Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Plateau”

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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Physical properties of Saturn's rings

Spaceborne astronomy data on Saturn's rings is summarized. The main rings are composed primarily of ice, possibly of low density and including small amounts of reddish material; particle radii are primarily centimeter-to-several meters, but significant amounts of micron-sized dust exists in certain regions including regions of resonance-induced collisions. The particle surface albedo and size distribution varies globally and locally. Evidence suggests several embedded moonlets of 10 km radius within Encke's division. The cause of the abrupt regional boundaries and associated differences in particle properties, especially the cause of the very abrupt and qualitatively similar inner A and B ring boundaries; the gap-ringlet structure and broad plateau features observed in the C and Cassini regions; the F and G rings (assuming that Enceladus is responsible for the E ring); and the cause of spokes and the SED are not understood.

Cuzzi, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Shuttle imaging radar-A (SIR-A) data analysis

The utility of shuttle imaging radar (SIR-A) data was evaluated in several geological and environmental contexts. For the Ozark Plateau of southern Missouri, SIR-A data were of little use in mapping structural features, because of generally uniform returns. For western Illinois, little was to be gained in terms of identifying land use categories by examining differences between overlapping passes. For southern Australia (Koonamore Station), information ion vegetation types that was not obtainable from LANDSAT MSS data alone was obtained. Specifically, high SIR-A returns in the Australian site were found to correlate with locations where shrubs increase surface roughness appreciably. The Australian study site results demonstrate the synergy of acquiring spectral reflectance and radar data over the same location and time. Such data are especially important in that region, since grazing animals have substantially altered and are continuing to alter the distribution of shrublands, grasslands, and soil exposures. Periodic, synoptic acquisition of MSS and SAR data would be of use in monitoring the dynamics of land-cover change in this environment.

Arvidson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Andrean examples of mega-geomorphology themes

Geomorphic (or physiographic) provinces have been a well known and useful method of regional landform classification for a century. Every earth scientist will recognize a phrase such as Appalachian Plateau or Southern Rocky Mountains as defining a discrete region of consistent geologic structure that has experienced a similar interval of erosion by a similar process or set of processes. The geomorphic provinces formalized in the United States by Fenneman in the 1920's continue to be highly satisfactory even though some boundaries were only vaguely drawn. Mosaics of LANDSAT images illustrate better than any earlier maps the validity and coherence of Fenneman's provinces. The concept of geomorphic provinces has been used subconsciously or intuitively, to describe the relief of the ocean floor and the topography of the Moon and other planets.

Bloom, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Changes in the energy spectrum of anomalous oxygen and helium during 1977 - 1985

Data from the cosmic-ray experiment on the Voyager spacecraft was used to assure the energy spectrum of anomalous O and He during the period 1977 to 1985. These spectra change dramatically after the middle of 1980, with the peak or plateau region of the differential spectrum shifting to a higher energy. This change appears to be related to the reversal of the solar magnetic field and could imply that particle drifts are important to the acceleration or propagation of these particles.

Cummings, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Experimental results on gamma-ray sources at E sub 0 = 10(13) - 10(14) eV

The detection of very high energy gamma ray sources has been reported in the last few years by means of extensive air shower observations. The Plateau Rosa array for the registration of the arrival directions of extensive air showers has been operating since 1980 and first results on Cygnus X-3 have been reported. Here, the status of observations of Cygnus X-3 and of the Crab Pulsar are reported.

Morello, C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Optical analysis of parabolic dish concentrators for solar dynamic power systems in space

An optical analysis of a parabolic solar collection system operating in Earth orbit was performed using ray tracing techniques. The analysis included the effects of: (1) solar limb darkening, (2) parametric variation of mirror surface error, (3) parametric variation of mirror rim angle, and (4) parametric variation of alignment and pointing error. This ray tracing technique used numerical integration to combine the effects of rays emanating from different parts of the sun at different intensities with the effects of normally distributed mirror-surface errors to compute the angular intensity distribution of rays leaving the mirror surface. A second numerical integration was then performed over the surface of the parabolic mirror to compute the radial distribution of brightness at the mirror focus. Major results of the analysis included: (1) solar energy can be collected at high temperatures with high efficiency, (2) higher absorber temperatures can be achieved at lower efficiencies, or higher efficiencies can be achieved at lower temperatures, and (3) collection efficiency is near its maximum level across a broad plateau of rim angles from 40 deg to 70 deg.

Jefferies, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Changes in the energy spectrum of anomalous oxygen and helium during 1977-1985

Data was used from the cosmic ray experiment on the Voyager spacecraft to measure the energy spectrum of anomalous O and He during the period 1977 to 1985. These spectra are found to change dramatically after the middle of 1980, with the peak of plateau region of the differential spectrum shifting to a higher energy. This change appears to be related to the reversal of the solar magnetic field and could imply that particle drifts are important to the acceleration of propagation of these particles.

Cummings, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Far-infrared emission lines of CO and OH in the Orion-KL molecular shock

Observations of far infrared rotational emission lines which arise in the shocked gas associated with Orion-Kl are presented, including detections of the CO J = 34 yields 33, J = 31 yields 30, J = 26 yields 25, and OH sup 2 PI sub (3/2) J sup P = 7/2(-) yields 5/2(+) emission lines, as well as improved measurements of the CO J = 22 yields 21 and OH sup 2 PI sub (3/2) J = 5/2 yields 3/2 lines. These lines are observed to have velocity widths of Del V approx. 20 to 30 km/sec, somewhat less than either the 2 micro H sub 2 lines or the high velocity plateau component of the millimeter wave CO lines seen in this object. An H sub 2 column density of approx. 3 x 10 to the 21st power, a total mass of approx. 1 solar mass and characteristic temperature and density T approx. 750 K and approx. 2 x 10 to the 6th power per cu cm can be derived from the CO intensities. The density is too low by at least an order of magnitude for the observed infrared H sub 2 and far infrared CO emission to be accounted for by a purely hydrodynamic shock, and support is lent to hydromagnetic shock models. From the present measurements, the relative abundance of CO is estimated to be CO H sub 2 = 1.2 x .0001, corresponding to 20% of the cosmic abundance of C existing in the form of CO. The average relative abundance of OH in the shocked gas is O/H sub 2 or = 5 x 10 to the -7th power. An upper limit to the intensity of the HD J = 1 yields 0 line is used to derive an upper limit of tau or = 3 for the D/H relative abundance in the Orion cloud core.

Watson, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Japan - USSR joint emulsion chamber experiment at Pamir

The results are presented for the systematic measurement of cosmic ray showers in the first carbon chamber of Japan-USSR joint experiment at Pamir Plateau. The intensity and the energy distribution of electromagnetic particles, of hadrons and of families are in good agreement with the results of other mountain experiment if the relative error in energy estimation is taken into consideration.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

TRO-2D - A code for rational transonic aerodynamic optimization

Features and sample applications of the transonic rational optimization (TRO-2D) code are outlined. TRO-2D includes the airfoil analysis code FLO-36, the CONMIN optimization code and a rational approach to defining aero-function shapes for geometry modification. The program is part of an effort to develop an aerodynamically smart optimizer that will simplify and shorten the design process. The user has a selection of drag minimization and associated minimum lift, moment, and the pressure distribution, a choice among 14 resident aero-function shapes, and options on aerodynamic and geometric constraints. Design variables such as the angle of attack, leading edge radius and camber, shock strength and movement, supersonic pressure plateau control, etc., are discussed. The results of calculations of a reduced leading edge camber transonic airfoil and an airfoil with a natural laminar flow are provided, showing that only four design variables need be specified to obtain satisfactory results.

Davis, W. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The optical structure of the central core in the peculiar supernova remnant CTB 80

Deep and high resolution H-alpha + forbidden N II, O III, and red continuum interference-filter images of the bright central radio core of the supernova remnant CTB 80 are presented. These photographs reveal a surprisingly filamentary structure not visible from previous imaging and indicate considerable morphological differences between forbidden O III and H-alpha + forbidden N II emission regions. The H-alpha + forbidden N II filaments appear elongated in the E-W direction like that of the radio emission plateau surrounding the central core. The forbidden O III emission is much smaller in angular size but matches well the position, shape and size of the core's 6 cm radio emission. Also detected are the two possible optical counterparts reported by Blair and Schild (1984) to the remnants' X-ray point source and it is noted that both may have coincident H-alpha + forbidden N II emission.

Fesen, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Tectonic rotations within the Rio Grande rift - Evidence from paleomagnetic studies

Paleomagnetic studies on Miocene Pliocene volcanic rocks from the Espanola basin of the Rio Grande rift, New Mexico, reveal directions discordant form the expected mean direction for North America. The Paliza Canyon Formation, Tschicoma Formation, and Lobato Basalt, all sampled in the Jemez Mountains west of the Pajarito fault zone, have mean declinations east of the expected mean. The Cerros del Rio volcanics, lying east of the Pajarito fault zone, have a westerly declination. Combined with published data on the Santa Fe Group sediments east of the fault zone, and the Valles Rhyolite, west of the fault zone, distinct rotations of the two areas are evident. The western block has rotated clockwise 12 deg, while the eastern block shows 16 deg of conter-clockwise motion. Differential rotations of 25-30 deg are calculated between the two blocks; 4 deg/m.y. is the minimum differential rotation for the past 5 m.y. Geologic explanations for these rotations include the opening of the Rio Grande rift in response to clockwise rotation of the Colorado Plateau and significant left slip along the Rio Grande rift.

Brown, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Effects of simulated weightlessness on bone mineral metabolism

It is pointed out that prolonged space flight, bedrest, and immobilization are three factors which can produce a negative calcium balance, osteopenia, and an inhibition of bone formation. It is not known whether the effects of gravity on bone mineral metabolism are mediated by systemic endocrine factors which affect all bones simultaneously, or by local factors which affect each bone individually. The present investigation has the objective to test the relative importance of local vs. systemic factors in regulating the bone mineral response to conditions simulating weightlessness. Experiments were conducted with male Sprague-Dawley rats. The test conditions made it possible to compare the data from weighted and unweighted bones in the same animal. The obtained findings indicate that a decrease in bone mass relative to control value occurs rapidly under conditions which simulate certain aspects of weightlessness. However, this decrease reaches a plateau after 10 days.

Globus, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

AIS Spectra for Stressed and Unstressed Plant Communities in the Carolina Slate Belt

Airborne imaging spectrometer (AIS) data were collected over a number of derelict heavy metal mine sites in the Carolina slate belt of North Carolina. A 32 channel (1156 to 1456 nm) data set was acquired in October, 1983 at the time of peak fall foliage display, and a 128 channel (1220 to 2420) data set was acquired near the end of the spring leaf flush in May, 1984. Spectral curves were extracted from the AIS data for differing ground cover types (e.g., pine forests, mixed deciduous forests, mine sites, and pastures). Variation in the width of an absorption feature located at approximately 1190 nm has been related to differences in forest type. Small differences in the location and shape of features in the near infrared plateau (1156 to 1300 nm) and the region 2000 to 2420 nm have yet to be evaluated. Because these variations were subtle, and because atmospheric effects were apparent in the data, high priority must be assigned to devising a means of removing atmospheric effects from AIS spectra.

Wickland, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

An archean suture zone in the Tobacco Root Mountains? (1984) Evolution of Archean Continental Crust, SW Montana (1985)

The Lake Plateau area of the Beartooth Mountains, Montana were mapped and geochemically sampled. The allochthonous nature of the Stillwater Complex was interpreted as a Cordilleran-style continental margin. The metamorphic and tectonic history of the Beartooth Mountains was addressed. The Archean geology of the Spanish Peaks area, northern Madison Range was addressed. A voluminous granulite terrain of supracrustal origin was identified, as well as a heretofore unknown Archean batholithic complex. Mapping, petrologic, and geochemical investigations of the Blacktail Mountains, on the western margin of the Wyoming Province, are completed. Mapping at a scale of 1:24000 in the Archean rocks of the Gravelly Range is near completion. This sequence is dominantly of stable-platform origin. Samples were collected for geothermometric/barometric analysis and for U-Pb zircon age dating. The analyses provide the basis for additional geochemical and geochronologic studies. A model for the tectonic and geochemical evolution of the Archean basement of SW Montana is presented.

Mogk, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Effects of orography on planetary scale flow

The earth's orography is composed of a wide variety of scales, each contributing to the spectrum of atmospheric motions. A well studied subject (originating with Charney and Eliassen) is the direct forcing of planetary scale waves by the planetary scale orography: primarily the Tibetan plateau and the Rockies. However, because of the non-linear terms in the equations of dynamic meteorology, even the smallest scales of mountain induced flow can contribute to the planetary scale if the amplitude of the small scale disturbance is sufficintly large. Two possible mechanisms for this are illustrated. First, preferentially located lee cyclones can force planetary waves by their meridional transport of heat and momentum (Hansen and Chen). Recent theories are helping to explain the phenomena of lee cyclogenesis (e.g., Smith, 1984, J.A.S.). Second, mesoscale mountain wave and severe downslope wind phenomena produce such a large local drag, that planetary scale waves can be produced. The mechanism of upscale transfer is easy to understand in this case as the standing planetary scale wave has a wavelength which depends on the mean structure of the atmosphere, and not on the width of the mountain (just as in small scale lee wave theory). An example of a theoretical description of a severe wind flow with very large drag is shown.

Smith, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Numerical weather prediction in low latitudes

Based on the results of a number of numerical prediction experiments, the differential heating between land and ocean is an important and critical factor for investigation of phenomenon such as the onset of monsoons over the Indian subcontinent. The pre-onset period during the month of May shows a rather persistent flow field in the monsoon region. At low levels the circulation exhibits anticyclonic excursions over the Arabian Sea, flowing essentially parallel to the west coast of India from the north. Over the Indian subcontinent the major feature is a shallow heat low over northern India. As the heat sources commence a rapid northwestward movement toward the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, an interesting configuration of the large-scale divergent circulation occurs. A favorable configuration for a rapid exchange of energy from the divergent to the rotational kinetic energy develops. Strong low level monsoonal circulations evolve, attendant with that the onset of monsoon rains occurs. In order to test this observational sequence, a series of short-range numerical prediction experiments were initiated to define the initial heat sources.

Krishnamurti, T. N.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Global aspects of monsoons

Recent developments are studied in three areas of monsoon research: (1) global aspects of the monsoon onset, (2) the orographic influence of the Tibetan Plateau on the summer monsoon circulations, and (3) tropical 40 to 50 day oscillations. Reference was made only to those studies that are primarily based on FGGE Level IIIb data. A brief summary is given.

Murakami, T.↗