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An EOF Iteration Approach for Obtaining Homogeneous Radiative Fluxes from Satellites Observations

Conventional observations of climate parameters are sparse in space and/or in time and the representativeness of such information needs to be optimized. Observations from satellites provide improved spatial coverage than point observations however they pose new challenges for obtaining homogeneous coverage. Surface radiative fluxes, the forcing functions of the hydrologic cycle and biogeophysical processes, are now becoming available from global scale satellite observations. They are derived from independent satellite platforms and sensors that differ in temporal and spatial resolution and in the size of the footprint from which information is derived. Data gaps, degraded spatial resolution near boundaries of geostationary satellites, and different viewing geometries in areas of satellite overlap, could result in biased estimates of radiative fluxes. In this study, discussed will be issues related to the sources of inhomogeneity in surface radiative fluxes as derived from satellites; development of an approach to obtain homogeneous data sets; and application of the methodology to the widely used International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) data that currently serve as a source of information for deriving estimates of surface and top of the atmosphere radiative fluxes. Introduced is an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) iteration scheme for homogenizing the fluxes. The scheme is evaluated in several ways including comparison of the inferred radiative fluxes against ground observations, both before and after the EOF approach is applied. On the average, the latter reduces the rms error by about 2-3 W/m2.

Zhang, Banglin↗

Development of Laser, Detector, and Receiver Systems for an Atmospheric CO2 Lidar Profiling System

A ground-based Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is being developed with the capability to measure range-resolved and column amounts of atmospheric CO2. This system is also capable of providing high-resolution aerosol profiles and cloud distributions. It is being developed as part of the NASA Earth Science Technology Office s Instrument Incubator Program. This three year program involves the design, development, evaluation, and fielding of a ground-based CO2 profiling system. At the end of a three-year development this instrument is expected to be capable of making measurements in the lower troposphere and boundary layer where the sources and sinks of CO2 are located. It will be a valuable tool in the validation of NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) measurements of column CO2 and suitable for deployment in the North American Carbon Program (NACP) regional intensive field campaigns. The system can also be used as a test-bed for the evaluation of lidar technologies for space-application. This DIAL system leverages 2-micron laser technology developed under a number of NASA programs to develop new solid-state laser technology that provides high pulse energy, tunable, wavelength-stabilized, and double-pulsed lasers that are operable over pre-selected temperature insensitive strong CO2 absorption lines suitable for profiling of lower tropospheric CO2. It also incorporates new high quantum efficiency, high gain, and relatively low noise phototransistors, and a new receiver/signal processor system to achieve high precision DIAL measurements.

Ismail, Syed↗

Heliosheath Space Environment Interactions with Icy Bodies in the Outermost Solar System

The Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are exploring the space environment of the outermost solar system at the same time that earth-based astronomy continues to discover new icy bodies, one larger than Pluto, in the transitional region outward from the Classical Kuiper Belt to the Inner Oort Cloud. Some of the Scattered Disk Objects in this region periodically pass through the heliosheath, entered by Voyager 1 in Dec. 2004 and later expected to be reached by Voyager 2, and out even beyond the heliopause into the Very Local Interstellar Medium. The less energetic heliosheath ions, important for implantation and sputtering processes, are abundant near and beyond the termination shock inner boundary, but the source region of the more penetrating anomalous cosmic ray component has not yet been found. Advantageous for modeling of icy body interactions, the measured heliosheath flux spectra are relatively more stable within this new regime of isotropic compressional magnetic turbulence than in the upstream heliospheric environment. The deepest interactions and resultant radiation-induced chemistry arise from the inwardly diffusing component of the galactic cosmic ray ions with significant intensity modulation also arising in the heliosheath beyond Voyager 1. Surface gardening by high-velocity impacts of smaller bodies (e.g., fragments of previous KBO collisions) and dust is a further space weathering process setting the time scales for long term exposure of different regolith layers to the ion irradiation. Sputtering and ionization of impact ejecta grains may provide a substantial feedback of pickup ions for multiple cycles of heliosheath acceleration and icy body interaction. Thus the space weathering interactions are potentially of interest not only for effects on sensible surface composition of the icy bodies but also for evolution of the heliosheath plasma energetic ion, and neutral emission environment.

Cooper, John F.↗

The Impact of Microphysics on Intensity and Structure of Hurricanes and Mesoscale Convective Systems

During the past decade, both research and operational numerical weather prediction models, e.g. Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, have started using more complex microphysical schemes originally developed for high-resolution cloud resolving models (CRMs) with a 1-2 km or less horizontal resolutions. WRF is a next-generation mesoscale forecast model and assimilation system that has incorporated modern software framework, advanced dynamics, numeric and data assimilation techniques, a multiple moveable nesting capability, and improved physical packages. WRF model can be used for a wide range of applications, from idealized research to operational forecasting, with an emphasis on horizontal grid sizes in the range of 1-10 km. The current WRF includes several different microphysics options such as Purdue Lin et al. (1983), WSM 6-class and Thompson microphysics schemes. We have recently implemented three sophisticated cloud microphysics schemes into WRF. The cloud microphysics schemes have been extensively tested and applied for different mesoscale systems in different geographical locations. The performances of these schemes have been compared to those from other WRF microphysics options. We are performing sensitivity tests in using WRF to examine the impact of six different cloud microphysical schemes on precipitation processes associated hurricanes and mesoscale convective systems developed at different geographic locations [Oklahoma (IHOP), Louisiana (Hurricane Katrina), Canada (C3VP - snow events), Washington (fire storm), India (Monsoon), Taiwan (TiMREX - terrain)]. We will determine the microphysical schemes for good simulated convective systems in these geographic locations. We are also performing the inline tracer calculation to comprehend the physical processes (i.e., boundary layer and each quadrant in the boundary layer) related to the development and structure of hurricanes and mesoscale convective systems.

Tao, Wei-Kuo↗

Real-Time Very High-Resolution Regional 4D Assimilation in Supporting CRYSTAL-FACE Experiment

To better understand tropical cirrus cloud physical properties and formation processes with a view toward the successful modeling of the Earth's climate, the CRYSTAL-FACE (Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers - Florida Area Cirrus Experiment) field experiment took place over southern Florida from 1 July to 29 July 2002. During the entire field campaign, a very high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) and assimilation system was performed in support of the mission with supercomputing resources provided by NASA Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS). By using NOAA NCEP Eta forecast for boundary conditions and as a first guess for initial conditions assimilated with all available observations, two nested 15/3 km grids are employed over the CRYSTAL-FACE experiment area. The 15-km grid covers the southeast US domain, and is run two times daily for a 36-hour forecast starting at 0000 UTC and 1200 UTC. The nested 3-km grid covering only southern Florida is used for 9-hour and 18-hour forecasts starting at 1500 and 0600 UTC, respectively. The forecasting system provided more accurate and higher spatial and temporal resolution forecasts of 4-D atmospheric fields over the experiment area than available from standard weather forecast models. These forecasts were essential for flight planning during both the afternoon prior to a flight day and the morning of a flight day. The forecasts were used to help decide takeoff times and the most optimal flight areas for accomplishing the mission objectives. See more detailed products on the web site http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/mode/crystal. The model/assimilation output gridded data are archived on the NASA Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) UniTree system in the HDF format at 30-min intervals for real-time forecasts or 5-min intervals for the post-mission case studies. Particularly, the data set includes the 3-D cloud fields (cloud liquid water, rain water, cloud ice, snow and graupe/hail).

Wang, Donghai↗

Assessing free tropospheric quasi-equilibrium for different GCM resolutions using a cloud-resolving model simulation of tropical convection

Abstract This study examines the free-tropospheric quasi-equilibrium at different global climate model (GCM) resolutions using the simulation of tropical convection by a cloud-resolving model during the Tropical Western Pacific International Cloud Experiment. The simulated dynamic and thermodynamic fields within the model domain are averaged over subdomains of different sizes equivalent to different GCM resolutions. These coarse-grained fields are then used to compute CAPE and its change with time, and their relationships with simulated convection. Results show that CAPE change with time is controlled predominantly by variations of thermodynamic properties in the planetary boundary layer for all subdomain sizes ranging from 64 to 4 km. Lag correlation analysis shows that CAPE generation by the free-tropospheric dynamical advection (dCAPE ls ) leads convective precipitation but is in phase with convective mass flux at 600 mb and 500 mb vertical velocity for all subdomain sizes. However, the correlation coefficients and regression slopes decrease as the subdomain size decreases for subdomain sizes smaller than 16 km. This is probably due to increased randomness of convection and more scale-dependence of the relationships when the subdomain size reaches the grey zone. By examining the sensitivity of the relationships of convection with dCAPE ls to temporal scales in different subdomain size, it shows that the quasi-equilibrium between dCAPE ls and convection holds well for timescales of 30 min or longer at all subdomain sizes. These results suggest that the free tropospheric quasi-equilibrium assumption may still be useable even for GCM resolutions in the grey zone.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of the Planetary Boundary Layer Height During DISCOVER-AQ Baltimore–Washington, D.C., with Lidar and High-Resolution WRF Modeling

The daytime planetary boundary layer (PBL) was examined for the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) Baltimore (Maryland)–Washington, D.C., campaign of July 2011 using PBL height (PBLH) retrievals from aerosol backscatter measurements from ground-based micropulse lidar (MPL), the NASA Langley Research Center airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar-1 (HSRL-1), and the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) on the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite. High-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations with horizontal grid spacing of 1 km and different combinations of PBL schemes, urban parameterization, and sea surface temperature inputs were evaluated against PBLHs derived from lidars, ozonesondes, and radiosondes. MPL and WRF PBLHs depicted a growing PBL in the morning that reached a peak height by midafternoon. WRF PBLHs calculated from gridded output profiles generally showed more rapid growth and higher peak heights than did the MPLs, and all WRF–lidar differences were dependent on model configuration, PBLH calculation method, and synoptic conditions. At inland locations, WRF simulated an earlier descent of the PBL top in the afternoon relative to the MPL retrievals and radiosonde PBLHs. At Edgewood, Maryland, the influence of the Chesapeake Bay breeze on the PBLH was captured by both the ozonesonde and WRF data but generally not by the MPL PBLH retrievals because of generally weaker gradients in the aerosol backscatter profile and limited normalized relative backscatter data near the top height of the marine layer.

Hegarty, Jennifer D.↗

Comparison of Observations and Predictions of Daytime Planetary-Boundary-Layer Heights and Surface Meteorological Variables in the Columbia River Gorge and Basin During the Second Wind Forecast Improvement Project

The second Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP2) is an 18-month field campaign in the Pacific Northwest U.S.A., whose goal is to improve the accuracy of numerical-weather-prediction forecasts in complex terrain. The WFIP2 campaign involved the deployment of a large suite of in situ and remote sensing instrumentation, including eight 915-MHz wind-profiling radars, and surface meteorological stations. The evolution and annual variability of the daytime convective planetary-boundary-layer (PBL) height is investigated using the wind-profiling radars. Three models with different horizontal grid spacing are evaluated: the Rapid Refresh, the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and its nested version. The results are used to assess errors in the prediction of PBL height within the experimental and control versions of the models, with the experimental versions including changes and additions to the model parametrizations developed during the field campaign, and the control version using the parametrizations present in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Centers for Environmental Prediction operational version of the models at the start of the project. Results show that the high-resolution models outperform the low-resolution versions, the experimental versions perform better compared with the control versions, model PBL height estimations are more accurate on cloud-free days, and model estimates of the PBL height growth rate are more accurate than model estimates of the rate of decay. Finally, using surface sensors, we assess surface meteorological variables, finding improved surface irradiance and, to a lesser extent, improved 2-m temperature in the experimental version of the model.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBL) Value Added Product (VAP): Radiosonde Retrievals

The planetary boundary layer (PBL) can be defined as “that part of the troposphere that is directly influenced by the presence of the earth’s surface…” (Stull 1988). The PBL height (or mixing layer depth) can vary significantly with time due to a number of factors including large-scale dynamics, cloudiness, convective mixing, and the diurnal cycle of solar radiation. The structure and depth of the PBL is important to a wide range of atmospheric processes, including cloud formation; aerosol mixing, transport, and transformation; and chemical mixing, transport, and transformation. Errors in the determination of the PBL height in models can significantly impact the formation and maintenance of low-level clouds (Zeng et al. 2004). Routine estimates of PBL height are useful for a wide range of research projects and therefore, it was proposed that a PBL height value added product (VAP) be developed for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program. Numerous instruments (e.g., radiosonde, ceilometer, backscatter lidar, Doppler wind lidar, and sodar) and algorithms have been used for PBL height detection, each with their own strengths and weaknesses (Seibert et al. 2000). In order to speed development of a PBL height product, it was decided to take a phased approach to data set development and begin with relatively simple and mature algorithms that can be applied to instruments available at all ARM sites before moving on to more sophisticated algorithms and/or instrumentation. In the first phase of the VAP development (described in this technical report), we describe the implementation of a PBL Height VAP for radiosonde measurements, which we refer to as the PBLHeightSonde VAP. Radiosonde measurements are one of the most common methods for determining PBL or mixing layer height. Often, experienced meteorologists manually estimate PBL height by examining profiles of potential temperature and moisture; however, several operational PBL height estimation methods have been developed (Seibert et al. 2000). As there is no “truth” to evaluate PBL height estimates and since the definition of PBL height is somewhat subjective, we implemented several different methods of estimating PBL or mixed layer height from radiosonde profiles. The differences between the estimates from the various methods can be considered a partial estimate of the uncertainty in the PBL height values.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Applications and Improvement of a Coupled, Global and Cloud-Resolving Modeling System

Recently Grabowski (2001) and Khairoutdinov and Randall (2001) have proposed the use of 2D CFWs as a "super parameterization" [or multi-scale modeling framework (MMF)] to represent cloud processes within atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs). In the MMF, a fine-resolution 2D CRM takes the place of the single-column parameterization used in conventional GCMs. A prototype Goddard MMF based on the 2D Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model and the Goddard finite volume general circulation model (fvGCM) is now being developed. The prototype includes the fvGCM run at 2.50 x 20 horizontal resolution with 32 vertical layers from the surface to 1 mb and the 2D (x-z) GCE using 64 horizontal and 32 vertical grid points with 4 km horizontal resolution and a cyclic lateral boundary. The time step for the 2D GCE would be 15 seconds, and the fvGCM-GCE coupling frequency would be 30 minutes (i.e. the fvGCM physical time step). We have successfully developed an fvGCM-GCE coupler for this prototype. Because the vertical coordinate of the fvGCM (a terrain-following floating Lagrangian coordinate) is different from that of the GCE (a z coordinate), vertical interpolations between the two coordinates are needed in the coupler. In interpolating fields from the GCE to fvGCM, we use an existing fvGCM finite- volume piecewise parabolic mapping (PPM) algorithm, which conserves the mass, momentum, and total energy. A new finite-volume PPM algorithm, which conserves the mass, momentum and moist static energy in the z coordinate, is being developed for interpolating fields from the fvGCM to the GCE. In the meeting, we will discuss the major differences between the two MMFs (i.e., the CSU MMF and the Goddard MMF). We will also present performance and critical issues related to the MMFs. In addition, we will present multi-dimensional cloud datasets (i.e., a cloud data library) generated by the Goddard MMF that will be provided to the global modeling community to help improve the representation and performance of moist processes in climate models and to improve our understanding of cloud processes globally (the software tools needed to produce cloud statistics and to identify various types of clouds and cloud systems from both high-resolution satellite and model data will be also presented).

Tao, W.-K.↗

Cyclone Fani: the tug-of-war between regional warming and anthropogenic aerosol effects

Before Cyclone Amphan took place in 2020, Cyclone Fani (May 2019) is the strongest pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal (BOB) since 1991, killing 90 people in eastern India and Bangladesh while causing US$1.81 billion of damages. Fani developed during a period of high concentration of anthropogenic aerosols in the BOB with abnormally high sea surface temperature (SST), thereby presenting an opportunity to understand the compound effects of atmospheric aerosols and regional climate warming on a tropical cyclone. A quantitative attribution analysis was conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with chemistry (WRF-Chem) run at the convection-permitting (4 km) grid spacing, accompanied by an ensemble of coarser-resolution simulations to quantify the uncertainty. The removal of post-1990 trends in the tropospheric variables and SST from WRF-Chem's initial conditions (IC) and boundary conditions (BC, including the lateral and lower boundary conditions) resulted in a reduction of cyclone precipitation by about 51% during the 5 d of April 28-May 2. The removal of tropospheric warming shows approximately twice as strong an effect on Fani (39% reduction in precipitation) as that of SST warming (22% reduction). When aerosol's direct and indirect effects were removed from the simulations, i.e., no aerosol influence on radiation and cloud microphysics, Fani initially strengthened but later weakened, as measured by geopotential height and precipitation amounts. These results suggest that aerosol and its interaction with the atmosphere acted to mitigate the strengthening effect of anthropogenic warming on Fani, but was not strong enough to entirely counteract it. Although the ensemble of coarser simulations appears to overestimate Cyclone Fani in terms of precipitation, the direction of the effects is in agreement with that obtained from the 4 km simulations. Given the increasing anthropogenic aerosols in the BOB, future attribution studies using more sophisticated dynamical aerosol models on BOB tropical cyclones are urged.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Global patterns in cloud forms on Mars

Mariner 9 images and all Viking orbiter images through July 1979 were searched for cloud forms. A computer-accessible catalog was assembled, consisting of a classification of cloud type (lee wave, for example) and properties (directionality, wavelength, for example). Lee wave directionality shows a pattern and seasonal variation at high latitudes which is consistent with predictions of theoretical modeling. Fog and haze occurrence shows no obvious correlation with water abundance or any other simple causal factor. Lee waves are rare at equatorial latitudes. Plumes (probably dust) occur preferentially at locations where strong boundary layer convection is expected.

French, R. G.↗

Accretion disk models for QSOs and active galactic nuclei - The role of magnetic viscosity

The inner regions of standard accretion disk models are known to be thermally unstable, and when scaled to quasar black hole masses, optically thin. Alternative accretion disk models are constructed under the assumption of a purely magnetic viscosity in the limiting cases of equipartition of gas and magnetic pressures and global flux conservation. The inner regions of these models are considerably denser than the standard model and therefore remain optically thick in all regions. The equipartition model is thermally stable throughout, while flux conservation leads to a localized thermal instability at the gas pressure/radiation pressure boundary and marginal stability as the radial distance approaches zero. The outer regions of quasar scaled accretion disks are strongly self-gravitating, leading to a vertical scale height which is smaller than that found in the inner region. Most of the outer region is gravitationally unstable, implying that the outer parts of galactic nuclei accretion disks are populated by dense self-gravitating gas clouds or possibly by stars.

Sakimoto, P. J.↗

A Unified SHOC-MF Boundary Layer Parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model

We present results from a novel extension of the boundary layer parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. An Eddy Diffusivity-Mass Flux (EDMF) multi-plume updraft scheme was previously implemented in GEOS. Here we replace the K-profile eddy diffusivity scheme of Lock et. al. (2000) with the Simplified Higher Order Closure (SHOC; Bogenschutz and Krueger, 2013). The scheme prognoses turbulent kinetic energy, and derives buoyancy flux, cloud fraction and condensate from a trivariate double-gaussian joint PDF. The original SHOC scheme is modified in two significant respects: (i) contributions from the EDMF updrafts are included in estimates of all higher order moments used to determine the PDF; and (ii) the second and third moments of total water are made prognostic variables, with source terms associated with EDMF updrafts. The predicted higher order moments as well as updraft and environmental properties are compared with large eddy simulations in several case studies. Results indicate that many higher order moments are underestimated when the mass flux contribution is neglected.

Nathan Arnold↗

A Unified SHOC-MF Boundary Layer Parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model

We present results from a novel extension of the boundary layer parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. An Eddy Diffusivity-Mass Flux (EDMF) multi-plume updraft scheme was previously implemented in GEOS. Here we replace the K-profile eddy diffusivity scheme of Lock et. al. (2000) with the Simplified Higher Order Closure (SHOC; Bogenschutz and Krueger, 2013). The scheme prognoses turbulent kinetic energy, and derives buoyancy flux, cloud fraction and condensate from a trivariate double-gaussian joint PDF. The original SHOC scheme is modified in two significant respects: (i) contributions from the EDMF updrafts are included in estimates of all higher order moments used to determine the PDF; and (ii) the second and third moments of total water are made prognostic variables, with source terms associated with EDMF updrafts. The predicted higher order moments as well as updraft and environmental properties are compared with large eddy simulations in several case studies. Results indicate that many higher order moments are underestimated when the mass flux contribution is neglected.

Nathan Arnold↗

Air-sea interaction during an extreme cold air outbreak from the eastern coast of the United States

An aircraft investigation of boundary layer mean and turbulent structure is reported, and the Lagrangian budgets of temperature and moisture in the subcloud layer following a streamline during an extreme cold air outbreak are evaluated. The maximum sea-air temperature difference was 23 K. Two aircraft were used: the NCAR Electra, which measured turbulent fluxes and investigated subcloud layer conditions, and the NASA Electra, which measured the height of cloud tops using lidar. A stratocumulus overcast was found from about 60 km offshore to the Gulf Stream core with cloud top rising downstream. East of the Gulf Stream cumulus congestus and snow showers were observed. Cloud base decreased downstream and numerous steam plumes filled the subcloud layer. Temperature cross sections show most warming, and moistening of the subcloud layer occurred before the Gulf Stream core. Windspeeds increased downstream and maxima were observed near cloud top (inversion) and in the subcloud layer. Lagrangian budgets showed most warming, and moistening of the layer between 70 m and about 100 m below mean cloud base was due to turbulent flux divergence.

Grossman, Robert L.↗

Planetary circulations in the presence of transient and self-induced heating

The linearized global primitive equation model of Salby and Garcia (1987) was modified to study tropospheric circulations and their interaction with tropical convection. The vertical resolution was increased to approximately 1.5 km, with the effective vertical domain extending the approximately 40 km (higher altitudes in the calculation are used to ensure the radiation upper boundary condition is satisfied). A formal wave conditional instability of the second kind (CISK) parameterization was introduced. That parameterization allows low-frequency disturbances to interact with convection by organizing surface moisture. Boundary layer friction has two important effects in these calculations: it exaggerates surface convergence near the equator by driving the flow out of geostrophic balance; and it introduces a phase shift between the convergence pattern and the circulation, which drives the heating out of quadrature with the temperature field and allows a positive feedback to take place. The observational complement of this theoretical work involves Global Cloud Imagery (GCI) composited from six satellites in the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) which were simultaneously observing the Earth's cloud field. Having global coverage, horizontal resolution of half a degree, and produced synoptically every 3 hours, the GCI affords an unprecendented view of global convection. A full year (1983 to 1984) of GCI has now been successfully created. Among other phenomena, that imagery reveals a regular progression of easterly waves in the convective pattern of the Western Pacific. Those disturbances have odd symmetry about the equator and organize convection into a pattern with similar symmetry. In time-mean maps of cloud cover, these propagating disturbances produce a split Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in the western Pacific.

Salby, Murry L.↗

Recent results on Mars and Venus; Proceedings of Symposium 3 and the Topical Meetings of the Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission C (Meeting C1) and D (Meeting D1) of the COSPAR 28th Plenary Meeting, The Hague, Netherlands, June 25-July 6, 1990

In this volume, latest results on Mars and Phobos studies are discussed along with recent results on Venus and on Martian plasma environment. Papers are presented on the characteristics of aerosol phenomena in Martian atmosphere from KRFM-experiment data, Phobos map and Phobos globe, submicron-sized dust grains in the Martian environment, remote sensing of Venus atmospheric dynamics, the latitude structure of upper clouds of Venus, and Venus thermospheric response to short-term solar variations. Attention is also given to a comparison between the bow shocks and magnetotails of Venus and Mars, comparative studies of the solar wind interaction with weakly magnetized planets, the magnetic field environment of Mars as studied by Phobos-2, waves and cold plasmas near Mars, and multiple-ion effects at Martian plasma boundaries.

Shorthill, R. W.↗