of Er–O bond distances ranging from 2.25–2.65 Å. Re7+ is bonded in a tetrahedral geometry to four O2- atoms. There are a spread of Re–O bond distances ranging from 1.72–1.78 Å. There are four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Re7+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Er3+ and one Re7+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to one Er3+ and one Re7+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to one Er3+ and one Re7+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗