Information requirements for supersonic transport operation Final report
Effects of meteorological parameters and instrument errors on vertical flight performance of supersonic transports
Meier, L.↗
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Experimental measurements of the ground cloud growth during the 11 February 1974, Titan-Centaur launch at Kennedy Space Center
The Titan-Centaur was launched from Kennedy Space Center on February 11, 1974 at 0948 eastern daylight time. Ground level effluent measurements were obtained from the solid rocket motors for comparison with NASA diffusion models for predicting effluent ground level concentrations and cloud behavior. The results obtained provide a basis for an evaluation of such key model inputs such as cloud rise rate, stabilization altitude, crosswind growth, volume expansion, and cloud trajectory. Ground level effluent measurements were limited because of changing meteorological conditions, incorrect instrument location, and operational problems. Based on the measurement results, operational changes are defined. Photographs of the ground exhaust clouds are shown. The chemical composition of the exhaust gases was analyzed and is given.
Stewart, R. B.↗
A field study of air flow and turbulent features of advection fog
The setup and initial operation of a set of specialized meteorological data collection hardware are described. To study the life cycle of advection fogs at a lake test site, turbulence levels in the fog are identified, and correlated with the temperature gradients and mean wind profiles. A meteorological tower was instrumented to allow multiple-level measurements of wind and temperature on a continuous basis. Additional instrumentation was: (1)hydrothermograph, (2)microbarograph, (3)transmissometers, and (4)a boundary layer profiler. Two types of fogs were identified, and important differences in the turbulence scales were noted.
Connell, J. D.↗
Remote sensing of the atmosphere from environmental satellites
The paper outlines the basis of remote sensing in satellite meteorology, the evolution of remote sensors, examples of practical applications, and a prospectus of future developments. The meteorological satellites use instrumentation sensitive to different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum to observe and measure atmospheric and surface properties. In the ultraviolet, solar variability is measured and total atmospheric ozone determined. In the visible, imagery of cloud systems provides better location of storms in data-sparse areas, observes ice and snow boundaries, and monitors floods. Capabilities of microwave imagery are discussed along with successful uses of geosynchronous satellites. Future environmental satellite programs are discussed in some detail, including GARP, TIROS-N and CLIMSAT.
Allison, L. J.↗
High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder/mod 2 (HIRS/2)
The HIRS/2 is provided for the TIROS-N series of operational meteorological satellites. The instrument features 20 spectral channels, including visible (.7 micron), shortwave (3.7 to 4.6 micron), and longwave (6.7 to 15 micron). Radiance data aids determination of vertical temperature profiles, water vapor, and ozone distribution. System performance and test results are described.
Koenig, E. W.↗
Recent assessment of the performance and accuracy of a chemiluminescent rocket sonde for upper atmospheric ozone measurements
The chemiluminescent rocket ozonesonde utilizing rhodamine-B as a detector and self-pumping for air sampling has been improved. The instrument employs standard meteorological sounding systems and is the only technique available for routine nighttime ozone measurements above balloon altitudes. The chemiluminescent detector, when properly calibrated, is shown to be specific to ozone, stable, and of sufficient sensitivity for accurate measurements of ozone from about 65-20 km. An error analysis indicates that the measured ozone profiles have an absolute accuracy of about + or - 12% and a precision of about + or - 6%. Approximately 20 flights have been conducted for geophysical investigations, while additional flights were conducted with other rocket and satellite ozone soundings for comparisons. In general, these comparisons showed good agreement.
Hilsenrath, E.↗
Research analysis of Space Shuttle Orbiter entry aerothermodynamic flight data at the NASA Langley Research Center
The methods used to analyze the aerothermodynamic data gathered from the Shuttle protoflights are reviewed. Trajectory and atmospheric reconstruction allow an accurate definition of the freestream environment through which the Shuttle has flown. The reconstructions, combined with aerodynamic coefficient and convective heating rate determinations, provide predictive capability for comparison with future flights. Data are acquired by operational instrumentation (12,000 parameters), development flight instrumentation (4500 measurements), and Orbiter experiments instrumentation; tracking and meteorological data are also included in the analyses. The aerothermodynamic and aerodynamic technology base for large, winged, lifting body entry vehicles is being expanded by the analysis efforts. Sensor locations on the Shuttle and data management techniques are described.
Throckmorton, D. A.↗
Convair 990 transonic flow-field simulation about the forward fuselage
A three-dimensional, viscous flow code was used to calculate the transonic flow about the forebody of the Convair CV-990 (Galileo II) research aircraft stationed at NASA Ames Research Center. The computations were used to determine the location for a differential pressure system. In addition, attitude sensor placements were verified. These instruments comprise a meteorological measurement system, which will be used for global determination of three-dimensional wind data. The code solves the thin layer form of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using an implicit numerical procedure. The governing equations are written in a generalized, nonorthogonal coordinate system, and are cast in a strong conservation law form. Laminar boundary layer results are presented for free stream Mach number of 0.8 and angles of attack of zero and 2 deg. Use of this computational tool reduced the development time for the location of the sensors and aided in the optimal placement on the aircraft of these devices.
Chaussee, D. S.↗
Techniques for diagnosing mesoscale phenomena affecting aviation using VAS satellite data
A major advance in geostationary satellite observations occurred recently with the inclusion of an experimental instrument aboard the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). This instrument, called the Visible Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer (VISSR) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS), permits simultaneous observations of the atmosphere in up to 12 infrared channels, in addition to the visible image. In the present investigation, particular emphasis is placed on the ability of VAS imagery and derived soundings to delineate isolated, meso-scale regions of convective instability. The results of the investigation point to the ability of the VAS instrument to delineate meteorologically meaningful patterns of low-level moisture and mid-level dryness and to the utility of the image overlay procedure for isolating, in real time, regions of convective potential, at time and space scales unresolvable using radiosonde data alone.
Petersen, R. A.↗
Numerical sensitivity analysis of passive EHF and SMMW channels to tropospheric water vapor, clouds, and precipitation
Potential uses of specific extremely High Frequency (EHF) and Sub-Millimeter-Wave (SMMW) channels at 90, 166, 183, 220, 325, 340, and 410 GHz for passive spaceborne remote sensing of the troposphere and lower stratosphere are investigated using an iterative numerical radiative transfer model. Collectively, these channels offer potential for high spatial resolution imaging using diffraction-limited apertures of practical size, along with the ability to profile water vapor, map precipitation beneath optically opaque cloud cover, and to measure nonprecipitating cloud (e.g., cirrus) parameters. A widely-spaced set of EHF and SMMW channels can yield observable degrees of freedom related to clouds and precipitation not available by exclusively using the more thoroughly studied microwave channels below 183 GHz. A new passive airborne imaging instrument for tropospheric meteorological sensing is described.
Gasiewski, A. J.↗
Ozone Loss From Quasi-Conservative Coordinate Mapping During the 1999-2000 SOLVE Campaign
During the winter of 1999-2000, the Sage III Ozone Loss and Validation Experiment (SOLVE) field experiment took place in Kiruna, Sweden. The purpose of SOLVE was to examine ozone depletion mechanisms in the Arctic stratosphere (from about 10 to 50 km altitude) during the winter and early spring, when a band of strong winds (the 'polar vortex') circle the pole. Measurements of stratospheric ozone were made by several different kinds of instruments in different meteorological situations. We analyzed these data using the 'quasi-conservative coordinate mapping' technique, in which the measurements are analyzed in terms of meteorological properties ('potential temperature' and 'potential vorticity') which tend not to change very much over a few days. This technique reduces or removes the changes that are associated with the polar vortex moving around. Over longer time periods, potential temperature and potential vorticity change as air cools and descends within the polar vortex. We account for these changes by calculating the trajectories of air parcels, and this enables us to extend the analysis over a ten-week period from January 10 to March 17, 2000. Using data from the NASA ER-2 aircraft, from the DIAL and AROTEL laser sounders on the NASA DC-8 aircraft, and balloon-borne ozonesondes, our analysis reveals changes in ozone which, because we have removed the effects of polar vortex motion and the descending air, indicate chemical destruction of ozone in early 2000. We find a peak decline rate of approximately 0.03 ppmv/day near 470 K of potential temperature (near 20 km) in mid-January which sinks in altitude to around 440 K (near 18 km) in mid-March.
Lait, L. R.↗
Machine learning based noise reduction for satellite products: application to solar-induced fluorescence retrievals using simulated and real data
In the past two decades, global satellite measurements of terrestrial chlorophyll solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) have been used widely for a number of different applications related to physiology, phenology, and productivity of plants. However, SIF retrievals are inherently noisy due to the relatively small SIF spectral signature in comparison with observational noise. In this work, we examine how a spectral-based approach that employs principal component analysis along with a relatively shallow artificial neural network can be used to reduce noise and other artifacts in satellite level 2 (L2) products. We first apply the approach in a controlled environment in which radiance spectra are simulated with a full atmospheric and surface radiative transfer model for different scenarios including various SIF values that are known. Various levels of noise can be added to the simulated spectra. Resulting noisy and noise-reduced SIF retrievals are compared with the true values to assess performance. We then apply the noise reduction approach to real SIF derived from instruments flying on meteorological satellites. The results are evaluated by comparing SIF retrievals from different platforms with each other and with other independent data sets, showing enhanced capability to capture seasonal and interannual variability in SIF.
Chlorophyll fluorescence↗
Cross beam weather watch study
An optical cross beam correlation method has been proposed as a remote measuring system for atmospheric studies. Atmospheric measurements are limited due to the difficulty of placing measuring instruments at the desired location. Although meteorological towers and balloon flights are able to obtain wind data, they are greatly limited in their location. Thus, a real need exists for remote-sensing instrumentation in atmospheric measurements. Previous methods proposed to remotely sense atmospheric conditions include several types of microwave units, acoustic sounders, infrared sensors, optical sensors, and related laser techniques. The evaluation of a simple visible optical technique as a possible remote measuring system is discussed. A feasibility study of field tests of the instrumentation at meteorological sites is reported.
Sandborn, V. A.↗
The Geostationary Operational Satellite R Series SpaceWire Based Data System Architecture
The GOES-R program selected SpaceWire as the best solution to satisfy the desire for simple and flexible instrument to spacecraft command and telemetry communications. Data generated by GOES-R instruments is critical for meteorological forecasting, public safety, space weather, and other key applications. In addition, GOES-R instrument data is provided to ground stations on a 24/7 basis. GOES-R requires data errors be detected and corrected from origin to final destination. This paper describes GOES-R developed strategy to satisfy this requirement
Krimchansky, Alexander↗
Meteorological and operational aspects of 46 clear air turbulent sampling missions with an instrumented B-57B aircraft. Volume 2, appendix C: Turbulence missions
The results of 46 clear air turbulence (CAT) probing missions conducted with an extensively instrumented B-57B aircraft are summarized from a meteorological viewpoint in a two-volume technical memorandum. The missions were part of the NASA Langley Research Center's MAT (Measurement of Atmospheric Turbulence) program, which was conducted between March 1974, and September 1975, at altitudes ranging up to 15 km. Turbulence samples were obtained under diverse conditions including mountain waves, jet streams, upper level fronts and troughs, and low altitude mechanical and thermal turbulence. CAT was encountered on 20 flights comprising 77 data runs. In all, approximately 4335 km were flown in light turbulence, 1415 km in moderate turbulence, and 255 km in severe turbulence during the program.
Waco, D. E.↗
Preliminary estimates of radiosonde thermistor errors
It has been long realized that radiosonde temperature measurements are subject to errors, not the least of which is the effect of long- and short-wave radiation. Methods of adjusting the daytime temperatures to a nighttime equivalent temperature were developed a number of years ago, and are used by some analysis centers. Other than providing consistent observations for analysis this procedure does not provide a true correction. The literature discusses the problem of radiosonde temperature errors but it is not apparent what effort, if any, has been taken to quantify these errors. In order to quantify this radiation error, radiosondes containing multiple thermistors with different coatings were flown at Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility. The coatings employed had different spectral characteristics and, therefore, different absorption and emissivity properties. Discrimination of the recorded temperatures enabled day and night correction values to be determined for the US standard white-coated rod thermistor. The correction magnitudes are given and a comparison of US measured temperatures before and after correction are compared with temperatures measured with the Vaisala radiosonde. The US and Vaisala radiosonde data are from the recently completed WMO International Radiosonde Intercomparison held at Wallops. The corrections are in the proper direction, day and night, and reduce day-night temperature differences to less than 0,5°C between surface and 30 hPa. The present uncorrected temperatures used with the Viz radiosonde have day-night differences that exceed 1°C at levels below 90 hPa. Additional measurements are planned to confirm these preliminary results and determine the solar elevation angle effect on the corrections. The technique used to obtain the corrections may also be used to recover a true 'absolute' value and might be considered a valuable contribution to the meteorological community for use as a reference instrument.
Temperature measurement↗
Post-processed surface meteorological, air-sea flux, SST, wave, and ship navigation/position merged data from NOAA Ship Pisces
These are post-processed surface data from the NOAA Ship Pisces, merged from several instruments. They consist of meteorological, ocean, ship navigation/position, and surface air-sea flux quantities calculated at three different time frequencies. Because the averaging of directions can be complex, they are provided as a courtesy. R1 in the filename indicates "revision 1" or version 1. R2 will include surface waves (TBD).
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Retrievals of Aerosol Optical Depth Over the Western North Atlantic Ocean During ACTIVATE
Aerosol optical depth was retrieved from two airborne remote sensing instruments, the Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) and Second Generation High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-2), during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment (ACTIVATE). The field campaign offers a unique opportunity to evaluate an extensive 3-year dataset under a wide range of meteorological conditions from two instruments on the same platform. However, a long-standing issue in atmospheric field studies is that there is a lack of reference datasets for properly validating field measurements and estimating their uncertainties. Here we address this issue by using the triple collocation method, in which a third collocated satellite dataset from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is introduced for comparison. HSRL-2 is found to provide a more accurate retrieval than RSP over the study region. The error standard deviation of HSRL-2 with respect to the ground truth is 0.027. Moreover, this approach enables us to develop a simple, yet efficient, quality control criterion for RSP data. The physical reasons for the differences in two retrievals are determined to be cloud contamination, aerosols near the surface, multiple aerosol layers, absorbing aerosols, non-spherical aerosols, and simplified retrieval assumptions. These results demonstrate the pathway for optimal aerosol retrievals by combining information from both lidars and polarimeters for future airborne and satellite missions.
Aerosol optical depth↗