Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “data parameterization”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20

TPSAS-NF1676L-33912-DND

The agricultural, renewable energy management, and science communities need global surface and top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes on a near real-time basis for uses such as building energy performance monitoring and seasonal crop yield modeling. The Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) FLASHFlux (Fast Longwave and SHortwave radiative Flux) data products address this need by enhancing the speed of CERES processing using simplified calibration, averaging techniques and fast radiation parameterizations to produce global fluxes within a week of satellite observations. The CERES FLASHFlux provides two data products: 1) an hourly Level 2 Single Scanner Footprint (SSF) data separately for Aqua and Terra observations, and 2) a daily Level 3 Time Interpolated and Spatially Averaged (TISA) 1degree x 1degree gridded data that combines Aqua and Terra observations. The CERES FLASHFlux Version4A includes an update to process MODIS Collection 6.1 in an improved cloud retrieval algorithm, and an update to the CERES Edition 4 angular distribution models. We inter-compared FLASHFlux Version4A, FLASHFlux Version3C, and CERES EBAF (Energy Balanced and Filled) Top-of-Atmosphere fluxes to evaluate these improvements. We also compare both SSF overpass and TISA radiative flux products to a set of surface measurement sites that are globally distributed and assess agreement. FLASHFlux TISA and CERES EBAF are used in the analysis of TOA anomalies for the annual State of Climate report. This also poster highlights the methodology use to merge the two data products by correcting the bias in FLASHFlux TISA and inter-calibrate to CERES EBAF.

Parnchai K Sawaengphokhai↗

Surface net solar radiation estimated from satellite measurements - Comparisons with tower observations

A parameterization that relates the reflected solar flux at the top of the atmosphere to the net solar flux at the surface in terms of only the column water vapor amount and the solar zenith angle was tested against surface observations. Net surface fluxes deduced from coincidental collocated satellite-measured radiances and from measurements from towers in Boulder during summer and near Saskatoon in winter have mean differences of about 2 W/sq m, regardless of whether the sky is clear or cloudy. Furthermore, comparisons between the net fluxes deduced from the parameterization and from surface measurements showed equally good agreement when the data were partitioned into morning and afternoon observations. This is in contrast to results from an empirical clear-sky algorithm that is unable to account adequately for the effects of clouds and that shows, at Boulder, a distinct morning to afternoon variation. It is also demonstrated that the parameterization may be applied to irradiances at the top of the atmosphere that have been temporally averaged. The good agreement between the results of the parameterization and surface measurements suggests that the algorithm is a useful tool for a variety of climate studies.

Li, Zhanqing↗

The sea state bias in altimeter estimates of sea level from collinear analysis of TOPEX data

The wind speed and significant wave height (H(sub 1/3)) dependencies of the sea state bias in altimeter estimates of sea level, expressed in the form (Delta)h(sub SSB) = bH(sub 1/3), are examined from least squares analysis of 21 cycles of collinear TOPEX data. The bias coefficient b is found to increase in magnitude with increasing wind speed up to about 12 m/s and decrease monotonically in magnitude with increasing H(sub 1/3). A parameterization of b as a quadratic function of wind speed only, as in the formation used to produce the TOPEX geophysical data records (GDRs), is significantly better than a parameterization purely in terms of H(sub 1/3). However, a four-parameter combined wind speed and wave height formulation for b (quadratic in wind speed plus linear in H(sub 1/3)) significantly improves the accuracy of the sea state bias correction. The GDR formulation in terms of wind speed only should therefore be expanded to account for a wave height dependence of b. An attempt to quantify the accuracy of the sea state bias correction (Delta)h(sub SSB) concludes that the uncertainty is a disconcertingly large 1% of H(sub 1/3).

Chelton, Dudley B.↗

Using Machine Learning to Predict Cloud Turbulent Entrainment–Mixing Processes

Different turbulent entrainment–mixing mechanisms between clouds and environment are essential to cloud–related processes; however, accurate representation of entrainment–mixing in weather/climate models still poses a challenge. This study exploits the use of machine learning (ML) to address this challenge. Four ML (Light Gradient Boosting Machine [LGB], eXtreme Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, and Support Vector Regression) are examined and compared. It is found that LGB performs best, and thus is selected to understand the impact of entrainment–mixing on microphysics using simulation data from Explicit Mixing Parcel Model. Compared with traditional parameterizations, the trained LGB provides more accurate microphysical properties (number concentration and cloud droplet spectral dispersion). The partial dependences of predicted microphysics on features exhibit a strong alignment with physical mechanisms and expectations, as determined by the interpreting method, thus overcoming the limitations of the “black box” scheme. The underlying mechanisms are that the smaller number concentration and larger spectral dispersion correspond to more inhomogeneous entrainment–mixing. Specifically, number concentration after entrainment–mixing is positively correlated with adiabatic number concentration and liquid water content affected by entrainment–mixing, and inversely correlated with adiabatic volume mean radius. Spectral dispersion after entrainment–mixing is negatively correlated with liquid water content affected by entrainment–mixing, turbulent dissipation rate and relative humidity of entrained air. Sensitivity analysis further suggests that number concentration is mainly determined by cloud microphysical properties whereas spectral dispersion is influenced by both cloud microphysical properties and environmental variables. The results indicate that the LGB scheme has the potential to enhance the representation of entrainment–mixing in weather/climate models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Stable Simulation of the Community Atmosphere Model Using Machine‐Learning Physical Parameterization Trained With Experience Replay

In recent years, machine learning (ML) models have been used to improve physical parameterizations of general circulation models (GCMs). A significant challenge of integrating ML models into GCMs is the online instability when they are coupled for long‐term simulation. We present a new strategy that demonstrates robust online stability when the physical parameterization package of an atmospheric GCM is replaced by a deep ML model. The method uses experience replay with a multistep training scheme of the ML model in which the model's own output at the previous time step is used in the training. Predicted physics tendencies in the replay buffer with the most recent errors in the training iterations are reused, making the ML model learn from its own errors. The training method reduces the gap between the offline and online environments of the ML model. The method is used to train the ML model as the physical parameterization of the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5) with training data from the Multi‐scale Modeling Framework high resolution simulations. Three 6‐year online simulations of the CAM5 are carried out by using the ML physics package. The simulated spatial distributions of precipitation, surface temperature and zonally averaged atmospheric fields demonstrate overall better accuracy than that of the standard CAM5 and benchmark model even without the use of additional physical constraints or tuning. This work is the first to demonstrate a solution to address the online instability problem in climate modeling with ML physics by using experience replay.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Local carbon reserves are insufficient for phloem terpene induction during drought in Pinus edulis in response to bark beetle–associated fungi

Stomatal closure during drought inhibits carbon uptake and may reduce a tree's defensive capacity. Limited carbon availability during drought may increase a tree's mortality risk, particularly if drought constrains trees' capacity to rapidly produce defenses during biotic attack. We parameterized a new model of conifer defense using physiological data on carbon reserves and chemical defenses before and after a simulated bark beetle attack in mature Pinus edulis under experimental drought. Attack was simulated using inoculations with a consistent bluestain fungus (Ophiostoma sp.) of Ips confusus, the main bark beetle colonizing this tree, to induce a defensive response. Trees with more carbon reserves produced more defenses but measured phloem carbon reserves only accounted for c. 23% of the induced defensive response. Our model predicted universal mortality if local reserves alone supported defense production, suggesting substantial remobilization and transport of stored resin or carbon reserves to the inoculation site. Our results show that de novo terpene synthesis represents only a fraction of the total measured phloem terpenes in P. edulis following fungal inoculation. Without direct attribution of phloem terpene concentrations to available carbon, many studies may be overestimating the scale and importance of de novo terpene synthesis in a tree's induced defense response.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Evaluating mesoscale model predictions of diurnal speedup events in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area of California

Mesoscale model predictions of wind, turbulence, and wind energy capacity factors are evaluated in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area of California (APWRA), where the diurnal regional sea breeze and associated terrain-driven speedup flows drive wind energy production during the summer months. Results from the Weather Research and Forecasting model version 4.4 using a novel three-dimensional planetary boundary layer (3D PBL) scheme, which treats both vertical and horizontal turbulent mixing, are compared to those using a well-established one-dimensional (1D) scheme that treats only vertical turbulent mixing. Each configuration is evaluated over a nearly 3-month-long period during the Hill Flow Study, and due to the recurring nature of the observed speedup flows, diurnal composite averaging is used to capture robust trends in model performance. Both model configurations showed similar overall skill. The general timing and direction of the speedup flows is captured, but their magnitude is overestimated within a typical wind turbine rotor layer. Both also fail to capture a persistent observed near-surface jet-like flow, likely due to the limited grid resolution that is typical of mesoscale models. However, the 3D PBL configuration shows several minor improvements over the 1D PBL configuration, including improved wind speed and turbulence kinetic energy profiles during the accelerating phase of the speedup events, as well as reduced positive wind speed bias at surface stations across the APWRA region. Using a mesoscale wind farm parameterization, modeled capacity factors are also compared to monthly data reported to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) during the study period. Although the monthly trend in the data is captured, both model configurations overestimate capacity factors by roughly 7 %–11 %. Through model evaluation, this study provides confidence in the 3D PBL scheme for wind energy applications in complex terrain and provides guidance for future testing.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

A study to determine the characteristic shapes of helicopter visual approach profiles

On previous helicopter instrument approach studies, pilot comments frequently indicated that the deceleration profiles were characterized by 'unnatural cues', and it was found that the pilots were comparing the motion and attitude cues with those obtained during visual approaches. Prior to this study, the characteristic shape of visual approach profiles had not been formally documented. Over 200 visual approaches were flown using different helicopter types, test subjects, and initial conditions, and the altitude and groundspeed profiles were measured by a precision tracking radar. The data from each approach were then processed, and the characteristic shape of the altitude, groundspeed, and deceleration profiles was determined for each set of initial conditions. These flight data were processed further using graphical analysis techniques and parameterization, which, in turn, led to developing closed-form equations that accurately describe the characteristic groundspeed and deceleration profiles. Results from this study can be used to select instrument approach profiles, to develop instrument approach control laws, and to define the corresponding hardware requirements.

Moen, G. C.↗

Atmospheric studies related to aerospace activities and remote sensing technology

Parallel investigations were conducted relating to: the sensitivity of 1-D photochemical model simulated column ozone perturbations due to a projected fleet of 1000 aircraft cruising 7 hours per day at altitudes of 15-16 and 18-19 km to uncertainties in kinetic rate constant data determining modeled OH concentrations and eddy diffusivity profile parameterization and a comparison of the inherent strengths and weaknesses of Eulerian and Langrangian averaging processes in the development of multidimensional models and investigation of approaches to applying the Generalized Lagrangian Mean (GLM) formalism to zonal-mean models. The role of multiple scattering and Earth curvature in the evaluation of diurnally dependent photodissociation rates and trace species variations was examined.

Sze, N. D.↗

The single scattering phase functions of Jupiter's clouds

The determination of the single scattering phase functions of Jupiter's clouds and a thin upper haze by Tomasko et al. was refined and extended to seven latitudes in blue and red light. The phase function is well-constrained by the Pioneer 10 and 11 photometric data sets. Multiple scattering models were computed to match the limb darkening at each latitude at up to 15 phase angles from 12 deg to 151 deg. Ground-based observations were used for absolute calibration and to extend the data to lower phase angles. The phase functions were parameterized using the double Henyey-Greenstein function. The three Henyey-Greenstein parameters and the single scattering albedo were determined using a non-linear least squares method for the haze and the clouds below. The phase functions derived for the northen zone and belt are remarkably similar to the phase functions of the corresponding regions in the south, with most of the differences in brightness of the northern and southern features resulting from minor differences in single scattering albedo. Analysis of the Equatorial Region is complicated by the presence of numerous small features, but the phase function required is generally similar to that seen in the more homogeneous regions. Details of the phase functions of the haze and clouds are presented, and the differences between the cloud phase functions at low and high latitudes in red and blue light are discussed.

Doose, L. R.↗

Ultraviolet O2 transmittance - AURIC implementation

A new spectrally precise approach to Schumann-Runge synthesis has been devised, employing nine (9) different spectral arrays containing polynomial coefficients. The coefficients were fit to calculated cross sections obtained from a detailed Schumann-Runge model that incorporates the most recent high resolution spectroscopic data for a temperature range between 130 and 500K. This large data base is being used to reexamine the existing parameterizations of UV transmission and photolysis. In addition, it is now possible to extend atmospheric radiance codes further into the ultraviolet. Initial implementation has been accomplished for the MODTRAN code as part of the eventual development of AURIC, the Atmospheric Ultraviolet Radiance Integrated Code.

Anderson, G. P.↗

Estimation of the electromagnetic bias from retracked TOPEX data

We examine the electromagnetic (EM) bias by using retracked TOPEX altimeter data. In contrast to previous studies, we use a parameterization of the EM bias which does not make stringent assumptions about the form of the correction or its global behavior. We find that the most effective single parameter correction uses the altimeter-estimated wind speed but that other parameterizations, using a wave age related parameter of significant wave height, may also significantly reduce the repeat pass variance. The different corrections are compared, and their improvement of the TOPEX height variance is quantified.

Rodriguez, Ernesto↗

A Three-Dimensional Total Odd Nitrogen (NO(y)) Simulation During SONEX using a Stretched-Grid Chemical Transport Model

The relative importance of various odd nitrogen (NOy) sources including lightning, aircraft, and surface emissions on upper tropospheric total odd nitrogen is illustrated as a first application of the three-dimensional Stretched-Grid University of Maryland/Goddard Chemical-Transport Model (SG-GCTM). The SG-GCTM has been developed to look at the effect of localized sources and/or small scale mixing processes on the large-scale or global chemical balance. For this simulation, the stretched-arid was chosen so that its maximum resolution is located over eastern North America and the North Atlantic; a region that includes most of the SONEX (the SASS (Subsonic Assessment) Ozone and Nitrogen Oxides Experiment) flight paths. The SONEX period (October-November 1997) is simulated by driving the SG-GCTM with assimilated data from the GEOS-STRAT DAS (Goddard Earth Observing System-STRAT Data Assimilation System). A new algorithm is used to parameterize the lightning, flash rates that are needed to calculate emissions of NOy by lightning. Model-calculated upper tropospheric NOy and NOy measurements from the NASA DC-8 aircraft are compared. Spatial variations in NOy were well captured especially with the stretched-grid run; however, model-calculated concentrations were often too high in the upper troposphere, particularly during the first several flights. The lightning algorithm does a reasonably good job; however, the use of emissions from observed lightning, flashes significantly improves the simulation on a few occasions, especially November 3, 1997, indicating that significant uncertainty remains in parameterizing lightning in CTMS. Aircraft emissions play a relatively minor role (about 12%) in the upper tropospheric NOY budget averaged along SONEX flight paths; however, the contribution of such emmissions is as large as about 30% during portions of some flights.

Allen, Dale↗

Transverse momentum dependent two-pion Bose-Einstein correlations in Au + Au collisions at 11.6 A (center-dot) GeV/c

Bose-Einstein correlations of (pi)(sup +)(pi)(sup +) and (pi)(sup -) (pi)(sup -) pairs collected by the BNL-E866 Forward Spectrometer in 11.6 A(center-dot)GeV/c Au + Au collisions have been measured. The data were analyzed using three-dimensional correlation functions parameterized by the Yano-Koonin-Potgoretskii and Bertsch-Pratt formalism to study transverse momentum dependent source parameters. Rapid decreases of longitudinal source radii and slower decreases in the transverse parameters with increasing transverse momentum were observed, which suggests a strong longitudinal and some transverse expansion. A freeze-out time (tau)(sub 0) was derived as 4.5--5 fm/c, under the assumption of the freeze-out temperature T = 130 MeV, and the duration of emission was found to be (delta)(tau) (approx) 2--4 fm/c.

Lee, J. H.↗

High-Resolution Simulation of Hurricane Bonnie (1998): Microphysics Validation using TRMM Data

A simulation of Hurricane Bonnie (1998) has been performed using multiple grid nesting to 2 km grid spacing. The simulation is initialized with large-scale analysis fields from the European Center for Medium Range Forecasts and with a bogus vortex inserted via four-dimensional variational data assimilation. The simulation reproduces well the storm intensity, the wavenumber 1 asymmetry of the precipitation field, the occurrence of deep convective towers within the eyewall, and the presence of broad stratiform precipitation regions. Radar and microwave observations from TRMM are used to validate the simulation. Result show excessive graupel production and, to some extent, excessive precipitation production in general by the model. Additional simulations are conducted (and validated by TRMM data) to test parameters and assumptions within the microphysics parameterizations including particle size distributions, particle densities, and assumptions that impact the partitioning of precipitation mass between graupel and snow.

Starr, David OC.↗

Method and apparatus for autonomous, in-receiver prediction of GNSS ephemerides

Methods and apparatus for autonomous in-receiver prediction of orbit and clock states of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are described. Only the GNSS broadcast message is used, without need for periodic externally-communicated information. Earth orientation information is extracted from the GNSS broadcast ephemeris. With the accurate estimation of the Earth orientation parameters it is possible to propagate the best-fit GNSS orbits forward in time in an inertial reference frame. Using the estimated Earth orientation parameters, the predicted orbits are then transformed into Earth-Centered-Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinates to be used to assist the GNSS receiver in the acquisition of the signals. GNSS satellite clock states are also extracted from the broadcast ephemeris and a parameterized model of clock behavior is fit to that data. The estimated modeled clocks are then propagated forward in time to enable, together with the predicted orbits, quicker GNSS signal acquisition.

Bar-Sever, Yoaz E.↗

KINEROS2-AGWA: Model Use, Calibration, and Validation

KINEROS (KINematic runoff and EROSion) originated in the 1960s as a distributed event-based model that conceptualizes a watershed as a cascade of overland flow model elements that flow into trapezoidal channel model elements. KINEROS was one of the first widely available watershed models that interactively coupled a finite difference approximation of the kinematic overland flow equations to a physically based infiltration model. Development and improvement of KINEROS continued from the 1960s on a variety of projects for a range of purposes, which has resulted in a suite of KINEROS-based modeling tools. This article focuses on KINEROS2 (K2), a spatially distributed, event-based watershed rainfall-runoff and erosion model, and the companion ArcGIS-based Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment (AGWA) tool. AGWA automates the time-consuming tasks of watershed delineation into distributed model elements and initial parameterization of these elements using commonly available, national GIS data layers. A variety of approaches have been used to calibrate and validate K2 successfully across a relatively broad range of applications (e.g., urbanization, pre- and post-fire, hillslope erosion, erosion from roads, runoff and recharge, and manure transport). The case studies presented in this article (1) compare lumped to stepwise calibration and validation of runoff and sediment at plot, hillslope, and small watershed scales; and (2) demonstrate an uncalibrated application to address relative change in watershed response to wildfire.

Erosion↗

Surface Ocean pCO2 Seasonality and Sea-Air CO2 Flux Estimates for the North American East Coast

Underway and in situ observations of surface ocean pCO2, combined with satellite data, were used to develop pCO2 regional algorithms to analyze the seasonal and interannual variability of surface ocean pCO2 and sea-air CO2 flux for five physically and biologically distinct regions of the eastern North American continental shelf: the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), the Gulf of Maine (GoM), Nantucket Shoals and Georges Bank (NS+GB), and the Scotian Shelf (SS). Temperature and dissolved inorganic carbon variability are the most influential factors driving the seasonality of pCO2. Estimates of the sea-air CO2 flux were derived from the available pCO2 data, as well as from the pCO2 reconstructed by the algorithm. Two different gas exchange parameterizations were used. The SS, GB+NS, MAB, and SAB regions are net sinks of atmospheric CO2 while the GoM is a weak source. The estimates vary depending on the use of surface ocean pCO2 from the data or algorithm, as well as with the use of the two different gas exchange parameterizations. Most of the regional estimates are in general agreement with previous studies when the range of uncertainty and interannual variability are taken into account. According to the algorithm, the average annual uptake of atmospheric CO2 by eastern North American continental shelf waters is found to be between 3.4 and 5.4 Tg C/yr (areal average of 0.7 to 1.0 mol CO2 /sq m/yr) over the period 2003-2010.

interannual variability↗