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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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At least 397 records · Page 22
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NASA NTRS1985

Interannual variability of middle atmosphere during northern winter

An investigation was undertaken to examine the characteristics of the interannual variability of the zonal wind and the temperature of the middle atmosphere of the Northern Hemisphere during winter and to search for a relationship of the variability of the middle atmosphere with the activity of the following Indian summer monsoon. For this purpose, the rocketsonde temperature and wind data for 8 stations for a 6-year period for the month of January were collected. It is clear from the results that the interannual variability noticed in the zonal wind of the high latitude middle atmosphere was caused by the differential activity of the long-period planetary waves. In order to examine whether the stability of the polar night jet in the high latitude middle atmosphere has any influence on the spectacular tropospheric weather phenomenon such as the Indian summer monsoon, the rainfall activity for India has been studied. The study revealed that: (1) the strong and stable polar night jet with weak equator to pole temperature gradient at the stratopause in January was linked with the forthcoming weak monsoon activity; and (2) the weak and distorted polar night jet with strong equator-to-pole temperature gradient at the stratopause in January was linked with the forthcoming strong monsoon activity.

Mukherjee, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A model of the wave 1 - wave 2 vacillation in the winter stratosphere

A three-dimensional, severely truncated, quasi-geostrophic model in a beta channel is used to explore the dynamics of the observed anticorrelation between the amplitudes of planetary waves 1 and 2 in the Northern Hemisphere winter stratosphere. The model, which includes interactions among eight horizontal modes, generates realistic wave 1-wave 2 vacillations when westward traveling wave 1 interacts with stationary waves 1 and 2. It is found that while wave 1 oscillates in response to wave-mean flow interactions, the oscillations in the amplitude of wave 2 are driven primarily by wave-wave interactions. Experiments with a barotropic model reveal that the timing of the strongest wave-wave interactions is determined by the wave 1 interaction with the mean flow.

Robinson, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Characteristics of Arctic winter sea ice from satellite multispectral microwave observations

A coplanarity test using three scanning multichannel microwave radiometer channels shows the potential as well as the limitation of the sensor in discriminating different ice types. However, the capability for accurate determination of sea ice concentration, especially in the central Arctic, is evident from scatter plots of the emissivities using the two polarizations at 37 GHz. The consolidated ice data in the central Arctic form a very compact and linear set of points in these plots, and they slope the same way throughout the winter of 1979 and in other years (1980-1984). An ice concentration algorithm based on the utilization of this slope (about 1.03) is developed that yields retrieved values with an accuracy of about 5 percent in the central Arctic and 10 percent in the seasonal sea ice region. The total areal ice extent and actual ice cover were also derived from ice concentration retrieved by using the algorithm, and the results from several years of midwinter data show a relatively stable ice cover in the northern hemisphere.

Comiso, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The kinetic and available potential energy budget of a winter extratropical cyclone system

The energy budget of an extratropical cyclone system which traversed North America and intensified through the period January 9-11, 1975 is presented. The objectives of the study are: (1) to document the complete energy budget of a significant winter cyclone event, and (2) to comment on the significance of latent heat release (LHR) in the cyclone's evolution. Results reveal an overall increase in both kinetic (K) and available potential energy (A). K increases are accounted for by boundary flux convergence of K, while A increases are due to generation by LHR and K to A conversion. In addition, the general A increase is accompanied by a 24 h oscillation that is explained largely by the flux quantity in the A budget equation and is correlated with a similar fluctuation in the K to A conversion. LHR does not appear to be critical in the development of this cyclone system. Rather, LHR acts to increase the intensity of the event. It is hypothesized that the direct influence that LHR had on the deepening cyclone's reduced mass was augmented by an indirect influence, in which pre-existing dry dynamical forcing was enhanced by diabatic heating, thus leading to accelerated cyclone development at a later time.

Smith, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Effects of nitrogen fertilization on growth and reflectance characteristics of winter wheat

The use of remote sensing to determine seasonal changes in agronomic and spectral properties of winter wheat canopies with different levels of N fertilization is investigated. Field experiments were conducted at Purdue Agronomy Farm, West Lafayette, IN during the 1978-1979 and 1979-1980 growing season. Spectral reflectance, total leaf N concentration, leaf chlorophyll concentration, leaf are index (LAI), and fresh and dry phytomass are measured and analyzed. Three distinct wheat canopies are detected for the O, 60, and 120 kg N/ha levels of fertilization; it is observed that with an increase in N the reflectance in the visible, and middle IR wavelengths decrease, and the IR reflectance is increased. The canopies with 120 kg N/ha display the highest LAI, maintain green leaf area the longest, and increase in fresh and dry phytomass. The relationship between spectral and agronomic variables is examined; the effect of changing chlorophyll concentration and LAI on the reflectance is studied.

Hinzman, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Condensation of HNO3 and HCl in the winter polar stratospheres

Nitric acid and hydrochloric acid vapors may condense in the winter polar stratospheres. Nitric acid clouds, unlike water ice clouds, would form at the temperatures at which polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are observed and would have optical depths of the magnitude observed suggesting that HNO3 is a dominant component of PSCs. ClO, N2O5 and ClNO3 may react on cloud particle surfaces yielding additional HNO3, HCl, and HOCL. In the vicinity of PSCs these reactions could deplete the stratosphere of photochemically active NO(x) species. The sedimentation of PSCs may remove these materials from the stratosphere. The loss of vapor phase NO(x) might allow halogen-based chemistry to create the ozone hole.

Toon, Owen B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Theoretical study of the electron temperature in the high-latitude ionosphere for solar maximum and winter conditions

The T(e) variation in the high-latitude ionosphere at altitudes between 120 and 800 km has been modeled for solar maximum, winter solstice, and strong magnetic activity conditions. The calculated electron temperatures are consistent with the plasma densities and ion temperatures computed from a time-dependent ionospheric model. Heating rates for both solar EUV and auroral precipitation were included. In general, the predicted UT variation of the electron temperature that results from the displacement between the magnetic and geographic poles is only a few hundred degrees. However, in sunlit trough regions, T(e) hot spots develop, and these hot spots show a marked UT variation, by as much as 2500 K. The dominant parameter controlling the T(e) variation above 200 km is the magnetospheric heat flux into the ionosphere, which is essentially unknown. For realistic values of the magnetospheric heat flux, the maximum electron temperature ranges from 5000 to 10,000 K at 800 km. A magnetospheric heat flux is particularly effective in enhancing trough electron temperatures. In general, the electron heat flux at high altitudes is uniquely related to the electron temperature and gradient, except on auroral field lines where thermoelectric heat flow is important.

Schunk, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Transport of atmospheric tracers by planetary waves during a winter stratospheric warming event - A three-dimensional model simulation

In a simple three-dimensional primitive equation model, a wave number 1 major stratospheric warming is simulated. With the aid of two idealized tracers it is shown that the transport during a major warming event is characterized by a small, well-organized tongue of subtropical air flowing around the displaced winter vortex into the polar cap and by a wide area with strong quasi-horizontal mixing (surf zone). The description of these dynamical processes requires a full three-dimensional space resolution.

Kouker, W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Planetary wave activity in the troposphere and stratosphere during the Northern Hemisphere winter

The relation between planetary wave activity in the troposphere and stratosphere during the Northern Hemisphere winter from December 1981-March 1982 is studied. The Eliassen-Palm (E-P) flux diagnostics was applied to global tropospheric data for 1000 to 100 mb and global stratospheric data for 70 to 0.4 mb. The vertical component of the E-P flux, which is a measure of the vertical propagation of wave activity, and wave driving are examined. It is observed that the magnitude of the vertical component of the E-P flux varies with a period of 10-15 days in both the troposphere and the stratosphere; however, the correlation between the wave activity in the troposphere and stratosphere is different during the pre- and postwarming periods. The two types of correspondence between the wave activity are: (1) an out-of-plane relationship and (2) an upward propagation of wave activity from the troposphere to the stratosphere. The dynamical features of these two periods are described.

Shiotani, Masato↗
NASA NTRS1987

The global residual mean circulation in the middle atmosphere for the northern winter period

The residual mean circulation (rmc) has been calculated from the transformed thermodynamic equation using LIMS (Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere) data for the 100-0.1 mb region. For discussion, it has been divided into two components: the diabatic circulation, associated with the diabatic heating, and the transient circulation, more directly connected to eddy activity. The slowly varying diabatic circulation reveals an equator-to-pole circulation at lower levels in the stratosphere, usually overlain by a summer-to-winter pole circulation. However, there are strong seasonal variations, so that the pole-to-pole circulation fills the entire region at the December solstice, while the equator-to-pole circulation extends to above 0.1 mb at the equinoxes. The transient circulation is characterized by rapid variations and small vertical and horizontal scales. Though generally smaller than the diabatic circulation, it can dominate in the lower stratosphere during disturbed conditions. This circulation is consistent with the transformed momentum equation in the lower stratosphere (where drag is expected to be small) during undisturbed periods. It suggests a large drag due to small-scale waves (such as gravity waves) in the mesosphere, although the magnitudes are uncertain. The downward propagation of the semiannual oscillation causes the rmc in the tropics to vary, and it is capable of creating the equatorial water vapor maximum above 10 mb.

Gille, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Directional scattering properties of a winter deciduous hardwood canopy

The unique directional scattering properties of a deciduous hardwood forest without leaves during the winter period was measured in a visible and near-infrared band. A radiative transfer model was used to explore the scattering properties of such a forest. The reflectance distributions look similar to sparse homogeneous vegetation canopies. The overall reflectance distribution is a combination of the extreme azimuthal scattering behavior of tree limbs and the more typical scattering behavior of understory litter.

Kimes, Daniel S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Wind regime peculiarities in the lower thermosphere in the winter of 1983/84

Temporal variations of prevailing winds at 90 to 100 km obtained from measurements carried out in winter 1983 to 1984 at three sites in the USSR and two sites in East Germany are reported. These variations are compared with those of the thermal stratospheric regime. Measurements were carried out using the drifts D2 method (meteor wind radar) and the D1 method (ionospheric drifts). Temporal variations of zonal and meridional prevailing wind components for all the sites are given. Also presented are zonal wind data obtained using the partial reflection wind radar. Wind velocity values were obtained by averaging data recorded at between 105 and 91 km altitude. Wind velocity data averaged in such a way can be related to about the same height interval to which the data obtained by the meteor radar and ionospheric methods at other sites, i.e., the mean height of the meteor zone (about 95 km). The results presented show that there are significant fluctuations about the seasonal course of both zonal and meridional prevailing winds.

Lysenko, I. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Aircraft and ground vehicle friction correlation test results obtained under winter runway conditions during joint FAA/NASA Runway Friction Program

Aircraft and ground vehicle friction data collected during the Joint FAA/NASA Runway Friction Program under winter runway conditions are discussed and test results are summarized. The relationship between the different ground vehicle friction measurements obtained on compacted snow- and ice-covered conditions is defined together with the correlation to aircraft tire friction performance under similar runway conditions.

Yager, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Volcanic winters

The impact of volcanic eruptions on weather and climate is considered. The data from nineteenth-century eruptions is examined, showing the importance of sulfur volatiles for climate change. Information obtained from ice cores is discussed, and the contrasts between the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens and El Chichon are pointed out. The atmospheric effects of the greatest historic eruptions are recalled. The potential for the occurrence of 'volcanic winters' and the possible role of volcanism in mass extinctions are considered.

Rampino, Michael R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Evolution of polar stratospheric clouds during the Antarctic winter

The occurrence of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs), initially inferred from satellite measurements of solar extinction, have now also been noted by the recent scientific expeditions in the Antarctic. The presence of such clouds in the Antarctic has been postulated to play a significant role in the depletion of ozone during the transition from winter to spring. The mechanisms suggested involve both dynamical and chemical processes which, explicity or implicitly, are associated with the ice particles constituting the PSCs. It is, thus, both timely and necessary to investigate the evolution of these clouds and ascertain the nature and magnitude of their influences on the state of the Antarctic stratosphere. To achieve these objectives, a detailed microphysical model of the processes governing the growth and sublimation of ice particles in the polar stratosphere was developed, based on the investigations of Ramaswamy and Detwiler. The present studies focus on the physical processes that occur at temperatures below those required for the onset of ice deposition from the vapor phase. Once these low temperatures are attained, the deposition of water vapor onto nucleation particles becomes extremely significant. First, the factors governing the magnitude of growth and the growth rate of ice particles at various altitudes are examined. Second, the ice phase mechanisms are examined in the context of a column model with altitudes ranging from 100 to 5 mb pressure levels. The column microphysical model was used to perform simulations of the cloud evolution, using the observed daily temperatures. The effect due to the growth of the particles on the radiation fields are also investigated using a one dimensional radiative transfer model. Specifically, the perturbations in the longwave cooling and that in the shortwave heating for the late winter/early spring time period are analyzed.

Ramaswamy, V.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Heterogeneous physicochemistry of the winter polar stratosphere

Present chemical theories of the Antarctic ozone hole assume that heterogeneous reactions involving polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are the precursor of springtime ozone depletions. However, none of the theories quantify the rates of proposed heterogeneous processed, and none utilize the extensive data base on PSC's. Thus, all of the theories must be considered incomplete until the heterogeneous mechanisms are properly defined. A unified treatment developed of the cloud related processes, both physical and chemical, and the importance of these processes using observation data is calibrated. The rates are compared competitive heterogeneous processes to place reasonable limits on critical mechanisms such as the denitrification and dechlorination of the polar winter stratosphere. Among the subjects addressed here are the physical/chemical properties of PSC's including their relevant microphysical, optical and compositional characteristics, mass transfer rates of gaseous constituents to cloud particles, adsorption, accommodation and sticking coefficients on cloud particles, time constants for condensation, absorption and other microphysical processes, effects of solubility and vapor pressure on cloud composition, the statistics of cloud processing of chemically active condensible species, rate limiting steps in heterogeneous chemical reactions, and the nonlinear dependence of ozone loss on physical and chemical parameters.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Observations of stratospheric source gas profiles during the Arctic winter

An international campaign was performed at ESRANGE rocket base, near Kiruna, Sweden (68 N) from January 4 to February 15 in order to investigate the Chemistry of Ozone in the Polar Stratosphere (CHEOPS). Within the framework of this campaign two sets of large stratospheric air samples were collected by means of a balloon borne cryogenic air sampler. The two balloons were launched on February 1, and February 10, 1988. At present the samples are analyzed in our laboratory for their contents of several long lived trace gases such as CH4, N2O, H2, CO2, CO and the major halocarbons CH3Cl, CFCl3, CF2Cl2, CCl4, CH3CCl3, and C2F3Cl3. The vertical profiles derived from these samples will be presented and compared with previous observations made in February 1987. The data will be discussed in view of the dynamical evolution of the Arctic polar vortex during this winter.

Schmidt, U.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Human adaptation to isolated and confined environments: Preliminary findings of a seven month Antarctic winter-over human factors study

This field study was conducted during the last decade of an austral winter-over at Palmer Station in the Antarctic. The purpose of the study was to understand temporal patterns in physiological arousal and psychological mood over the course of the mission. The investigators were principally interested in how people adapted over time to chronic and acute stressors, and how people use and modify their built environment. Physiological and psychological data were collected several times a week, and information on behavior and the use of physical facilities was collected monthly. Physiological and psychological data were compared with social changes in the setting toward the development of a sequential model of human-environment transactional relationships. Based on the study results, guidelines for design of future isolated and confined environments (ICEs) included: plan space for items which make people feel at home, provide materials to allow people to personalize their environment, allow for flexible environments, provide areas for visual and auditory privacy, equip areas for socializing and remove them from private areas, and provide facilities for exercise and for projects involving physical activity. The study offers guidelines about patterns of adaption that could be expected in an ICE, discusses how these settings can be programmed to facilitate successful adjustment, and provides information about how to design future ICE habitats to maximize a healthy living environment.

Evans, Gary W.↗