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At least 181 records · Page 10

Effects of dynamic long-period ocean tides on changes in earth's rotation rate

As a generalization of the zonal response coefficient first introduced by Agnew and Farrell (1978), the zonal response function kappa of the solid earth-ocean system is defined as the ratio, in the frequency domain, of the tidal change in earth's rotation rate to the tide-generating potential. Amplitudes and phases of kappa for the monthly, fortnightly, and nine-day lunar tides are estimated from 2 1/2 years of VLBI UT1 observations, corrected for atmospheric angular momentum effects using NMC wind and pressure series. Using the dynamic ocean tide model of Dickman (1988, 1989), amplitudes and phases of kappa for an elastic earth-ocean system are predicted. The predictions confirm earlier results which found that dynamic effects of the longer-period ocean tides reduce the amplitude of kappa by about 1 percent.

Nam, Young↗

Gravitational tides in the outer planets. I - Implications of classical tidal theory. II - Interior calculations and estimation of the tidal dissipation factor

Classical tidal theory is applied to the atmospheres of the outer planets. The tidal geopotential due to satellites of the outer planets is discussed, and the solution of Laplace's tidal equation for Hough modes appropriate to tides on the outer planets is examined. The vertical structure of tidal modes is described, noting that only relatively high-order meridional mode numbers can propagate vertically with growing amplitude. Expected magnitudes for tides in the visible atmosphere of Jupiter are discussed. The classical theory is extended to planetary interiors taking the effects of spherically and self-gravity into account. The thermodynamic structure of Jupiter is described and the WKB theory of the vertical structure equation is presented. The regions for which inertial, gravity, and acoustic oscillations are possible are delineated. The case of a planet with a neutral interior is treated, discussing the various atmospheric boundary conditions and showing that the tidal response is small.

Ioannou, Petros J.↗

Continuous measurement of nontidal variations of gravity

Records from seven superconducting gravimeters operated at five different locations in California and one in Boulder, CO, are examined after removal of tides and the gravitational attraction of the atmosphere. Fluctuations over periods between a few days and several months were observed at all sites with peak amplitudes of order 10 microgal. By contrast, a 640-day record obtained with one of the instruments in Germany showed peak fluctuations of only 2 microgal. In most of the records the causes of these aperiodic variations were not determined so that they serve to set limits on the vertical motion or displacement of mass at the respective locations. However, at The Geysers geothermal field, much of the gravity variation is correlated with seismic activity, reinjection rate, and rainfall. Measurements of this type were not possible prior to the development of the superconducting device. Consequently, these results provide the first evidence for the existence of gravity variations on the time scale and of the magnitude described here. Vertical crustal motion, motion related to seismic events, and hydrological phenomena can lead to variations on this scale. Unambiguous identification of causal relationships will require either special circumstances such as found at The Geysers or operation of the instruments in pairs.

Goodkind, John M.↗

Eruptions of Pavlof Volcano and their possible modulation by ocean load and tectonic stresses

Data pertaining to the basic features (such as the volume of erupted materials and the rate of mass ejection) of the eruptions of the Pavlof Volcano, Alaska, and the accompanying seismicity were related to other geophysical data, including atmospheric pressure, earth and ocean-load tides, long-period sea level, and ground tilt. A significant correlation was found between the eruptions of the volcano and yearly nontidal variations in sea level, that possibly resulted from ocean loading; volume changes beneath the volcano due to ocean loading were calculated to be from 0.02 to 2 times eruption volumes. It is suggested that the volcano acts as a long-period volume strain meter, with lava being preferentially erupted when strain beneath the volcano is compressive. No eruptions occurred during the period of 1978-1980, when tilt, seismic data, and sea level data indicated that a deep aseismic slip may have occurred. Models of this aseismic event predict a volume increase beneath the volcano that might have compensated strain from magma injection.

Mcnutt, S. R.↗

Asymmetries in tidal structure between Adelaide and Kyoto

Continuous radar measurements of the wind oscillations caused by the solar diurnal and semidiurnal tides in the 80 to 110 km region of the atmosphere at the geographically conjugate stations of Adelaide (35 S, 138 E) and Kyoto (35 N, 136 E) are compared for the period 1983 to 1985. At the solstices it is found for both the 24- and 12-hr tides that the NS and EW oscillations tend to be in-phase and out-of-phase, respectively, behavior which indicates strong tidal asymmetries. The asymmetries in the 12-hr tide are consistent with a strong contribution from the (2,3) mode while the asymmetries in the 24-hr tide are ascribed to the effects of mean winds and dissipation acting to distort the (1,1) mode as it propagates up through the middle atmosphere.

Vincent, R. A.↗

Atmospheric effects on earth rotation and polar motion

The variability in the earth's rotation rate not due to known solid body tides is dominated on time scales of about four years and less by variations in global atmospheric angular momentum (M) as derived from the zonal wind distribution. Among features seen in the length of day record produced by atmospheric forcing are the strong seasonal cycle, quasi-periodic fluctuations around 40-50 days, and an interannual signal forced by a strong Pacific warming event known as the El Nino. Momentum variations associated with these time scales arise in different latitudinal regions. Furthermore, winds in the stratosphere make a particularly important contribution to seasonal variability. Other related topics discussed here are: (1) comparisons of the M series from wind fields produced at different weather centers; (2) the torques that dynamically link the atmosphere and earth; and (3) longer-term nonatmospheric effects that can be seen upon removal of the atmospheric signal.an interestigapplication for climatological purposes is the use of the historical earth rotation series as a proxy for atmospheric wind variability prior to the era of upper-air data. Lastly, results pertaining to the role of atmospheric pressure systems in exciting rapid polar motion are presented.

Salstein, David A.↗

Observing and Modeling Long-Period Tidal Variations in Polar Motion

By exchanging angular momentum with the solid Earth, ocean tides cause the Earth's rotation to change. While hydrodynamic tide models have been used to study the effect of ocean tides on polar motion, it is shown here that none of the published models can fully account for the observed variations. An empirical ocean tide model is therefore determined by fitting periodic terms at the tidal frequencies to polar motion excitation observations, from which atmospheric and non-tidal oceanic effects were removed. While the empirical ocean tide model does fully account for allof the observed tidal power, tests indicate that the model may not have completely converged. So better models of the effects of ocean tides on polar motion are still needed, both dynamical and empirical.

tides↗

On the global distribution of Pluto's atmosphere

The present investigation is relevant to the study of Pluto's current global and diurnal radiation balance. Strong gravitational tides are suggested by Charon's close proximity to Pluto (approximately 20,000 km) and Charon's large relative mass (roughly 0.25 Pluto's mass). Thus, the Pluto-Charon system replaces the earth-moon system as the best known example of a double planet. Methane is the only gas positively detected in Pluto's atmosphere. The tendency of the whole atmosphere to bulge preferentially toward the subsolar point as a result of the solar heating of the suface is considered, taking into account the longitudinal and the latitudinal tide. It is concluded that near perihelion, Pluto's atmosphere is essentially uniform over Pluto's surface. Its heat capacity by virtue of the heat of condensation is large enough that eclipses and the diurnal variation of insolation cause negligible freezing out of atmospheric gases.

Trafton, L.↗

Analytical Instrument for Determining the Composition of Surface Materials and Ices in the Solar System: Mini-CIDEX to TIDE

Exobiology experiments onboard spacecraft or space probes often require the detection and identification of a wide range of chemical species over vast concentration ranges. These experiments must be carried out under severely limited conditions utilizing minimal resources. The mini-Cometary Ice and Dust Experiment (mini-CIDEX) instrument was developed for the chemical analysis of a cometary environment. It combined a Gas Chromatograph (GC) with a helium-based Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS) to fulfill the analytical requirements of a cometary exobiology mission: universal response; ppb sensitivity; low mass, volume, and consumables. Mini-CIDEX has evolved into the Titan Ice and Dust Experiment (TIDE) for the chemical analysis of the surface (liquid and solid) and lower atmosphere of Titan. The complexity of the analyses will be similar to the comet application with a heavier emphasis on organic molecules. TIDE is a component of the Titan Orbiter Aero-Rover Mission (TOAM) proposed to NASA's New Visions Program. Advances to the Mini-CIDEX technology for the Titan application and the analytical capabilities of TIDE will be presented.

Kojiro, Daniel R.↗

A database of global storm surge reconstructions

Storm surges are among the deadliest coastal hazards and understanding how they have been affected by climate change and variability in the past is crucial to prepare for the future. However, tide gauge records are often too short to assess trends and perform robust statistical analyses. Here we use a data-driven modeling framework to simulate daily maximum surge values at 882 tide gauge locations across the globe. We use five different atmospheric reanalysis products for the storm surge reconstruction, the longest one going as far back as 1836. The data that we generate can be used, for example, for long-term trend analyses of the storm surge climate and identification of regions where changes in the intensity and/or frequency of storms surges have occurred in the past. It also provides a better basis for robust extreme value analysis, especially for tide gauges where observational records are short. The data are made available for public use through an interactive web-map as well as a public data repository.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Modulation of Gravity Waves by Tides as Seen in CRISTA Temperatures

During shuttle missions STS-66 (November, 1994) and STS-85 (August, 1997) the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) acquired temperature data with very high spatial resolution. These are analyzed for gravity waves (GW). The altitude range spans the whole middle atmosphere from the tropopause up to the mesopause. In the upper mesosphere tidal amplitudes exceed values of 10 K. Modulation of GW activity by the tides is observed and analyzed using CRISTA temperatures and tidal predictions of the Global Scale Wave Model (GSWM). The modulation process is identified as a tidally-induced change of the background buoyancy frequency. The findings agree well with the expectations for saturated GW and are the first global scale observations of this process.

SHUTTLE MISSIONS↗

Science Applications, Part 1

The tethered satellite system mission can allow direct observation of the structure and the dynamics of the lower atmosphere; as well as answer some basic questions on the chemical composition of the atmosphere; the coupling mechanisms between small and large scale motions; the global wind field of the lower atmosphere, and how it is influenced by waves and tides; the mass, momentum, and energy fluxes in the lower thermosphere; how the above are affected by externally perturbed conditions (for example by magnetic storms, solar wind and its variability, etc.); and the pattern of electric current circulation and its relationship with the magnetospheric environment. Fundamental plasma processes can also be studied. Similarity of conditions in other plasmas in space makes it possible to get information on the magnetospheres of the giant planets or more generally on the solar system. The electrodynamic phenomena associated with the Jovian satellite Io (radioemission, UV emission, energetic electron precipitation) can be examined by simple scaling to the terrestrial case.

Mariani, F.↗

Middle Atmosphere Program. Handbook for MAP, volume 4

Topics include winter in the Northern Hemisphere, temperature measurement, geopotential heights, wind measurement, atmospheric motions, photochemical reactions, solar spectral irradiance, trace constituents, tides, gravity waves, and turbulence. Highlights from the Map Steering Committee and a Map Open Meeting including organizational structure are also given.

Sechrist, C. F., Jr.↗

Earth and space science - Oceans

Satellite observations of the oceans are now being used to obtain new information about the oceanic geoid, currents, winds, tides and the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere. In addition, satellites routinely relay information from the sea surface to laboratories on land, and determine the position of instruments drifting on the sea surface.

Stewart, R. H.↗

Seasonality of the Migrating Semidiurnal Tide in the Tropical Upper Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere and its Thermodynamic and Momentum Budget

This work uses the Specified Dynamics-Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with Ionosphere/Thermosphere eXtension (SD-WACCM-X) to determine and explain the seasonality of the migrating semidiurnal tide (SW2) components of tropical upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (UMLT) temperature, zonal wind, and meridional wind. This work also quantifies aliasing due to SW2 in satellite-based tidal estimates. Results show that during equinox seasons, the vertical profiles of tropical UMLT temperature SW2 and zonal-wind SW2’s amplitudes have a double-peak structure while they, along with meridional-wind SW2, have a single-peak structure in their amplitudes in June solstice. Hough mode reconstruction reveals that a linear combination of five SW2 Hough modes cannot fully reproduce these features. Tendency analysis reveals that for temperature, the adiabatic term, nonlinear advection term, and linear advection term are important. For the winds, the classical terms, nonlinear advection term, linear advection term, and gravity wave drag are important. Results of our alias analysis then indicate that SW2 can induce an ∼60% alias in zonal-mean and DW1 components calculated from sampling like that of the Thermosphere–Ionosphere–Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics satellite and the Aura satellite. This work concludes that in situ generation by wave–wave interaction and/or by gravity waves plays significant roles in the seasonality of tropical UMLT temperature SW2, zonal-wind SW2, and meridional-wind SW2. The alias analysis further adds that one cannot simply assume that SW2 in the tropical UMLT is negligible.

Tides↗

Mars dust-driven tides and their impact on the thermosphere

It has been known since the early Mariner 6, 7, and 9 missions that dust loading of the lower atmosphere and the subsequent aerosol heating during dusty periods impacts the martian middle and upper atmospheres. A quantitative measure of this lower atmosphere forcing was obtained by the Viking 1 and 2 landers, from which observed amplitudes of semidiurnal surface-pressure oscillations were correlated with normal-incidence dust optical depths. It appears that the dominant semidiurnal mode is a good indicator of global dust content or mean dust optical depth, especially during dust storm events. A classical tidal model that reproduces the surface pressure oscillations measured by these Viking landers in 1977 was used to calculate tidal amplitudes and phases up to approximately 43 km. These tidal characteristics were calculated for various dust optical depth conditions ranging from typical dusty periods to global dust storm times. Reasonable extrapolations can be made to higher altitudes if one assumes that the vertically propagating tidal modes continue to grow without dissipation or breaking. It is very likely that gravity waves also play an important role in the structure and dynamics of the middle atmosphere of Mars, since the large topographical relief should produce vigorous gravity wave fluxes. Semidiurnal tidal modes, significantly enhanced by lower atmosphere dust-induced heating, may indeed propagate to the Mars thermosphere (approximately less than 100 km) before breaking and generating turbulence. The preferential enhancement of the semidiurnal tides during dust storm onset is primarily due to the elevation of the tidal heating source in a very dusty atmosphere. The (2,2) semidiurnal tidal tidal mode was shown to have the largest variation with dust optical depth, as measured by Viking lander instruments. Also, the (2,2) mode has the largest vertical wavelength of all the semidiurnal tidal modes, and thus is most likely to penetrate into the thermosphere before breaking and to modify the largely in situ solar-driven behavior otherwise expected. The tides may also be partially responsible for determining the height of the martian homopause (approximately 125 km).

Bougher, Stephen W.↗