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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 469 records · Page 26

Measurement report: Role of organic coating and chemical composition on ice nucleation potential of atmospheric particles in European Arctic

Understanding the ice nucleation (IN) potential of Arctic aerosols is critical for predicting their influence on cloud formation and water cycles in this vulnerable region. This study investigates the role of particle composition, organic coatings, and aerosol sources in modulating ice nucleating particle (INPs) abundance across five aerosol samples collected at the Gruvebadet Observatory Station in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. The IN potential of Arctic aerosol particles was studied by investigating chemical, morphological, and INP abundance measurements. Single-particle analyses revealed distinct differences in mixing state, organic volume fraction (OVF), and organic coating morphology across samples. OVF distributions were linked to particle origin, with marine-influenced Na-rich particles often exhibiting thin organic coatings, while long-range transported particles showed thicker organic coatings. Biogenic contributions, though variable, were linked to heat-sensitive INPs, suggesting a role for labile biological macromolecules under certain meteorological conditions. Spearman rank correlation analysis between particle composition and immersion-mode INP concentrations at two freezing temperatures indicated that organic-rich and Na-rich particles were positively associated with enhanced INP abundance. However, discrepancies in INP abundance were observed for particles with thicker organic coatings, where the morphological configuration of the organic material may play a role. The results highlight that Arctic INP variability is governed not only by chemical composition but also by the morphological configuration of organic material, which can either enhance or inhibit ice nucleation depending on its abundance, distribution, thickness, and mixing state. These findings underscore the combined influence of source regions, atmospheric processing, and organic–inorganic interactions in shaping Arctic aerosol freezing behavior.

Lata, Nurun Nahar [Pacific Northwest National Labo↗

University of Nebraska unmanned aerial system (UAS) profiling during the LAPSE-RATE field campaign

Abstract. This paper describes the data collected by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) as part of the field deployments during the Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation – a Remotely-piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) flight campaign in July 2018. The UNL deployed two multirotor unmanned aerial systems (UASs) at multiple sites in the San Luis Valley (Colorado, USA) for data collection to support three science missions: convection initiation, boundary layer transition, and cold air drainage flow. We conducted 172 flights resulting in over 21 h of cumulative flight time. Our novel design for the sensor housing onboard the UAS was employed in these flights to meet the aspiration and shielding requirements of the temperature and humidity sensors and to separate them from the mixed turbulent airflow from the propellers. Data presented in this paper include timestamped temperature and humidity data collected from the sensors, along with the three-dimensional position and velocity of the UAS. Data are quality-controlled and time-synchronized using a zero-order-hold interpolation without additional post-processing. The full dataset is also made available for download at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4306086 (Islam et al., 2020).

Islam, Ashraful (ORCID:000000022826269X)↗

TRACER-Tethersonde VOC data

One objective of TRACER-Tethersonde campaign was to deploy a volatile organic compound (VOC) sampler on the Tethered Balloon System (TBS) to create vertical profiles and characterize VOC composition. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are highly reactive precursor species that undergo atmospheric processing to form secondary products, including aerosol. VOC emissions are influenced by many factors that include but are not limited to temperature, time of day, local anthropogenic activities, and local vegetation, which result in large spatiotemporal variability. The vertical distribution of volatile species is crucial for understanding gas-phase processing for particle production but challenging to accomplish using currently available sampling devices. The standalone sampler built during the campaign enabled the execution of robust experimental designs, including sample collection using resin tubes at multiple altitudes on subsequent flights. Following field sampling, resin tubes were transported back to Baylor University for chemical analysis using a Markes International thermal desorption unit coupled with a gas chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific). The target analyte list includes biogenic and anthropogenic VOCs.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Dynamical Downscaling of Earth System Model Data for Energy System Analysis

Assessing energy resources (e.g., solar, wind, and hydro) under future scenarios requires datasets with sufficient spatial and temporal detail to capture variability and extreme events. While global-scale Earth System Model (ESM) projections are widely used, their coarse resolution limits direct application to regional energy system analyses. Dynamical downscaling offers a robust approach to generate physically consistent, fine-scale datasets that better represent local atmospheric processes impacting energy resources. In this work, we present a two-stage approach for producing high-resolution historical and future projections over the contiguous United States (CONUS). First, we optimize the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model configuration for energy-relevant variables - solar irradiance, wind speed, and precipitation - by conducting ERA5-driven simulations at 8-km and 28-km resolution. Multiple physics schemes and model configurations within the WRF are evaluated against observational datasets including the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB), the Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), and the Stage IV multi-radar/multi-sensor precipitation product for the CONUS domain. Using the best-performing configuration, we dynamically downscale MPI-ESM1-2-HR simulations for 2000-2060 under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios at 4-km spatial and hourly temporal resolution. This presentation will provide a comprehensive analysis of the results from multiple numerical experiments and high-resolution ESM projections. In addition, we will discuss potential applications of our high-resolution datasets within the energy sector and outline future research avenues dedicated to evaluating how extreme weather events influence system performance and resilience.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NIMBUS SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT

Nimbus meteorological satellite system for data on worldwide atmospheric processes - real-time weather forecasting and research

NIMBUS SATELLITE↗

NIMBUS SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT

Development and design of the nimbus meteorological satellite system which provides data on worldwide atmospheric processes for use in weather forecasting

SATELLITE DESIGN↗

Role of commercial aircraft in global monitoring systems.

Discussion of the opportunity that the new wide-bodied commercial jet aircraft hold forth as platforms for a global monitoring system that could provide the atmospheric baseline and tropical meteorological data for which there is a pressing need. It is argued that there is no immutable technological impediment to the implementation of such a monitoring program, and that its realization could enhance our knowledge of atmospheric processes at an enormous saving in costs.

Steinberg, R.↗

A small parameter model of circulation in a homogeoneous baroclinic ocean

A small parameter model of circulation in a homogeneous baroclinic ocean is presented. The principles common to the construction of small parameter models and certain energetic principles developed in connection with atmospheric processes are made use of. These principles were applied in the study of processes in a baroclinic ocean.

Borisenkov, Y. P.↗

Active microwave sensing of the atmosphere, chapter 4

The use of active microwave systems to study atmospheric phenomena is studied. Atmospheric pollution, weather prediction, climate and weather modification, weather danger and disaster warning, and atmospheric processes and interactions are covered.

Source record↗

Seasonal changes in the atmospheric heat balance simulated by the GISS general circulation model

Tests of the ability of numerical general circulation models to simulate the atmosphere have focussed so far on simulations of the January climatology. These models generally present boundary conditions such as sea surface temperature, but this does not prevent testing their ability to simulate seasonal changes in atmospheric processes that accompany presented seasonal changes in boundary conditions. Experiments to simulate changes in the zonally averaged heat balance are discussed since many simplified models of climatic processes are based solely on this balance.

Stone, P. H.↗

Capabilities of radar as they might relate to entomological studies

A tutoral background of radar capabilities and its potential for insect research is provided. The basic principles and concepts of radar were reviewed. Information on current radar equipment was examined. Specific issues related to insect research included; target cross-section, radar frequency, tracking target recognition and false alarms, clutter reduction, radar transmitter power, and ascertained atmospheric processes.

Skolnik, M. I.↗

Remote Sensing and Problems of the Hydrosphere

A discussion of freshwater and marine systems is presented including areas of the classification of lakes, identification and quantification of major functional groups of phytoplankton, sources and sinks of biochemical factors, and temporal and regional variability of surface features. Atmospheric processes linked to hydrospheric process through the transfer of matter via aerosols and gases are discussed. Particle fluxes to the aquatic environment and global geochemical problems are examined.

Goldberg, E. D.↗

Planetary astronomy with the space telescope

Experimental methods in planetary astronomy are discussed using a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages in the astronomical methods of ground based, Earth-orbit, and deep space missions. Problem areas in planetary astronomy which demonstrate the utility and power of the space telescope (ST) over other methods are delineated. These include utilizing the ST for studying the atmospheric dynamics, stratospheric and upper atmospheric processes, and circumplanetary nebulae of the planets. The capability of the ST for solar system observations is summarized with a discussion of the increases in resolution and sensitivity of the ST over other Earth-orbiting telescopes highlighted.

Belton, M. J. S.↗

Kinetics of the reaction OH + H2O2 yields HO2 + H2O

The paper describes an experimental study of the title reaction that uses the discharge-flow technique, laser-induced-fluorescence detection of OH and simultaneous monitoring of O and H atoms in the 250-459 K range. The reaction is normal and free from surface effect interference in Teflon or halocarbon wax-coated tube, but not in clean Pyrex. OH radicals are generated in three ways and at low concentrations to eliminate side reactions. The rate constants were determined at 298 K and over the 250-459 K range, with a factor of two higher at 298 K and factors of 3 to 5 higher at 10 to 30 km altitude in the terrestrial atmosphere than previous studies have indicated. The effect of the higher rate constant on atmospheric processes and on recent laboratory measurements of other reactions is also discussed.

Sridharan, U. C.↗