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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS2023

Integrating NASA Aqua AIRS in a Real-Time NUCAPS Science-to-Applications System to Support Severe Weather Forecasting

In recent years, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) hyperspectral infrared satellite sounding retrievals derived from Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) polar-orbiting satellites have been documented as observations that add value to weather forecasting applications. NUCAPS is currently the operational algorithm delivering JPSS satellite sounding retrievals to the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) and is based on the heritage Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Science Team algorithm for processing vertical temperature, moisture, and trace gas retrievals. For the Special Collection on “Twenty Years of Observations from AIRS,” we highlight the methodology we implemented to develop a prototype science-to-applications system to enable real-time processing of AIRS satellite sounding retrievals through the NUCAPS algorithm (i.e., NUCAPS-Aqua) to support weather forecasting applications. The addition of NUCAPS-Aqua to experimental real-time pathways alongside operational JPSS NUCAPS soundings, facilitated assessment of NUCAPS-Aqua at the 2022 Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) Spring Experiment. Development of NUCAPS-Aqua described in this technical report includes preservation of microwave observations and calculation of a-priori regression coefficients. Additionally, the real-time processing and challenges with implementing a science-to-applications system are discussed. Two illustrative pre-convective forecasting examples analyzed by NWS forecasters during the 2022 HWT Spring Experiment are highlighted to demonstrate the benefit of NUCAPS-Aqua as (a) special afternoon soundings, (b) an additional observation to assess temporal trends using multiple satellites, and (c) a complement to observational and model analysis.

remote sensing↗
NASA NTRS1982

The 1981 current research on aviation weather (bibliography)

Current and ongoing research programs related to various areas of aviation meteorology are presented. Literature searches of major abstract publications, were conducted. Research project managers of various government agencies involved in aviation meteorology research provided a list of current research project titles and managers, supporting organizations, performing organizations, the principal investigators, and the objectives. These are tabulated under the headings of advanced meteorological instruments, forecasting, icing, lightning and atmospheric electricity; fog, visibility, and ceilings; low level wind shear, storm hazards/severe storms, turbulence, winds, and ozone and other meteorological parameters. This information was reviewed and assembled into a bibliography providing a current readily useable source of information in the area of aviation meteorology.

Daniel, J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Research Review, 1984

A variety of topics relevant to global modeling and simulation are presented. Areas of interest include: (1) analysis and forecast studies; (2) satellite observing systems; (3) analysis and forecast model development; (4) atmospheric dynamics and diagnostic studies; (5) climate/ocean-air interactions; and notes from lectures.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1984

Observing system simulation experiments related to space-borne LIDAR wind profiling. I - Forecast impacts of highly idealized observing systems. II - Sensitivity to atmospheric and instrumental influences

It is pointed out that extended-range numerical weather prediction requires complete global and accurate three-dimensional fields of temperature, moisture, and winds as a function of pressure throughout the troposphere, lower stratosphere, and at the earth's surface. Recent developments in the use of incoherent optical radar (LIDAR) systems indicate the feasibility of obtaining pressure as a function of height with presumably very high vertical resolution and accuracy. In evaluating the feasibility of an employment of spaceborne LIDAR systems as an aid for obtaining data required for weather prediction, simulation studies could provide important information. The present investigation is concerned with the conduction of such simulation experiments. It is found that the results of a composite system of temperature and pressure show significant improvements over those of temperature only. The effects of simulating several sources of LIDAR wind error for two different representations of nature are also examined.

Dlouhy, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A simple diagnostic tool for the investigation of persistent phenomena with application to the summer 1980 U.S. heat wave

A simple and readily-computed index for diagnostic and numerical weather prediction studies of heat waves and other persistent anomalies has been developed. The index takes into account the two important factors of intensity and persistence and it is highly correlated to the surface air temperature on a variety of time-scales. The utilization of this index for investigating the severe, summer 1980 U.S. heat wave and drought results in an instructive description of the spatial and temporal development of the phenomenon. An assessment of the skill of the Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres (GLA) model in forecasting the initiation and breakdown of the heat wave in terms of the index is also illustrated.

Wolfson, Noah↗
NASA NTRS1991

Potential vorticity index

Based on the European Center For Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) First Global Atmospheric Research Program Global Experiment (FGGE) IIIb data set in the 1978 to 1979 winter, a potential vorticity (PV) index was defined as a measure of the zonally averaged, mid-latitude PV gradient on the 300 K isentropic surface in the Northern Hemisphere. The evolution of that index and its relation to teleconnection patterns of 500 mb geopotential height anomaly are studied. The results of the temporal and spatial variation of blocking and cyclogenesis in the 1978 to 1979 winter and its relation to global and local PV gradients were obtained. Complex empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analyses were performed, using the same FGGE data set for the 1978 to 1979 winter, for a representative high latitude band and mid latitude band geopotential height anomalies at 500 mb, phi sub h, phi sub m, and PV gradient at 300 K, delta(Q), at each longitude for the three month period. The focus of current research is the following: (1) to perform Fourier analyses for the first three EOF's of phi sub h, phi sub m, and delta(Q) at given latitude bands, and to find the dominant wavenumbers and frequencies which are responsible for these EOF's; (2) to compare the results from EOF and Fourier analyses which will be used to explore the relations of blocking and cyclogensis with local and global PV gradients; and (3) to study the time dependence of the local PV gradients and relate it to the PV index vacillation cycles observed in the PV index cycle.

Barcilon, Albert↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Table-Driven Control Method to Meet Continuous, Near-Real-Time Observation Requirements for the Solar X-Ray Imager

The design of the Solar X-Ray Imager (SXI) for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) presents an unusual scenario for controlling the observing sequences. The SXI is an operational instrument, designed not primarily for scientific research, but for providing "operational" data used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to forecast the near-term space weather. To this end, a sequence of images selected to cover the full dynamic range of the sun will be executed routinely. As the dynamics of the sun have differing temporal cadences, the frequency of various images will differ. These images must be routinely received at the forecast center in near real-time, 24-hours a day, with a minimum of interruptions. While these requirements clearly lead to a 'routine patrol' of images, the parameters for each do not form a static set. The dynamics of the sun will change with the I 1-year solar cycle. The performance of the imaging will vary with on-orbit conditions and time. And while the SXI is not intended as a research instrument, forecasting techniques may change with time, which in turn will further alter the imaging sequences. An additional complication is the highly restricted commanding window, and a very slow commanding rate. To fulfill these requirements, the SXI was designed to utilize a table-driven approach. Sequences are defined using structured loops, with nested repetitions and delays. These sequences reference combinations of imaging parameters which in turn reference tables of parameters than can be loaded by ground commands. Multiple sequences can be built and stored in preparation for execution when determined appropriate by the NOAA forecasters. The result is an approach that can be used to provide a flexible, yet autonomous SXI capable of meeting both arbitrary forecasting requirements, and operating within the commanding constraints.

Wallace, Shawn↗
NASA NTRS2004

Characteristics of Heavy Summer Rainfall in Southwestern Taiwan in Relation to Orographic Effects

On the windward side of southwestern Taiwan, about a quarter to a half of all rainfall during mid-July through August from 1994 to 2000 came from convective systems embedded in the southwesterly monsoon flow. k this study, the causes of two heavy rainfall events (daily rainfall exceeding 100 mm day over at least three rainfall stations) observed over the slopes and/or lowlands of southwestern Taiwan were examined. Data from European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts /Tropical Ocean- Global Atmosphere (EC/TOGA) analyses, the rainfall stations of the Automatic Rainfall and Meteorological Telemetry System (ARMTS) and the conventional surface stations over Taiwan, and the simulation results from a regional-scale numerical model were used to accomplish the objectives. In one event (393 mm day on 9 August 1999), heavy rainfall was observed over the windward slopes of southern Taiwan in a potentially unstable environment with very humid air around 850 hPa. The extreme accumulation was simulated and attributed to orographic lifting effects. No preexisting convection drifted in from the Taiwan Strait into western Taiwan.

Chen, Ching-Sen↗
NASA NTRS1997

Status and Plans for Satellite Instrumentation: NASA

As part of its Earth Observation and Climate Monitoring Program NASA will within the next few years place a number of technologically very advanced instruments into Earth orbit. Some of these instruments represent major upgrades for instruments currently in orbit, while others will generate data previously unavailable.

Satellite Instrumentation Climate Monitoring atmos↗
NASA NTRS2007

Assimilation of GRACE Terrestrial Water Storage Data into a Land Surface Model: Results for the Mississippi River Basin

NASA's GRACE mission has the potential to be extremely valuable for water resources applications and global water cycle research. What makes GRACE unique among Earth Science satellite systems is that it is able to monitor variations in water stored in all forms, from snow and surface water to soil moisture to groundwater in the deepest aquifers. However, the space and time resolutions of GRACE observations are coarse. GRACE typically resolves water storage changes over regions the size of Nebraska on a monthly basis, while city-scale, daily observations would be more useful for water management, agriculture, and weather prediction. High resolution numerical (computer) hydrology models have been developed, which predict the fates of water and energy after they strike the land surface as precipitation and sunlight. These are similar to weather and climate forecast models, which simulate atmospheric processes. We integrated the GRACE observations into a hydrology model using an advanced technique called data assimilation. The results were new estimates of groundwater, soil moisture, and snow variations, which combined the veracity of GRACE with the high resolution of the model. We tested the technique over the Mississippi River basin, but it will be even more valuable in parts of the world which lack reliable data on water availability.

Zaitchik, Benjamin F.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Broadband Characterization of a 100 to 180 GHz Amplifier

Atmospheric science and weather forecasting require measurements of the temperature and humidity vs. altitude. These sounding measurements are obtained at frequencies close to the resonance frequencies of oxygen (118 GHz) and water (183 GHz) molecules. We have characterized a broadband amplifier that will increase the sensitivity of sounding and other instruments at these frequencies. This study demonstrated for the first t1me continuous low noise amplification from 100 to 180 GHz. The measured InP monolithic millimeter-wave Integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifier had more than 18 dB of gain from 100 to 180 GHz and 15 dB of gain up to 220 GHz. This is the widest bandwidth low noise amplifier result at these frequencies to date. The circuit was fabricated in Northrop Grumman Corporation 35 nm InP high electron mobility transistor (HEMT).

high electron mobility transistors (HEMT's)↗
NASA NTRS2010

Miniature Low-Noise G-Band I-Q Receiver

Weather forecasting, hurricane tracking, and atmospheric science applications depend on humidity sounding of atmosphere. Current instruments provide these measurements from groundbased, airborne, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by measuring radiometric temperature on the flanks of the 183-GHz water vapor line. Miniature, low-noise receivers have been designed that will enable these measurements from a geostationary, thinned array sounder, which is based on hundreds of low-noise receivers that convert the 180-GHz signal directly to baseband in-phase and in-quadrature signals for digitization and correlation. The developed receivers provide a noise temperature of 450 K from 165 to 183 GHz (NF = 4.1 dB), and have a mass of 3 g while consuming 24 mW of power. These are the most sensitive broadband I-Q receivers at this frequency range that operate at room temperature, and are significantly lower in mass and power consumption than previously reported receivers.

Kangaslahti, Pekka P.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Weather from 250 Miles Up: Visualizing Precipitation Satellite Data (and Other Weather Applications) Using CesiumJS

Geospatial weather visualization remains predominately a two-dimensional endeavor. Even popular advanced tools like the Nullschool Earth display 2-dimensional fields on a 3-dimensional globe. Yet much of the observational data and model output contains detailed three-dimensional fields. In 2014, NASA and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) launched the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite. Its two instruments, the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) observe much of the Earth's atmosphere between 65 degrees North Latitude and 65 degrees South Latitude. As part of the analysis and visualization tools developed by the Precipitation Processing System (PPS) Group at NASA Goddard, a series of CesiumJS [Using Cesium Markup Language (CZML), JavaScript (JS) and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)] -based globe viewers have been developed to improve data acquisition decision making and to enhance scientific investigation of the satellite data. Other demos have also been built to illustrate the capabilities of CesiumJS in presenting atmospheric data, including model forecasts of hurricanes, observed surface radar data, and gridded analyses of global precipitation. This talk will present these websites and the various workflows used to convert binary satellite and model data into a form easily integrated with CesiumJS.

web applications↗
NASA NTRS2017

GEOS-5 Seasonal Forecast System

Ensembles of numerical forecasts based on perturbed initial conditions have long been used to improve estimates of both weather and climate forecasts. The Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model, Version 5 (GEOS-5 AOGCM) Seasonal-to-Interannual Forecast System has been used routinely by the GMAO since 2008, the current version since 2012. A coupled reanalysis starting in 1980 provides the initial conditions for the 9 month experimental forecasts. Once a month, sea surface temperature from a suite of 11 ensemble forecasts is contributed to the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) consensus project, which compares and distributes seasonal forecasts of ENSO events. Since June 2013, GEOS-5 forecasts of the Arctic sea-ice distribution were provided to the Sea-Ice Outlook project. The seasonal forecast output data includes surface fields, atmospheric and ocean fields, as well as sea ice thickness and area, and soil moisture variables. The current paper aims to document the characteristics of the GEOS-5 seasonal forecast system and to highlight forecast biases and skills of selected variables (sea surface temperature, air temperature at 2 m, precipitation and sea ice extent) to be used as a benchmark for the future GMAO seasonal forecast systems and to facilitate comparison with other global seasonal forecast systems.

GEOS-5↗
NASA NTRS1984

Research Review, 1983

The Global Modeling and Simulation Branch (GMSB) of the Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences (GLAS) is engaged in general circulation modeling studies related to global atmospheric and oceanographic research. The research activities discussed are organized into two disciplines: Global Weather/Observing Systems and Climate/Ocean-Air Interactions. The Global Weather activities are grouped in four areas: (1) Analysis and Forecast Studies, (2) Satellite Observing Systems, (3) Analysis and Model Development, (4) Atmospheric Dynamics and Diagnostic Studies. The GLAS Analysis/Forecast/Retrieval System was applied to both FGGE and post FGGE periods. The resulting analyses have already been used in a large number of theoretical studies of atmospheric dynamics, forecast impact studies and development of new or improved algorithms for the utilization of satellite data. Ocean studies have focused on the analysis of long-term global sea surface temperature data, for use in the study of the response of the atmosphere to sea surface temperature anomalies. Climate research has concentrated on the simulation of global cloudiness, and on the sensitivities of the climate to sea surface temperature and ground wetness anomalies.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

A non-Gaussian model of continuous atmospheric turbulence proposed for use in aircraft design

This paper describes a statistical model proposed for use in forecasting vehicle responses to stationary continuous atmospheric turbulence. The model is suggested by the observed patchy character of turbulence, and differs from models now in use in that it does not assume the gust velocity to be a Gaussian process. For simplicity only the vertical gust component is considered here. The validity of the proposed model is established through comparison with published data. This comparison shows that the model is in better agreement with observed gust velocity probability distributions and exceedance frequencies than is the widely used Gaussian model, especially insofar as high velocity gusts are concerned. A method of applying the proposed model to the determination of vehicle responses is developed. It is shown that response probability distributions as well as exceedance frequencies can be derived from the eigenvalues and eigenfunction of certain unsymmetric kernels.

Reeves, P. M.↗