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Alyea, F. N.

Publications and source records attributed to Alyea, F. N..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

The fate of atmospheric phosgene and the stratospheric chlorine loadings of its parent compounds: CCl4, C2Cl4, C2HCL3, CH3CCl3, and CHCl3

A study of the tropospheric and stratospheric cycles of phosgene is carried out to determine its fate and ultimate role in controlling the ozone depletion potentials of its parent compounds. Tropospheric phosgene is produced from the OH-initiated oxidation of C2Cl4, CH3CCl3, CHCl3, and C2HCl3. Simulations using a two-dimensional model indicate that these processes produce about 90 pptv/yr of tropospheric phosgene with an average concentration of about 18 pptv, in reasonable agreement with observations. We estimate a residence time of about 70 days for tropospheric phosgene, with the vast majority being removed by hydrolysis in cloudwater. Only about 0.4% of the phosgene produced in the troposphere avoids wet removal and is transported to the stratosphere, where its chlorine can be released to participate in the catalytic destruction of ozone. Stratospheric phosgene is produced from the photochemical degradation of CCl4, C2Cl4, CHCl3, and CH3CCl3 and is removed by photolysis and downward transport to the troposphere. Model calculations, in good agreement with observations, indicate that these processes produce a peak stratospheric concentration of about 25-30 pptv at an altitude of about 25 km. In contrast to tropospheric phosgene, stratospheric phosgene is found to have a lifetime against photochemical removal of the order of years. As a result, a significant portion of the phosgene that is produced in the stratosphere is ultimately returned to the troposphere, where it is rapidly removed by clouds. This phenomenon effectively decreases the amount of reactive chlorine injected into the stratosphere and available for ozone depletion from phosgene's parent compounds. A similar phenomenon due to the downward transport of stratospheric COFCl produced from CFC-11 is estimated to cause a 7% decrease in the amount of reactive chlorine injected into the stratosphere from this compound. Our results are potentially sensitive to a variety of parameters, most notably the rate of reaction of phosgene with sulfate aerosols. However, on the basis of the observed vertical distribution of COCl2, we estimate that the reaction of COCl2 with sulfate aerosol most likely has a gamma less than 5 x 10(exp -5) and, as a result, has a negligible impact on the stratospheric chlorine loadings of the phosgene parent compounds.

Kindler, T. P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Global trends and annual releases of CCl3F and CCl2F2 estimated from ALE/GAGE and other measurements from July 1978 to June 1991

Thirteen years of Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment/Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment CCl3F and CCl2F2 measurements at five remote, surface, globally distributed sites are analyzed. Comparisons are made against shipboard measurements by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) group and archived air samples collected at Cape Grim, Tasmania, since 1978. CCl3F in the lower troposphere was increasing at an average rate of 9.2 ppt/yr over the period July 1978 to June 1988. CCl2F2 was increasing at an average 17.3 ppt/yr in the lower troposphere over the same period. However, between July 1988 and June 1991 the increases of CCl3F and CCl2F2 in this region have averaged just 7.0 ppt/yr and 15.7 ppt/yr, respectively. The rate of increase has been decreasing 2.4 ppt/yr(exp 2) and 2.9 ppt/yr(exp 2) over this 3-year period. Based on a recent scenario of the global releases of these compounds and using the new calibration scale SIO 1993, the equilibrium lifetimes are estimated to be 44 +17/-10 and 180 +820/-81 years for CCl3F and CCl2F2, respectively. Using these lifetime estimates and a two-dimensional model, it is estimated that global releases of these two chlorofluorocarbons in 1990 were 249 +/- 28 x 10(exp 6) kg for CCl3F and 366 +/- 30 x 10(exp 6) kg for CCl2F2. It is also estimated that combined releases of these chlorofluorocarbons in 1990 were 21 +/- 5% less than those in 1986.

Cunnold, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Global Reference Atmospheric Model - 1990

GRAM-90, improvement on original model, provides values of atmospheric parameters, either automatically at positions along linear path or along any set of connected positions specified by user. Parameters produced include monthly total and mean values of pressure, density, temperature, and wind, as well as perturbation values and magnitudes. Also provides thermal wind shear for monthly mean winds, percent deviation from standard atmosphere, mean vertical wind, and perturbation data for each position. Perturbation data consist of values of quasi-biennial and random perturbations. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Justus, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Three-dimensional simulations of atmospheric methyl chloroform - Effect of an ocean sink

A global three-dimensional chemical tracer model of the distribution and seasonal cycles of the surface concentration of CH3CCl3 is compared with surface observations from the Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment (ALE) for the years 1980-1985. Two-dimensional OH distributions calculated by a photochemical model are empirically adjusted from observed trends in the global average and the interhemispheric ratio of methyl chloroform. The effects of the recently discovered ocean sink for methyl chloroform were investigated. The model simulates the 5-year record of observations made at the five ALE sampling sites to generally within +/- 5 percent of the observed mean. The calculated average global lifetime of methyl chloroform is 5.7 +/- 0.3 years. The estimated global mean OH concentration is 6.5 +/- 0.4 x 10 exp 5/cu cm. However, the inclusion of the ocean sink does not significantly improve the simulation of the observed interhemispheric gradient of methyl chloroform. Atmospheric transport dominates the simulated CH3CCl3 seasonal cycle throughout the Northern Hemisphere but is less important in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tie, X.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The NASA/MSFC global reference atmospheric model: 1990 version (GRAM-90). Part 2: Program/data listings

A new (1990) version of the NASA/MSFC Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM-90) was completed and the program and key data base listing are presented. GRAM-90 incorporate extensive new data, mostly collected under the Middle Atmosphere Program, to produce a completely revised middle atmosphere model (20 to 120 km). At altitudes greater than 120 km, GRAM-90 uses the NASA Marshall Engineering Thermosphere model. Complete listings of all program and major data bases are presented. Also, a test case is included.

Justus, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The NASA/MSFC global reference atmospheric model: 1990 version (GRAM-90). Part 1: Technical/users manual

A technical description of the NASA/MSFC Global Reference Atmospheric Model 1990 version (GRAM-90) is presented with emphasis on the additions and new user's manual descriptions of the program operation aspects of the revised model. Some sample results for the new middle atmosphere section and comparisons with results from a three dimensional circulation model are provided. A programmer's manual with more details for those wishing to make their own GRAM program adaptations is also presented.

Justus, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Improvements in the perturbation simulations of the global reference atmospheric model

The Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM) program includes the capability for simulating pseudo-random perturbations in density, temperature, pressure, or wind components along a simulated reentry trajectory or other path through the atmosphere. Some concerns were expressed by GRAM users, however, that the mean-square perturbation gradients may be too large for small values of the vertical separation Delta z. The present GRAM perturbation simulations, based on a one-step autoregressive model, yield a power spectrum versus wavenumber k which is proportional to k sup -2 at high wavenumbers. This feature also produces mean-square perturbation differences which are directly proportional to Delta z, and mean-square perturbation gradients which are inversely proportional to Delta z. Thus, root-mean-square gradients, (Delta f/Delta z) sub rms, increase with decreasing Delta a as Delta z sup -1/2. A simple modification to GRAM is suggested which overcomes this problem, i.e., which produce root-mean-square gradient that remain bound as Delta z approaches zero. Possible applications of more sophisticated simulation approaches, e.g., second order autoregressive models, or fractal model techniques, were also explored briefly but found to yield improvements which appear too small to justify their considerable added complexity for use in the GRAM programs.

Justus, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Atmospheric lifetime and annual release estimates for CFCl3 and CF2Cl2 from 5 years of ALE data

CFCl3 and CF2Cl2 data for the 5-year period from July 1978-June 1983 are analyzed. The lifetime estimates are updated using the trend technique and the annual global release rates of the gases are derived. The effects of release uncertainties on lifetime estimates are examined by studying fluorocarbon data. It is observed that in 1981 the mixing ratios for CFCl3 and CF2Cl2 displayed increases of 8.8. and 15.3 pptv/year respectively, and the trend lifetime for CFCl13 is 74 + 31 or - 17 years and for CF2Cl2 111 + 222 or - 44 years.

Cunnold, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The atmospheric lifetime experiment. I - Introduction, instrumentation, and overview

The Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment is designed to determine accurately the atmospheric concentrations of the four halocarbons CFCl3, CF2Cl2, CCl4, and CH3CCl3, and also of N2O with emphasis on measurement of their long-term trends in the atmosphere. Comparison of these concentrations and trends for the four halocarbons with estimates of their industrial emission rates then enables calculations of their global circulation rates and globally averaged atmospheric lifetimes. The experiment utilizes automated dual-column electron-capture gas chromatographs which sample the background air about 4 times daily at the following globally distributed sites: Adrigole, Ireland, Cape Meares, Oregon; Ragged Point, Barbados; Point Matatula, American Samoa, and Cape Grim, Tasmania. The climatology of these 'clean air' sites and their ability to describe the global air mass are reviewed. The instrumentation and methods for data acquisition and processing are then described. An overview of the data obtained and the trends derived during the 3-year period from July 1978 through June 1981 for each of the five species being measured is presented.

Prinn, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The atmospheric lifetime experiment. III - Lifetime methodology and application to three years of CFCL3 data

Observations of the chlorofluorocarbon CFCl3 obtained several times daily over the period July 1978 to June 1981 at Adrigole, Ireland; Ragged Point, Barbados; Point Matatula, American Samoa; and Cape Grim, Tasmania are reported. In addition, observations at Cape Meares, Oregon are given for the period January 1980 to June 1981. On January 1, 1980, the average mixing ratio of CFCl3 in the lower troposphere is esimated to have been 168 pptv, and this is calculated to have been increasing 5.7 percent annually. Assuming that the only destruction of CFCl3 occurs in the stratosphere, the lifetime, on January 1, 1980, estimated by a trend technique is 83 + 73, or -27 years; the lifetime estimated from the global inventory of CFCl3 is to + 89 or -25 years. The maximum likelihood current lifetime estimate obtained by combining the estimates from both analysis techniques is 78 years.

Cunnold, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment. IV - Results for CF2Cl2 based on three years data

Observations of dichlorodifluoromethane obtained several times daily over the period July 1978 to June 1981 at Adrigole, Ireland (52 deg N, 10 deg W), Ragged Point, Barbados (13 deg N, 59 deg W), Point Matatula, American Samoa (14 deg S, 171 deg W), and Cape Grim, Tasmania (41 deg S, 145 deg E), are reported. Observations at Cape Meares, Oregon (45 deg N, 124 deg W), are also given for the period November 1980 to June 1981. On January 1, 1980, the average mixing ratio of dichlorodifluoromethane in the lower troposphere is estimated to have been 285 pptv and to have been increasing at 6.0 percent/year. The atmospheric lifetime of this compound is estimated from this data by adjusting its destruction rate in a two-dimensional model of the atmosphere so as to provide the best fit to the observations. Assuming destruction of CF2Cl2 in the stratosphere only, the lifetime estimate for January 1, 1980, by the inventory technique is 69 + 36 or - 18 years. The trend technique principally provides a lower limit to the lifetime of 81 years. The results suggest a need for further assessment of dichlorodifluoromethane release estimates, particularly those from the USSR and eastern Europe.

Cunnold, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Comparative analysis of CCMHD power plants

A study of Closed Cycle MHD (CCMHD) power generation systems has been conducted which emphasizes both advances in component conceptual design and overall system performance. New design data are presented for the high temperature, regenerative argon heaters (HTRH) and the heat recovery/seed recovery (HRSR) subsystem. Contamination of the argon by flue gas adsorbed in the HTRH is examined and a model for estimation of contamination effects in operating systems is developed. System performance and cost data have been developed for the standard CCMHD/steam cycle as powered by both direct fired cyclone combustors and selected coal gasifiers. In addition, a new CCMHD thermodynamic cycle has been identified.

Alyea, F. N.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Parametric study of prospective early commercial MHD power plants (PSPEC). General Electric Company, task 1: Parametric analysis

The performance and cost of moderate technology coal-fired open cycle MHD/steam power plant designs which can be expected to require a shorter development time and have a lower development cost than previously considered mature OCMHD/steam plants were determined. Three base cases were considered: an indirectly-fired high temperature air heater (HTAH) subsystem delivering air at 2700 F, fired by a state of the art atmospheric pressure gasifier, and the HTAH subsystem was deleted and oxygen enrichment was used to obtain requisite MHD combustion temperature. Coal pile to bus bar efficiencies in ease case 1 ranged from 41.4% to 42.9%, and cost of electricity (COE) was highest of the three base cases. For base case 2 the efficiency range was 42.0% to 45.6%, and COE was lowest. For base case 3 the efficiency range was 42.9% to 44.4%, and COE was intermediate. The best parametric cases in bases cases 2 and 3 are recommended for conceptual design. Eventual choice between these approaches is dependent on further evaluation of the tradeoffs among HTAH development risk, O2 plant integration, and further refinements of comparative costs.

Marston, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Preliminary calculations concerning the maintenance of the zonal mean ozone distribution in the Northern Hemisphere

Results from a three-dimensional photochemical-dynamical model of ozone are presented and a qualitative description of the maintenance of the ozone distribution and its seasonal variations below 1 mb is given. The transition between photochemical and transport control of the ozone distribution is emphasized. Between 1 and 10 mb, transport by the eddies seems to play only a minor role at mid-latitudes in producing the observed ozone distribution despite the zero correlation between ozone and temperature which occurs in that region. In the lower stratosphere, mean and eddy contributions to ozone change generally strongly offset one another. The buildup and decay of the springtime ozone maximum is discussed. Emphasis is given to the mechanism of ozone transport by the mid-latitude eddies, which play an important role in the springtime accumulation of ozone.

Cunnold, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Photochemistry and dynamics of the ozone layer

The paper presents a broad review of the photochemical and dynamic theories of the ozone layer. The two theories are combined into the MIT three-dimensional dynamic-chemical quasi-geostrophic model with 26 levels in the vertical spaced in logarithmic pressure coordinates between the ground and 72-km altitude. The chemical scheme incorporates the important odd nitrogen, odd hydrogen, and odd oxygen chemistry, but is simplified in the sense that it requires specification of the distributions of NO2, OH and HO2. The prognostic equations are the vorticity equation, the perturbation thermodynamic equation, and the global mean and perturbation continuity equations for ozone; diagnostic equations include the hydrostatic equation, the balance condition, and the mass continuity equation. The model is applied to the investigation of the impact of supersonic aircraft on the ozone layer.

Prinn, R. G.↗