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NASA NTRS1986

Program status

The Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) was designed to support a variety of users that have been arbitrarily categorized into four groups: researchers, data producers, occasional users, and management. The expanding capabilities of the system are attracting the attention of both academic and other scientific institutions worldwide. Highlighted by progress in networking capabilities, hardware acquisitions, software developments, data set additions, and tutorial developments, exciting advances have taken place since the First PCDS Workshop. In the plans for the 1986 fiscal year, recommendations from an ad hoc users' group meeting in May 1985 and from the First PCDS workshop are apparent. This year's plans are listed, along with comments made at the users' group meeting. Although the PCDS is presently considered to be in a developmental phase, plans for making the transition to an operational phase are being implemented.

Smith, P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

PCDS overview

A brief overview of the philosophy, design, and organization of the Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) is presented. The design has evolved, over time, to deal with numerous data sets, provide appropriate tools for the manipulation and display of such data, and support a wide variety of users. The user interface to the system is provided by the Transportable Applications Executive (TAE). A user can choose one of the five major subsystems from the root menu display. These subsystems are CATALOG, INVENTORY, DATA ACCESS, DATA MANIPULATION, and GRAPHICS. Each subsystem was discussed and examples were given, demonstrating the flexibility provided by the existing PCDS software, Version 3.3. Three of these subsystems are presently being redesigned to provide a more flexible and friendly structure, to allow more consistency and facilitate the ability to support new data sets. Ongoing developmental efforts to migrate from the Version 3.3 prototype phase of PCDS to the operational Version 4.0 stress increased flexibility and data independence.

Treinish, L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Demonstration of new PCSD capabilities

The new, more flexible and more friendly graphics capabilities to be available in later releases of the Pilot Climate Data System were demonstrated. The LIMS-LAMAT data set was chosen to illustrate these new capabilities. Pseudocolor and animation were used to represent the third and fourth dimensions, expanding the analytical capabilities available through the traditional two-dimensional x-y plot. In the new version, variables for the axes are chosen by scrolling through viable selections. This scrolling feature is a function of the new user interface customization. The new graphics are extremely user friendly and should free the scientist to look at data and converse with it, without doing any programming. The system is designed to rapidly plot any variable versus any other variable and animate by any variable. Any one plot in itself is not extraordinary; however, the fact that a user can generate the plots instead of a programmer distinguishes the graphics capabilities of the PCDS from other software packages. In addition, with the new CDF design, the system will become more generic, and the new graphics will become much more rigorous in the area of correlative studies.

Gough, M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Using PCDS to study the influence of UV flux variation on the middle atmosphere

The value of the Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) in examining the influences of short-period solar flux variations on the middle atmosphere was demonstrated. Several Nimbus satellite data sets proposed for the study exist in the PCDS. Planned for retrieval through the PCDS are ozone mixing ratios and cumulative ozone profiles available from the Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer on Nimbus-4. Also to be accessed are Nimbus-7 data sets that will provide ozone and nitrogen dioxide mixing ratios, temperature profiles from the Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere, and ozone mixing ratio profiles from the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer. Bypassing the time-consuming process of reading raw data tapes, the researchers plan to transfer the PCDS processed data to an IBM PC at Iowa State University. The IBM PC will serve as an intermediate vehicle for transferring the data to the NOAA CYBER 840 at Boulder, Colorado, where research will continue on both an eight-layer radiative-photochemical numerical model and on a nonlinear dynamical model. in this research are the FGGE and ERB data sets. These relevant data sets also reside in the PCDS. Problems associated with remote access to the PCDS were discussed in regard to all the PCDS data sets.

Heilman, W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

PCDS as a tool in teaching and research at the University of Michigan

The Space Physics Research Laboratory's (SPRL) use of the Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) is discussed. For this purpose, a computer center was established to provide the hardware and software necessary to fully utilize existing data bases for research and teaching purposes. A schematic of the SPRL network is given. The core of the system consists of two VAX 11/750s and a VAX 8600, networked through ETHERNET to several LSI 11/23 microprocessors. Much of the system is used for external communications with major networks and data centers. A VAX 11/750 provides DECNET services through the SPAN network to the PCDS. A functional diagram of PCDS usage is given. The browsing capabilities of the PCDS are used to generate data files, which are later transferred to the SPRL center for further data manipulation and display. This mode of operation for classroom instruction will be used to effectively use terminals and to simplify usage of the data base. The Atmosphere Explorer data base has been used successfully in a similar manner in courses related to the thermosphere and ionosphere. The main motivation to access the PCDS was to complement research efforts related to the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI), to be flown on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS).

Abreu, V.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Methods of downloading to user institutions

The Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) not only supports the ability to output data in a uniform structure via the Common Data Format (CDF, but also supports the ability to provide data in native format for any data set supported by the PCDS. Methods are discussed for acquiring data in either format from the PCDS for further work at remote sites. Four levels of remote utilization are defined, based on the extent of offloading the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) computer and local PCDS processing. Characteristics of each level are thoroughly explained, including details of information and data transfers, downloading, uploading, and offloading of the NSSDC computer. Only the levels themselves are specified here. The first level defined is that of a network-based distributed PCDS. A subset of the PCDS software is ported to another VAX and made available on a network (i.e., SPAN) node. There is no subset of the PCDS at the second level, but it is also network based. Non-network utilization of the PCDS, requiring dial-up log on, is denoted as a third level. Finally, at the fourth level, personal computer utilization of the PCDS through dial-up log on with proper terminal emulation is defined.

Treinish, L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

National Climate Program: Early achievements and future directions

Activities of the National Climate Program since 1978 are reviewed, and outlines new directions which should be emphasized over the next five years or so. These are discussed under the subentities of climate system research; climate impacts; and climatic data, information, and services.

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NASA NTRS1988

Comparison of simulation modeling and satellite techniques for monitoring ecological processes

In 1985 improvements were made in the world climatic data base for modeling and predictive mapping; in individual process models and the overall carbon-balance models; and in the interface software for mapping the simulation results. Statistical analysis of the data base was begun. In 1986 mapping was shifted to NASA-Goddard. The initial approach involving pattern comparisons was modified to a more statistical approach. A major accomplishment was the expansion and improvement of a global data base of measurements of biomass and primary production, to complement the simulation data. The main accomplishments during 1987 included: production of a master tape with all environmental and satellite data and model results for the 1600 sites; development of a complete mapping system used for the initial color maps comparing annual and monthly patterns of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), actual evapotranspiration, net primary productivity, gross primary productivity, and net ecosystem production; collection of more biosphere measurements for eventual improvement of the biological models; and development of some initial monthly models for primary productivity, based on satellite data.

Box, Elgene O.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Evaluating North American net primary productivity with satellite observations

An ecological model is developed to estimate annual net primary productivity (NPP) in 12 North American biomes. The model combines existing models which address canopy photosynthesis in response to light, temperature, and moisture availability, and account for respiration. Climate data, solar radiation data, and spectral vegetation index data are utilized. Estimates of NPP from the model compare well with data in the literature, but a systematic error is suspected. Difficulties encountered in specifying certain model parameters are discussed as possible sources of this error. The results of this study suggest the promise of remotely sensed measurements for macroscale evaluation and modeling of NPP.

Goward, Samuel N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A Solar-luminosity Model and Climate

Although the mechanisms of climatic change are not completely understood, the potential causes include changes in the Sun's luminosity. Solar activity in the form of sunspots, flares, proton events, and radiation fluctuations has displayed periodic tendencies. Two types of proxy climatic data that can be related to periodic solar activity are varved geologic formations and freshwater diatom deposits. A model for solar luminosity was developed by using the geometric progression of harmonic cycles that is evident in solar and geophysical data. The model assumes that variation in global energy input is a result of many periods of individual solar-luminosity variations. The 0.1-percent variation of the solar constant measured during the last sunspot cycle provided the basis for determining the amplitude of each luminosity cycle. Model output is a summation of the amplitudes of each cycle of a geometric progression of harmonic sine waves that are referenced to the 11-year average solar cycle. When the last eight cycles in Emiliani's oxygen-18 variations from deep-sea cores were standardized to the average length of glaciations during the Pleistocene (88,000 years), correlation coefficients with the model output ranged from 0.48 to 0.76. In order to calibrate the model to real time, model output was graphically compared to indirect records of glacial advances and retreats during the last 24,000 years and with sea-level rises during the Holocene. Carbon-14 production during the last millenium and elevations of the Great Salt Lake for the last 140 years demonstrate significant correlations with modeled luminosity. Major solar flares during the last 90 years match well with the time-calibrated model.

Perry, Charles A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Speculation on a Solar Chronometer for Climate

Solar activity has been correlated to climatic fluctuations and has been postulated as a major factor in quasi-periodic global climatic change. However, correlations are not explanations of physical mechanisms and do not couple cause with effect. A mechanism for a chronometer for solar output variability is proposed based on relations between properties of thermonuclear fusion, nuclear magnetic moment, and nuclear magnetic resonance. A fundamental oscillation of a nucleus with a net nuclear magnetic moment (NMM) is the precession of its axis of rotation when subjected to a magnetic field. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is the preferred frequency of precession for a nucleus of a particular isotope when placed in a magnetic field of specific intensity. The NMM for those isotopes involved in the proton-proton (p-p) chain pathway for solar fusion varies from strong positive to strong negative. Individual fusion events, for hydrogen and helium isotopes which release varying amounts of energy, may be controlled by NMR frequencies. The pulses of energy from fusion events occurring at NMR frequencies in the solar interior may be transformed into pressure or gravity waves that emerge as gravity or acoustic waves at the surface. Dictated by spherical harmonics, certain wavelengths may be reinforced and reenter the solar interior to modulate the fusion process. Qualitative analysis of solar and climatic data support the interaction of the three basic components of the chronometer, magnetic activity, oscillation frequency, and solar energy output.

Perry, Charles A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

International ocean services: Is it time - will it ever be time?

Considering the objectives of the Ocean Data Climate Workshop this week and trying to select a related, but not too technical subject, I decided to look at the services needed for ocean clients. I thought that it would make an interesting theme to consider how the acceptance of international ocean services is progressing over the years. Or is it? Are we closer to having a global observing system than we were twenty years ago? If so, what has changed between then and now? What is different between the efforts of twenty years or so ago to get the Integrated Global Ocean Stations System (IGOSS) off the ground and the present attempts to establish the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)? Is there a window of opportunity now that didn't exist then? If it doesn't happen now, a legitimate question could well be asked.... Will it ever happen? At least on historical topics I am on firm ground, having been attending IOC meetings for many years, in fact, it was in 1970 that I attended my first IGOSS meeting and a couple of years later I started what was to become regular attendances at the IOC Governing Body sessions. Despite the numbing effect of sitting through IOC related meetings for a total of what must add up to two or three years, I can still defend the IOC as an essential intergovernmental body for the oceans. One can accept the value of medicine, but one doesn't have to enjoy the taste.

Holland, Geoffrey↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ice patterns and hydrothermal plumes, Lake Baikal, Russia - Insights from Space Shuttle hand-held photography

Earth photography from the Space Shuttle is used to examine the ice cover on Lake Baikal and correlate the patterns of weakened and melting ice with known hydrothermal areas in the Siberian lake. Particular zones of melted and broken ice may be surface expressions of elevated heat flow in Lake Baikal. The possibility is explored that hydrothermal vents can introduce local convective upwelling and disrupt a stable water column to the extent that the melt zones which are observed in the lake's ice cover are produced. A heat flow map and photographs of the lake are overlaid to compare specific areas of thinned or broken ice with the hot spots. The regions of known hydrothermal activity and high heat flow correlate extremely well with circular regions of thinned ice, and zones of broken and recrystallized ice. Local and regional climate data and other sources of warm water, such as river inlets, are considered.

Evans, Cynthia A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Arctic Ozone Expedition

Documenting the expedition of scientists to the uppermost reaches of the North Pole, this video shows what is involved in collecting this valuable climatic data.

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NASA NTRS1994

Extraterrestrial accretion and glacial cycles

We propose that the approx. 100-k.y. cycle seen in terrestrial glaciation is due to changes in meteor flux that come from changes in the Earth's orbit. This model can explain a 70-k.y. 'anomalous' period in climate data and the apparent discrepancy between present extraterrestrial fluxes and those in oceanic sediments. It can be tested by measuring Ir densities in sediments and ice during glacials and interglacials.

Muller, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

NCDC mass storage systems and technologies

National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) data management issues are discussed, such as nature of holdings, history of the site, popularity of data sets, media/technology used for storage, volume distributed per month, mode of distribution, most frequently encountered problems, type of media requested/used, and evolution of media. Current holdings at NCDC are 107.8 terabytes of digital data and about 0.3 terabytes of manuscript data. The nexrad radar system is expected to generate approximately 88 terabytes per year by 1996.

Davis, Dick↗
NASA NTRS1994

Completing below-ground carbon budgets for pastures, recovering forests, and mature forests of Amazonia

The objective of this grant was to complete below-ground carbon budgets for pastures and forest soils in the Amazon. Profiles of radon and carbon dioxide were used to estimate depth distribution of CO2 production in soil. This information is necessary for determining the importance of deep roots as sources of carbon inputs. Samples were collected for measuring root biomass from new research sites at Santana de Araguaia and Trombetas. Soil gases will be analyzed for CO2 and (14)CO2, and soil organic matter will be analyzed for C-14. Estimates of soil texture from the RADAMBRASIL database were merged with climate data to calculate soil water extraction by forest canopies during the dry season. In addition, a preliminary map of areas where deep roots are needed for deep soil water was produced. A list of manuscripts and papers prepared during the reporting periods is given.

Davidson, Eric A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Winter to Spring Transition in Europe 48-45 degrees N: From Temperature Control by Advection to Control by Insolation

As established in previous studies, and analyzed further herein for the years 1988-1998, warm advection from the North Atlantic is the predominant control of the surface-air temperature in northern-latitude Europe in late winter. This thesis is supported by the substantial correlation Cti between the speed of the southwesterly surface winds over the eastern North Atlantic, as quantified by a specific Index Ina, and the 2-meter level temperature Ts over central Europe (48-54 deg N; 5-25 deg E), for January, February and early March. In mid-March and subsequently, the correlation Cti drops drastically (quite often it is negative). The change in the relationship between Ts and Ina marks a transition in the control of the surface-air temperature. As (a) the sun rises higher in the sky, (b) the snows melt (the surface absorptivity can increase by a factor of 3.0), (c) the ocean-surface winds weaken, and (d) the temperature difference between land and ocean (which we analyze) becomes small, absorption of insolation replaces the warm advection as the dominant control of the continental temperature. We define the onset of spring by this transition, which evaluated for the period of our study occurs at pentad 16 (Julian Date 76, that is, March 16). The control by insolation means that the surface is cooler under cloudy conditions than under clear skies. This control produces a much smaller interannual variability of the surface temperature and of the lapse rate than prevailing in winter, when the control is by advection. Regional climatic data would be of greatest value for agriculture and forestry if compiled for well-defined seasons. For continental northern latitudes, analysis presented here of factors controlling the surface temperature appears an appropriate tool for this task.

Otterman, J.↗