Lidar Wind and Turbulence Profiles / Derived Data
This dataset contains wind and turbulence profiles computed from PNNL's ground-based Doppler lidar (S/N 184) deployed on Nantucket.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
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Some observations on the thermal behavior of the mesosphere
Temperature and wind profiles in stratosphere and mesosphere from acoustic grenade soundings
SOUNDING↗
Flight-wind restrictions procedure, Atlas/ Centaur AC-6 through AC-15
Prelaunch calculation of wind profile effect using axial load and bending moments for Atlas and Centaur launch vehicles
CENTAUR LAUNCH VEHICLE↗
Combined VHF Dopplar radar and airborne (CV-990) measurements of atmospheric winds on the mesoscale
Hourly measurements of wind speed and direction obtained using two wind profiling Doppler radars during two prolonged jet stream occurrences over western Pennsylvania were analyzed. In particular, the time-variant characteristics of derived shear profiles were examined. To prevent a potential loss of structural detail and retain statistical significance, data from both radars were stratified into categories based on the location data from the Penn State radar were also compared to data from Pittsburgh radiosondes. Profiler data dropouts were studied in an attempt to determine possible reasons for the apparently reduced performance of profiling radars operating beneath a jet stream. Temperature profiles for the radar site were obtained using an interpolated temperature and dewpoint temperature sounding procedure developed at Penn State. The combination of measured wind and interpolated temperature profiles allowed Richardson number profiles to be generated for the profiler sounding volume. Both Richardson number and wind shear statistics were then examined along with pilot reports of turbulence in the vicinity of the profiler.
Fairall, Christopher W.↗
Atmospheric environment for space shuttle (STS-1) launch
Atmospheric conditions near space shuttle STS-1 launch time on April, 12, 1981, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, are reported. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is presented. Also presented are the wind and thermodynamic parameters measured at the surface and aloft in the SRB descent/impact ocean area. Final meteorological data tapes for STS-1 vehicle ascent, and SRB descent have been constructed which consist of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude.
Johnson, D. L.↗
Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-4) launch
Selected atmospheric conditions observed near space shuttle STS-4 launch time on June 27, 1982, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida are summarized. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is given as well as the wind and thermodynamic parameters measured at the surface and aloft in the SRB descent/impact ocean area. Final meteorological tapes, which consist of wind descent were constructed. The STS-4 ascent meteorological data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center in response to shuttle task agreement No. 989-13-22-368 with Johnson Space Center.
Johnson, D. L.↗
Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-6) launch
Selected atmospheric conditions observed near Space Shuttle STS-6 launch time on April 4, 1983, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida are summarized. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is given. Also presented are the wind and thermodynamic parameters measured at the surface and aloft in the SRB descent/impact ocean area. Final meteorological tapes, which consist of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-6 veicle ascent and SRB descent were constructed. The STS-6 ascent meteorological data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center in response to Shuttle task agreement No. 936-53-22-368 with Johnson Space Center.
Johnson, D. L.↗
Dropwindsonde observations of the mean boundary layer structure in the low-latitude Pacific during SOP-1
The low-level mean thermodynamic and wind profiles in the transition between the trade winds and the ICZ are described using the FGGE level II-b dropwindsonde data set collected during the period of SOP-1 (January 15-February 20, 1979). The results illustrate the influence of decaying midlatitude frontal systems in the northwesternmost region, the general tradelike nature of the eastern regions, and the highly convective nature of a region near the equator. Contrary to the results obtained with the traditional approach to the tropical boundary layer, the FGGE data indicate a trade inversion that remains quasi-horizontal in the north-south direction despite an equatorward decrease in its frequency of occurrence, indicating that subsidence may be more important in equatorial regions than was previously thought.
Firestone, James K.↗
Monthly mean global climatology of temperature, wind, geopotential height, and pressure for 0 - 120 km
A monthly mean climatology is presented of temperature, wind, and geopotential height with nearly pole-to-pole coverage (80 S to 80 N) for 0 to 210 km, which can be used as a function of altitude and pressure. The purpose is to provide a reference for various atmospheric research and analysis activities. Data sources and methods of computation are described; in general, hydrostatic and thermal wind balance are maintained at all levels and latitudes. As observed in a series of cross-sectional plots, this climatology accurately reproduces most of the characteristic features of the atmosphere such as equatorial wind and the general structure of the tropopause, stratopause, and mesopause. A series of zonal wind profiles is also represented comparing this climatological wind with monthly mean climatological direct wind measurements in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The temperature and zonal wind climatology at stratospheric levels is compared with corresponding data from the National Meteorological Center, and general agreement is observed between the two data sets. Tables of the climatological values as a function of latitude and height for each month are contained in Appendix B, and are also available in floppy disk.
Fleming, Eric L.↗
Monthly mean global climatology of temperature, wind, geopotential height and pressure for 0-120 km
This paper presents a monthly mean climatology of zonal mean temperature, zonal wind, and geopotential height with nearly pole-to-pole coverage (80 deg S-80 deg N) for 0-120 km which can be used as a function of altitude and pressure. This climatology reproduces most of the characteristic features of the atmosphere such as the lowering and cooling of the mesopause and the lowering and warming of the stratopause during the summer months at high latitudes. A series of zonal wind profiles is also presented comparing this climatological wind with monthly mean climatological direct wind measurements in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The two data sets compare well below 80 km, with some general seasonal trend agreement observed above 80 km. The zonal wind at the equator presented here simulates the observed features of the semiannual oscillation in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere.
Chandra, Sushil↗
Assimilation of DAWN Doppler Wind Lidar Data During the 2017 Convective Processes Experiment (CPEX): Impact on Precipitation and Flow Structure
An improved representation of 3-D air motion and precipitation structure through forecast models and assimilation of observations is vital for improvements in weather forecasting capabilities. However, there are few independent data to properly validate a model forecast of precipitation structure when the underlying dynamics are evolving on short convective timescales. Using data from the JPL Ku/Ka-band Airborne Precipitation Radar (APR-2) and the 2 μmDoppler Aerosol Wind (DAWN) lidar collected during the2017 Convective Processes Experiment (CPEX), the NASA Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Ensemble Data Assimilation System (EDAS) modeling system was used to quantify the impact of high-resolution sparsely sampled DAWN measurements on the analyzed variables and on the forecast when the DAWN winds were assimilated. Over-all, the assimilation of the DAWN wind profiles had a discernible impact on the wind field as well as the evolution and timing of the 3-D precipitation structure. Analysis of individual variables revealed that the assimilation of the DAWN winds resulted in important and coherent modifications of the environment. It led to an increase in the near-surface convergence, temperature, and water vapor, creating more favorable conditions for the development of convection exactly where it was observed (but not present in the control run). Comparison to APR-2 and observations by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite shows a much-improved forecast after the assimilation of the DAWN winds – development of precipitation where there was none, more organized precipitation where there was some, and a much more intense and organized cold pool, similar to the analysis of the dropsonde data. The onset of the vertical evolution of the precipitation showed similar radar-derived cloud-top heights, but delayed in time. While this investigation was limited to a single CPEX flight date, the investigation design is appropriate for further investigation of the impact of airborne Doppler wind lidar observations upon short-term convective precipitation forecasts
DAWN↗
Analysis of Rawinsonde Spatial Separation for Space Launch Vehicle Applications at the Eastern Range
Space launch vehicles develop day-of-launch steering commands based upon the upper-level atmospheric environments in order to alleviate wind induced structural loading and optimize ascent trajectory. Historically, upper-level wind measurements to support launch operations at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Kennedy Space Center co-located on the United States Air Force's Eastern Range (ER) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station use high-resolution rawinsondes. One inherent limitation with rawinsondes consists of taking approximately one hour to generate a vertically complete wind profile. Additionally, rawinsonde drift during ascent by the ambient wind environment can result in the balloon being hundreds of kilometers down range, which results in questioning whether the measured winds represent the wind environment the vehicle will experience during ascent. This paper will describe the use of balloon profile databases to statistically assess the drift distance away from the ER launch complexes during rawinsonde ascent as a function of season and discuss an alternative method to measure upper level wind environments in closer proximity to the vehicle trajectory launching from the ER.
Decker, Ryan K.↗
Vertical temperature and density patterns in the Arctic mesosphere analyzed as gravity waves
Rocket soundings conducted from high latitude sites in the Arctic mesosphere are described. Temperature and wind profiles and one density profile were observed independently to obtain the thermodynamic structure, the wind structure, and their interdependence in the mesosphere. Temperature profiles from all soundings were averaged, and a smooth curve (or series of smooth curves) drawn through the points. A hydrostatic atmosphere based on the average, measured temperature profile was computed, and deviations from the mean atmosphere were analyzed in terms of gravity wave theory. The vertical wavelengths of the deviations were 10-20 km, and the wave amplitudes slowly increased with height. The experimental data were matched by calculated gravity waves having a period of 15-20 minutes and a horizontal wavelength of 60-80 km. The wind measurements are consistent with the thermodynamic measurements. The results also suggest that gravity waves travel from East to West with a horizontal phase velocity of approximately 60 m sec-1.
Eberstein, I. J.↗
Remote sensing of planetary boundary layer from ground and space: Structure, thermodynamics, and boundary layer clouds
The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is a critical interface between Earth's surface and atmosphere, influencing atmospheric convection, weather patterns, and air quality. Recognized by the 2017 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Earth Science Decadal Survey as an Incubation Targeted Observable, high-quality and effective observation of the PBL has become a priority. This paper reviews surface-based and satellite remote sensing techniques for characterizing PBL features, including PBL height (PBLH), boundary layer thermodynamics, turbulence, and boundary layer clouds (BLCs). These elements are treated as interconnected aspects of the PBL system, while recognizing that different instruments retrieve different physical manifestations of the PBL. The review summarizes recent advances and limitations in Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL), Doppler lidar, Raman lidar, Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), ceilometers, wind profilers, GNSS Radio Occultation, radar, and hyperspectral sounders. These observations help trace dynamic processes within the PBL and link PBL structure to broader weather and climate processes. The review also highlights persistent observational gaps over oceans, remote land, and polar regions, where continuous surface-based profiling is sparse. By comparing instrument capabilities, practical limitations, and interpretation issues, this review emphasizes the need for integrated remote sensing approaches and careful definition of the retrieved PBL quantities.
Boundary layer clouds↗
Vertical temperature and density patterns in the Arctic mesosphere analyzed as gravity waves
Three series of rocket soundings including pitot soundings, grenade soundings, and paired pitot-grenade soundings, were conducted from high latitude sites during winter. Temperature and wind profiles and one density profile were observed independently to obtain the thermodynamic structure, the wind structure, and thus their interdependence in the mesosphere. Temperature profiles from all soundings in each series were averaged, and a smooth curve (or series of smooth curves) drawn through the points. A hydrostatic atmosphere based on the average, measured temperature profile was computed, and deviations from the mean atmosphere were analyzed in terms of gravity wave theory. The vertical wavelengths of the deviations were 10-20 km, and the wave amplitudes slowly increased with height. The experimental data were matched by calculated gravity waves having a period ranging between 15 and 80 minutes and horizontal wavelengths of 60 to 280 km. The interpretation is generally consistent with the results of others who have studied gravity-acoustic waves in the atmosphere. The wind measurements are consistent with the thermodynamic measurements. The results also suggest that gravity waves traveled from east to west with a horizontal phase velocity of approximately 60 m/sec.
Eberstein, I. J.↗
Magnitude and frequency of wind speed shears and associated downdrafts
Data are presented indicating the frequency of occurrence of wind shear and downdrafts together with information on the simultaneous occurrence of these two phenomena. High resolution wind profile measurements recorded at a 150 meter ground winds tower facility were used for the analysis. From instantaneous measurements during horizontal wind speeds of gale-force and below intensity, vertical motion at the 10, 60, and 150 m levels was approximately 60 percent downward and 40 percent upward. At the 18 level the percentages were reversed. Updraft maxima were an order of magnitude or two greater than downdrafts at all levels. Frequency of vertical motion or = 9.7 kts for a year at four levels was 338 occurrences upward and 274 downward. Approximately 90 percent of these updrafts occurred at the 18 m level almost equally during summer and winter, and 65 percent of the downdrafts were at the 150 m level during summer.
Alexander, M. B.↗