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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Chlorine Deactivation in the Lower Stratospheric Polar Regions during late Winter: Results from UARS

Recovery from enhanced chlorine conditions in the lower stratospheric polar regions of both hemispheres is investigated using data from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements of ClO within the polar vortices are used to infer ClO(sub x) (ClO + 2Cl202) abundances that are then correlated with simultaneous Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) measurements of ClON02 and Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) measurements of HCl obtained starting within 5 days of the end of the MLS and CLAES high-latitude observing periods in each hemisphere. Time series of vortex-averaged mixing ratios are calculated on two potential temperature surfaces (585 K and 465 K) in the lower stratosphere for approximately month-long intervals during late winter: August 17 - September 17, 1992, in the southern hemisphere and February 12 - March 16, 1993, in the northern hemisphere. The observed mixing ratios are adjusted for the effects of vertical transport using diabatic vertical velocities estimated from CLAES tracer data. In the northern hemisphere, the decrease in ClO, is balanced on both surfaces by an increase in ClON02- In the southern hemisphere, continuing polar stratospheric cloud activity prevents ClO from undergoing sustained decline until about September 3. In contrast to the northern hemisphere, there is no significant chemical change in vortex-averaged ClON02 at 465 K, and there is an apparent decrease in ClON02 at 585 K, even after the enhanced ClO abundances have started to recede. Results from the SLIMCAT chemical transport model initialized with UARS data and run with OH + ClO yields HCl + 02 as an 8% channel suggest that the primary recovery product in the south during this time period is not ClON02, but HCl. HALOE HCl mixing ratios are extrapolated back to the time of the MLS and CLAES data. At 585 K, the chlorine budget can be made to balance by extrapolating HCl back to a value of 0.6 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at the beginning of the study period; at 465 K, the contribution from extrapolated HCl is not sufficient to offset the loss in ClOx, and there is a slight imbalance between the decrease in reactive chlorine and the change in chlorine reservoirs. The difficulty in closing the chlorine budget in the southern hemisphere may arise from complications caused by ongoing activation, incomplete photochemical assumptions, and/or inadequate data quality.

Santee, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Measurements of NO, O3, and temperature at 19.8 km during the total solar eclipse of 26 February 1979

Local measurements of stratospheric NO and O3 mixing ratios and air temperature were made during the total solar eclipse of 26 February 1979. The instrumentation was carried aboard a U-2 aircraft flown at an altitude of 19.8 km in the region near 47 deg N, 112 deg W. Eclipse maximum occurred approximately in the middle of the 2-3/4-hr measurement period. The NO mixing ratio was reduced at least a factor of 25 at the maximum of the eclipse. The decrease and recovery of NO during the passage of the Moon's shadow over the measurement region follows approximately the predictions of two independent models. No change was observed in either the O3 mixing ratio or the air temperature that could be attributed to the eclipse.

Starr, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

New observations of stratospheric N2O5

The unequivocal detection of N2O5 in the stratosphere was reported by Toon et al. based on measurements of the absorption by the N2O5 bands at 1246 and 1720/cm in solar occulation spectra recorded at sunrise near 47 S latitude by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment during the Spacelab 3 (SL3) shuttle mission. Additional measurements and analysis of stratospheric N2O5 derived from the ATMOS/SL3 spectra are reported. The primary results are the detection and measurement of N2O5 absorption at sunset in the lower stratosphere, the inversion of a precise (approximately 10 percent) N2O5 sunrise vertical distribution between 25.5 and 37.5 km altitude, and the identification and measurement of absorption by the N2O5 743/cm band at sunrise. Assuming 4.32 x 10(sup -17) and 4.36 x 10(sup -17)/cm/molecule/sq cm respectively for the integrated intensities of the 1246 and 743/cm bands at stratospheric temperatures, retrieved volume mixing ratios in parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at sunrise (47 S latitude) are 1.32 + or - 0.34 at 37.5 km, 1.53 + or - 0.35 at 35.5 km, 1.63 + or - 0.36 at 33.5 km, 1.60 + or - 0.34 at 31.5 km, 1.43 + or - 0.30 at 29.5 km, 1.15 + or - 0.24 at 27.5 km, and 0.73 + or - 0.15 at 25.5 km. Retrieved VMRs in ppbv at sunset (30 N latitude) are 0.13 + or - 0.05 at 29.5 km, 0.14 + or - 0.05 at 27.5 km, and 0.10 + or - 0.04 at 25.5 km. Quoted error limits (1 sigma) include the error in the assumed band intensities (approximately 20 percent). Within the error limits of the measurements, the inferred mixing ratios at sunrise agree with diurnal photochemical model predictions obtained by two groups using current photochemical data. The measured mixing ratios at sunset are lower than the model predictions with differences of about a factor of 2 at 25 km altitude.

Rinsland, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Methane and nonmethane hydrocarbon concentrations in the North and South Atlantic marine boundary layer

Methane and nonmethane hydrocarbon (NMHC) data were collected in the Atlantic marine boundary layer from 40 N to 32 S latitude during October and November 1980. Average volume mixing ratios for CH4 of 1.69 + or - 0.02 ppmv were obtained north of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and 1.60 + or - 0.02 ppmv south of the ITCZ. The hemispheric CH4 gradient was very sharp, decreasing rapidly between 14 N and 10 N latitude. Gaseous NMHC concentrations (based on response as CH4) were measured simultaneously and found to lie consistently within the standard error for the individual measurements + or - 0.02 ppmv) after correction for water vapor interference. The correction for water vapor response was large, frequently as much as 80% of the raw NMHC signal. Application of the student's t distribution test to the NMHC data set established that the mean northern and southern hemispheric NMHC mixing ratios measured, 0.016 and 0.010 ppmv, respectively, were statistically different at the 95% confidence level. These results indicate volatile NMHC mixing ratios average less than 0.02 ppmv over the Atlantic and represent the first set of semicontinuous NMHC measurements spanning the North and South Atlantic marine boundary layer.

Cofer, W. R., III↗
NASA NTRS1981

Recent observations of HF and HCl in the upper stratosphere

Concentrations of gas phase hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid have been determined in the upper stratosphere from near-infrared solar spectra recorded in the course of balloon flights from Palestine, Texas, in October 1978 and in September 1979. The average mixing ratios for HF deduced respectively from these flights are (4.8 plus or minus .3) x 10 to the -10th ppv above 30.3km and (6.2 plus or minus .5) x 10 to the -10th ppv above 36.8km. This observed difference is ascribed to an increase in the HF concentration out to at least 37km. The HCl mixing ratios deduced from the 1978 flight yield (4.5 plus or minus .6) x 10 to the -10th ppv at 21.7km, (7.5 plus or minus .7) x 10 to the -10th ppv at 27.5 km and (2.1 plus or minus .4) x 10 to the -9th ppv above 30.5km. Observations in 1979 imply an average HCl mixing ratio above 36.8km of (2.4 plus or minus .4) x 10 to the -9th ppv. Our data do not indicate a measurable temporal trend of the HCl concentration above 30km.

Zander, R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Correlation of N2O and ozone in the southern polar vortex during the Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment

The correlation of N2O and ozone in the Antarctic stratosphere during the late austral winter was investigated using measurements of N2O mixing ratios obtained by an airborne laser spectrometer and in situ measurements of ozone for latitudes between 53 and 72 deg S. In addition, airborne N2O and O3 measurements taken between 13 and 20 km in the mid-latitudes (37 deg N and 53 deg S) were correlated. It was found that, while the mid-latitude ozone-N2O corelation was negative, poleward of 53 deg S, the N2O and O3 mixing ratios often showed a strong positive correlation, which approximately coincided with the edge of the polar vortex as defined by the wind-speed maximum. Inside the vortex, in lower wind speed regions, the N2O-O3 correlation became negative again, with the lowest ozone mixing ratios usually found near the boundary with the positively correlated region.

Strahan, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Oxygenated Organic Chemicals in the Pacific Troposphere: Distribution, Sources and Chemistry

Airborne measurements of a large number of oxygenated organic chemicals (Oxorgs) were carried out in the Pacific troposphere (0.1-12 km) in the Spring of 2001 (Feb. 24-April 10). Specifically these measuremen ts included acetone, methylethyl ketone (MEK), methanol, ethanol, ace taldehyde, propionaldehyde, PANS, and organic nitrates. Complementary measurements of formaldehyde, organic peroxides, and tracers were al so available. Ox-orgs were abundant in the clean troposphere and were greatly enhanced in the outflow regions from Asia. Their mixing ratios were typically highest in the lower troposphere and declined toward s the upper troposphere and the lowermost stratosphere. Their total a bundance (Ox-orgs) significantly exceeded that of NMHC (C2-C8 NMHC). A comparison of these data with observations collected some seven yea rs earlier (Feb.-March, 1994), did not reveal any significant changes . Throughout the troposphere mixing ratios of Ox-orgs were strongly c orrelated with each other as well as with tracers of fossil and bioma sshiof'uel combustion. Analysis of the relative enhancement of selected Oxorgs with respect to CH3Cl and CO in twelve sampled plumes, origi nating from fires, is used to assess their primary and secondary sour ces from biomass combustion. The composition of these plumes also ind icates a large shift of reactive nitrogen into the PAN reservoir ther eby limiting ozone formation. The Harvard 3-D photochemical model, th at uses state of the art chemistry and source information, is used to compare simulated and observed mixing ratios of selected species. A 1 -D model is used to explore the chemistry of aldehydes. These results will be presented.

Singh, Hanwant B.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Interaction Between Dynamics and Chemistry of Ozone in the Set-up Phase of the Northern Hemisphere Polar Vortex

The morphology and evolution of the stratospheric ozone (O3) distribution at high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) are examined for the late summer and fall seasons of 1999. This time period sets the O3 initial condition for the SOLVE/THESEO field mission performed during winter 1999-2000. In situ and satellite data are used along with a three-dimensional model of chemistry and transport (CTM) to determine the key processes that control the distribution of O3 in the lower-to-middle stratosphere. O3 in the vortex at the beginning of the winter season is found to be nearly constant from 500 to above 800 K with a value at 3 ppmv +/- approx. 10%. Values outside the vortex are up to a factor of 2 higher and increase significantly with potential temperature. The seasonal time series of data from POAM shows that relatively low O3 mixing ratios, which characterize the vortex in late fall, are already present at high latitudes at the end of summer before the vortex circulation sets up. Analysis of the CTM output shows that the minimum O3 and increase in variance in late summer are the result of: 1) stirring of polar concentric O3 gradients by nascent wave-driven transport, and 2) an acceleration of net photochemical loss with decreasing solar illumination. The segregation of low O3 mixing ratios into the vortex as the circulation strengthens through the fall suggests a possible feedback role between O3 chemistry and the vortex formation dynamics. Trajectory calculations from O3 sample points early in the fall, however, show only a weak correlation between initial O3 mixing ratio and potential vorticity later in the season consistent with order-of-magnitude calculations for the relative importance of O3 in the fall radiative balance at high latitudes. The possible connection between O3 chemistry and the dynamics of vortex formation does suggest that these feedbacks and sensitivities need to be better understood in order to make confident predictions of the recovery of NH O3.

Kawa, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Measurements of ozone in the Antarctic region during August and September of 1987

Mixing ratios are presented for ozone in the austral polar atmosphere during Aug. and Sept. of 1987. Since the mid-1970's, there has been a continuing decrease in the total column abundance of ozone over Antarctica during the late winter and early spring. This reduction now amounts to about one-half of the historical October mean. The results presented are derived from an ultraviolet ozone photometer. The ER-2 aircraft carrying 14 instruments participated in a major effort to penetrate the region of depletion. Data were gathered between altitudes of 53 deg and 72 deg S at pressure altitudes up to 21 km in a series of 12 flights. Additional data were obtained between latitudes of 37 deg N and 53 deg S on the 3 flight legs required to reach Punta Arenas from Moffett Field, CA, and on the same return legs to Moffett Field. The observed ozone mixing ratios indicate the effects of chemistry as well as the effects of the stratospheric polar vortex. Examples of the distributions of ozone mixing ratios as a function of altitude, latitude, or a time and the relationships to temperature and other trace gases are presented.

Starr, Walter L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

In situ observations of BrO over Antarctica: ER-2 aircraft results from 54 S to 72 S latitude

Bromine monoxide was observed in situ at approximately 18 km altitude during nine flights of the NASA ER-2 aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile (54 altitude) to 72 S latitude over the Palmer Peninsula, Antarctica. The first flight for the BrO detection system was on 28 August. Here, the results from the flights over Antarctica and from the ferry flights from Punta Arenas to Moffett Field, CA (37 N latitude are reported. A key question concerning BrO, then, is how it is distributed with respect to the chemical containment vessel defined by elevated ClO mixing ratios. This question is answered with greatest statistical significance if the data are averaged into five regions: outside the vessel, aircraft heading south; inside the vessel on the same potential temperature surface; in the dive region; inside the vessel on a given potential temperature surface, aircraft heading north; and outside the vessel on the same surface. The result is that the BrO distribution inside the chemical containment vessel was different from that found outside. Inside, the BrO mixing ratio was (5.0 plus or minus 1.1) pptv between the 400 K and 460 K potential temperature surfaces, decreasing only slightly with potential temperature, and was less than 3.6 pptv below the 4 00 K surface. The abundance of BrO inside the chemical containment vessel showed no discernible temporal trend during the course of the nine flights. Outside the vessel, the BrO mixing ratio was (4.7 plus or minus 1.3) pptv near the 450 K surface, but decreased to (2.8 plus or minus 1.0) pptv near the 420 K surface.

Brune, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

HALOE Antarctic observations in the spring of 1991

HALOE observations of O3, CH4, HF, H2O, NO, NO2, and HCl collected during the October 1991 Antarctic spring period are reported. The data show a constant CH4 mixing ratio of about 0.25 ppmv for the altitude range from 65 km down to about 25 km at the position of minimum wind speed in the vortex: i.e., the vortex center, and depressions in pressure versus longitude contours of NO, NO2, HF, and HCl in this same region. Water vapor, HF, and HCl enhancement are also observed in the vortex center region above about 25 km. Between 10 and 20 km, the expected mixing ratio signatures exist within the vortex, i.e., low ozone and dehydration. The water vapor increased by 50 percent, and the ozone level doubled inside the vortex between October 11 and 24 in the 15-20 km layer. These changes imply a time constant for recovery from ozone hole conditions of 19 and 30 days for O3 and H2O, respectively. The data further show the presence of air inside the vortex between 3 and 30 mb which has mixing ratios characteristic of midlatitudes.

Russell, James M., III↗
NASA NTRS1995

Comparison between global latent heat flux computed from multisensor (SSM/I and AVHRR) and from in situ data

Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) and satellite-derived parameters are input to a similarity theory-based model and treated in completely equivalent ways to compute global latent heat flux (LHF). In order to compute LHF exclusively from satellite measurements, an empirical relationship (Q-W relationship) is used to compute the air mixing ratio from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) precipitable water W and a new one is derived to compute the air temperature also from retrieved W(T-W relationship). First analyses indicate that in situ and satellite LHF computations compare within 40%, but systematic errors increase the differences up to 100% in some regions. By investigating more closely the origin of the discrepancies, the spatial sampling of ship reports has been found to be an important source of error in the observed differences. When the number of in situ data records increases (more than 20 per month), the agreement is about 50 W/sq m rms (40 W/sq m rms for multiyear averages). Limitations of both empirical relationships and W retrieval errors strongly affect the LHF computation. Systematic LHF overestimation occurs in strong subsidence regions and LHF underestimation occurs within surface convergence zones and over oceanic upwelling areas. The analysis of time series of the different parameters in these regions confirms that systematic LHF discrepancies are negatively correlated with the differences between COADS and satellite-derived values of the air mixing ratio and air temperature. To reduce the systematic differences in satellite-derived LHF, a preliminary ship-satellite blending procedure has been developed for the air mixing ratio and air temperature.

Jourdan, Didier↗
NASA NTRS2002

In-Situ Measurements of HCN and CH3CN in the Pacific Troposphere: Sources, Sinks, and Comparisons with Spectroscopic Observations

We report the first in-situ measurements of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetonitrile (CH3CN) from the Pacific troposphere (0-12 km) obtained during the NASA/Trace-P mission (Feb.-April, 2001). Mean HCN and CH3CN mixing ratios of 243 (+/-118) ppt and 149 (+/-56) ppt respectively, were measured. The in-situ observations correspond to a total HCN column of 4.4-4.9 x 10(exp 15) molec. cm(exp -2) and a CH3CN column of 2.8-3.0 x 10(exp 15) molec. cm(exp -2). This HCN column is in good agreement with available spectroscopic observations. The atmospheric concentrations of HCN and CH3CN were greatly influenced by outflow of pollution from Asia. There is a linear relationship between the mixing ratios of HCN and CH3CN, and in turn these are well correlated with tracers of biomass combustion (e.g. CH3Cl, CO). Relative enhancements with respect to known tracers of biomass combustion within selected plumes in the free troposphere, and pollution episodes in the boundary layer allow an estimation of a global biomass burning source of 0.8+/-0.4 Tg (N)/y for HCN and 0.4+/-0.1 Tg (N)/y for CH3CN. In comparison, emissions from automobiles and industry are quite small (<0.05 Tg (N)/y). The vertical structure of HCN and CH3CN indicated reduced mixing ratios in the MBL (Marine Boundary Layer). Using, a simple box model, the observed gradients across the top of the MBL are used to derive an oceanic flux of 6.7 x 10(exp -15) g (N) cm(exp -2)/s for HCN and 4.8 x 10(exp -15) g (N) cm(exp -2)/s for CH3CN. An air-sea exchange model is used to conclude that this flux can be maintained if the oceans are under-saturated in HCN and CH3CN by 23% and 17%, respectively. It is inferred that oceanic loss is a dominant sink for these nitrites, and they deposit some 1.3 Tg (N) of nitrogen annually to the oceans. Assuming reaction with OH radicals and loss to the oceans as the major removal processes, a mean atmospheric residence time of 4.7 months for HCN and 5.1 months for CH3CN is calculated. A global budget analysis shows that the sources and sinks of HCN and CH3CN are roughly in balance. There are indications that biogenic sources may also be present. Mechanisms involved in nitrate formation during combustion and removal in the oceans are poorly understood.

Singh, Hanwant B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Analysis of selected nitric oxide observations in the lower thermosphere by HALOE on UARS

Measurements of nitric oxide mixing ratios have been made by the Halogen Occultation Experiment on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite over an altitude range extending from 15 to 130 km on every spacecraft sunrise and sunset event with the exception of about 8 percent downtime. Selected NO profiles from the first few months of observations were examined with emphasis on the relation between geomagnetic disturbances and enhanced NO in the lower thermosphere. During a large geomagnetic storm on November 8-9, 1991, HALOE obtained 15 NO sunrise profiles along about the 50 deg N latitude circle. A factor of three increase in NO mixing ratio above about 115 km at this latitude and a one to two day decay time were observed. The measured NO longitude/altitude cross section on this day shows a longitudinal asymmetry in the NO distribution with a maximum near the geomagnetic pole. From approximately one month's data, a latitude/altitude cross section of zonal mean NO mixing ratio was calculated. An example of such cross sections demonstrates a strong positive correlation between geomagnetic activity and thermospheric NO globally. This auroral forcing has a larger effect on increasing NO at high latitude than at low latitude.

Luo, Mingzhao↗
NASA NTRS1997

End of Project Report

Nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and halocarbons were measured in the troposphere over the northwestern Pacific as part of the airborne component of NASA's Pacific Exploratory Mission-West Phase B (PEM-West B). This study took place in late winter of 1994, a period characterized by maximum outflow from the Asian continent. The results are compared to those from Pacific Exploratory Mission-West Phase A (PEM-West A), which was flown in the same region during late summer of 1991, when flow from the subtropical western Pacific dominated the lower troposphere. Mixing ratios of NMHCS, tetrachloroethene (C2Cl4), and methyl bromide (CH3Br) were significantly higher during PEM-West B than during PEM-West A, particularly at latitudes north of 25 N and altitudes lower than 6 km. The primary reasons for these higher ambient concentrations were the seasonal increase in the atmospheric lifetimes of trace gases controlled by HO radical reactions, and the more frequent input of continental air masses. During PEM-West B, air masses of continental origin observed north of 25 N latitude were augmented with urban signature gases such as C2Cl4. By contrast, more southerly continental outflow had characteristics associated with combustion sources such as biomass burning, including wood fuel burning. During the summer PEM-West A period, the spatial distribution of methyl iodide (CH3I) was consistent with effective oceanic sources at all latitudes, being especially strong in tropical and subtropical regions. At low latitudes, PEM-West B CH3I mixing ratios in the lower troposphere were similar to PEM-West A, but at latitudes greater than about 25 N PEM-West B concentrations were significantly reduced. Equatorial regions exhibited enhanced CH3I mixing ratios extending into the upper tropical troposphere, consistent with fast vertical transport of air from the tropical marine boundary layer.

Blake, Donald R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Remote sensing of air-sea interactions

A number of preliminary concepts for the measurement or inference of fluxes across the air-sea interface through remote sensing are proposed. All the methods are achievable from aircraft with state-of-the-art technology. Only one is now ready for space implementation. The focus is on cold outbreaks. Sensible (latent) heat flux is inferred from the difference between initial surface air temperature (vapor mixing ratio) and the downwind SST (and corresponding saturation mixing ratio). The downwind growth rate of the PBL as measured by lidar also provides estimates of surface heating and the cross-inversion entrainment velocity. The lidar also provides a measure of the depth of the inversion and its penetration by surface-forced convection; this permits estimates of the surface heat flux. Lidar and radiometric measurements of cloud top height and temperature provide means of deducing the temperature sounding downstream so that heating is computed with the aid of a known sounding upstream.

Atlas, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

In situ observations of midlatitude stratospheric ClO and BrO

A balloon-borne experiment to measure midlatitude stratospheric BrO and ClO concentrations by NO chemical conversion/atomic resonance fluorescence was flown from Palestine, Texas, on May 20 1986. In this first study of BrO, no signal attributable to BrO was detected, and upper limits (2 sigma uncertainty) between 35 and 24 km altitude give BrO mixing ratios less than 15 pptv. Current models predict mixing ratios that are 1.7 times larger. Measurements of ClO were obtained at less than 0.2-km altitude resolution from 41 to 22 km. The smoothly varying altitude profile lies within the range of two-dimensional model calculations.

Brune, William H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Infrared measurements of atmospheric gases above Mauna Loa, Hawaii, in February 1987

The IR absorptions spectra of 13 minor and trace atmospheric gases, recorded by the NOAA's Geophysical Monitoring for Climate Change (GMCC) program station at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, for four days in February 1987, were analyzed to determine simultaneous total vertical column amounts for these gases. Comparisons with other data indicate that the NOAA GMCC surface volume mixing ratios are good measures of the mean volume mixing ratios of these gases in the troposphere and that Mauna Loa is a favorable site for IR monitoring of atmospheric gases. The ozone total columns deduced from the IR spectra agreed with the correlative Umkehr observations.

Rinsland, C. P.↗