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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 541 records · Page 30
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NASA NTRS1988

Vertical profiles of heating derived from IR-based precipitation estimates during FGGE SOP-1

This paper examines a technique for retrieving from geostationary IR data the vertical profiles of heating and cooling due to moist diabatic processes. First, GOES IR imagery is used to estimate precipitation fields which are independent of fields inferred from residuals in heat budget analysis based on the FGGE level III-b data. Vertical distributions of the associated heating are then obtained using thermodynamic data from the level III-b analysis, one-dimensional cloud models, and the satellite-estimated precipitation. The technique was applied to infer heating in the South Pacific convergence zone during a portion of FGEE SOP-1, and the results were compared with heat-budget calculations made using the ECMWF analyses.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ozone budgets from the Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus experiment

Measurements from the Dynamics and Chemistry of marine Stratocumulus experiment have been used to study components of the regional ozone budget. The surface destruction rate is determined by eddy correlation of ozone and vertical velocity measured by a low-flying aircraft. Significant variability is found in the measured surface resistance; it is partially correlated with friction velocity but appears to have other controlling influences as well. The mean resistance is 4190 s/m which is higher (slower destruction) than most previous estimates for seawater. Flux and mean measurements throughout the marine boundary layer are used to estimate the net rate of in situ photochemical production/destruction of ozone. Averaged over the flights, ozone concentration is found to be near steady state, and a net of photochemical destruction of 0.02-0.07 ng/cu m per sec is diagnosed. This is an important confirmation of photochemical model results for the remote marine boundary layer. Ozone vertical distributions above the boundary layer show a strongly layered structure with very sharp gradients. These distributions are possibly related to the stratospheric ozone source.

Kawa, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High resolution infrared spectroscopy of the sun and the earth's atmosphere from space

The FFT spectrometer used in the atmospheric trace molecule spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment, flown for the first time aboard the Shuttle Spacelab 3 mission (in April 1985), is described together with the instrument's design parameters, the ATMOS's science objectives, and observational techniques used. The ATMOS experiment acquired more than 1000 atmospheric spectra with an equal number of 'solar only' scans, yielding absorption spectra of some 400 different atmospheric constituents. Data were obtained on such key reservoir species as COF2, HNO4, and N2O5; simultaneous vertical distributions of the minor gases from 5 to 140 km; the entire odd-nitrogen family in the stratosphere; and on most of the halogen-source gases with their corresponding reservoir and sink species.

Farmer, Crofton B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Temperature and horizontal wind measurements on the ER-2 aircraft during the 1987 Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment

The accuracy of temperature, pressure, potential temperature, and horizontal wind measurements is discussed in connection with the use of Meteorological Measurement System data in the AAOE. The vertical distribution of temperature measurements and latitudinal variations of the zonal wind for 12 flights over Antarctica during the 1987 AAOE campaign are summarized. Model atmospheres from 0 to 32 km at 70 deg and 55 deg S for the August-September period are constructed. Above the 420 K isentropic surface, the polar vortex remains strong throughout August and September of 1987.

Chan, K. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Survey Of Gas-Correlation Spectroradiometry

Principle application is remote sensing of atmospheres. Report discusses use of gas-correlation spectroradiometry in remote measurements of atmosphere of Earth and other planets. Summarizes history of technique from first such instrument flown aboard Nimbus 4 Satellite in 1970 to one that is to fly on Mars Observer Spacecraft to measure vertical distribution of water vapor and temperature. On Earth technique applied mostly to upper atmosphere and only infrequently to troposphere, where pressure broadening tends to blend spectral lines.

Mccleese, Daniel J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

New observations of stratospheric N2O5

The unequivocal detection of N2O5 in the stratosphere was reported by Toon et al. based on measurements of the absorption by the N2O5 bands at 1246 and 1720/cm in solar occulation spectra recorded at sunrise near 47 S latitude by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment during the Spacelab 3 (SL3) shuttle mission. Additional measurements and analysis of stratospheric N2O5 derived from the ATMOS/SL3 spectra are reported. The primary results are the detection and measurement of N2O5 absorption at sunset in the lower stratosphere, the inversion of a precise (approximately 10 percent) N2O5 sunrise vertical distribution between 25.5 and 37.5 km altitude, and the identification and measurement of absorption by the N2O5 743/cm band at sunrise. Assuming 4.32 x 10(sup -17) and 4.36 x 10(sup -17)/cm/molecule/sq cm respectively for the integrated intensities of the 1246 and 743/cm bands at stratospheric temperatures, retrieved volume mixing ratios in parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at sunrise (47 S latitude) are 1.32 + or - 0.34 at 37.5 km, 1.53 + or - 0.35 at 35.5 km, 1.63 + or - 0.36 at 33.5 km, 1.60 + or - 0.34 at 31.5 km, 1.43 + or - 0.30 at 29.5 km, 1.15 + or - 0.24 at 27.5 km, and 0.73 + or - 0.15 at 25.5 km. Retrieved VMRs in ppbv at sunset (30 N latitude) are 0.13 + or - 0.05 at 29.5 km, 0.14 + or - 0.05 at 27.5 km, and 0.10 + or - 0.04 at 25.5 km. Quoted error limits (1 sigma) include the error in the assumed band intensities (approximately 20 percent). Within the error limits of the measurements, the inferred mixing ratios at sunrise agree with diurnal photochemical model predictions obtained by two groups using current photochemical data. The measured mixing ratios at sunset are lower than the model predictions with differences of about a factor of 2 at 25 km altitude.

Rinsland, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

SAGE 3: A visible wavelength limb sounder

A brief description is presented for the SAGE 3 (Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment 3) instrument that has been selected to fly onboard the National Polar Platform 1 (NPOP 1) for the Earth Observational System (Eos) in 1996. The SAGE 3 instrument will perform earth limb sounding with the solar occultation technique measuring the ultraviolet (UV), the visible, and the near infrared (IR) wavelength solar radiation. The instrument will produce atmospheric data for the vertical distribution of aerosol, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, water vapor, and oxygen. The details of the instrument design, data flow, and processing requirements are discussed.

Chu, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A conceptual design study for the EOS Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter facility

A preliminary design study is presented for the Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter (LASA), an active remote sensor for the Earth Observing System. LASA is designed to measure the global vertical distributions of aerosols, cloud top heights, atmospheric trace gases, atmospheric temperature and pressure, and the height of the PBL. The measurements are made using optical radar, differential absorption lidar, and laser altimetry. An experiment proposed for the LASA facility, the EOS Atmospheric Global Lidar Experiment (EAGLE) is described in detail. The EAGLE program is planned to determine aerosol and cloud distributions, water vapor concentrations, and temperature profiles over the troposphere and aerosol distribution over the stratosphere. The measurement techniques, receiver system, and transmitter for the EAGLE program are examined and the conceptual design of the EAGLE experiment and the LASA/EAGLE interface is outlined.

Mauldin, Lemuel E., III↗
NASA NTRS1989

Stratospheric N2O5 profiles at sunrise and sunset from further analysis of the ATMOS/Spacelab 3 solar spectra

Data obtained by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment during the Spacelab 3 (SL3) mission (April 29 to May 6, 1985) indicated the presence of N2O5 in the stratosphere. This paper presents additional analyses of the ATMOS/SL3 spectra carried out to obtain quantitative information on stratospheric N2O5. Results of this analysis include the detection and measurement of weak N2O5 absorption at sunset in the lower stratosphere, the inversion of a precise (about 10 percent) N2O5 sunrise vertical distribution between 25.5 and 37.5 km altitude, and the identification and measurement of absorption by the N2O5 743/cm band at sunrise. Results confirm model predictions that not all of the N2O5 is photodissociated during the day, except in polar regions during the extended daylight of summer.

Rinsland, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Polarization radar and electrical observations of microburst producing storms during Cohmex

The life cycles of two electrified, microburst-producing storms that occurred on July 19 and 20, 1986 near Huntsville, Alabama are described and compared. The kinematic and microphysical development of the storm clouds is examined. Lightning activity prior to the onset of the microburst is studied. It is observed that ice phase precipitation particles are important in the electrification of the storm and in the formation of the strong downdraft, and the vertical distribution and movement of mass have a role in determining the total lightning activity and type of flashes.

Goodman, Steven J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Atmospheric trace gases and global climate - A seasonal model study

Atmospheric models with seasonal cycles are used to study the possible near-future changes in latitudinal and vertical distributions of atmospheric ozone and temperature caused by increases of trace gases. It is found that increases of CFCs, CH4, and N2O may add to the surface warming from increased CO2. Calculations based on projected trends of CO2, N2O, CH4, and CFCs show that the annual mean and global mean surface temperature could warm by as much as 2.5 C by the year 2050, with larger warming at high latitudes. The results suggest that the warming in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere is much larger than that at the surface, especially during the summer season.

Wang, Wei-Chyung↗
NASA NTRS1989

The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III instrument proposed for EOS - A conceptual design

This paper describes the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE III) instrument proposed for the Earth Observing System (EOS), which is designed to monitor the vertical distribution of stratospheric aerosols, ozone, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, and temperature by measuring the extinction and scattering of solar radiation in the 03 to 1.6 micron range through the atmosphere. The SAGE III employs proven concepts which have evolved from the SAM II, SAGE, and SAGE II programs. The launch is scheduled for the summer of 1996. The SAGE II block diagram is included.

Mauldin, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cloud draft structure and trace gas transport

During the second Amazon Boundary Layer Experiment (ABLE 2B), meteorological observations, chemical measurements, and model simulations are utilized in order to interpret convective cloud draft structure and to analyze its role in transport and vertical distribution of trace gases. One-dimensional photochemical model results suggest that the observed poststorm changes in ozone concentration can be attributed to convective transports rather than photochemical production and the results of a two-dimensional time-dependent cloud model simulation are presented for the May 6, 1987 squall system. The mesoscale convective system exhibited evidence of significant midlevel detrainment in addition to transports to anvil heights. Chemical measurements of O3 and CO obtained in the convective environment are used to predict photochemical production within the troposphere and to corroborate the cloud model results.

Scala, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Proposed reference models for CO2 and halogenated hydrocarbons

The vertical distribution of carbon dioxide, halocarbons and their sink products, HCl and HF, have become available, mainly by means of balloon measurements. Most measurements were made at northern mid-latutudes, but some constituents were measured at tropical latitudes and in the Southern Hemisphere as well. An attempt is made here to combine the available data for presentation of reference models for CO2, CCl4 CCl3F, CCl2F2, CClF3, CF4, CCl2F-CClF2, CClF2-CClF2, CClF2-CF3, CF3-CF3, CH3Cl, CHClF2, CH3-CCl3, CBrClF2, CBrF3, HCl and HF.

Fabian, P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The ATMOS (Atmospheric Trace MOlecule Spectroscopy) experiment - A tool for global monitoring of the middle atmosphere

A review is presented of the objectives, instrumentation, performance and results of the ATMOS program developed by NASA-JPL as part of the Spacelab 3 shuttle payload. ATMOS was developed to obtain high-resolution spectroscopic information of the middle atmosphere, from which the vertical distribution of the most possible trace and minor molecules could be retrieved. A complete occultation included not only data recorded when the optical path traversed the earth's atmosphere, but also many spectra with tangent heights big enough for no more telluric absorptions to be detected. The averaging of such 'high sun' observations has provided high quality solar spectra totally free of atmospheric absorption features.

Zander, R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Titan's atmosphere from Voyager infrared observations. III - Vertical contributions of hydrocarbons and nitriles near Titan's north pole

Voyager 1 IR spectra have been used to infer the Titan north polar region minor stratospheric constituents' temperature structure and vertical distribution. The mixing ratios of the species C4H2, C2H6, C3H4, HCN, HC3N, and C2N2 increase with altitude, implying upper stratosphere (and higher) formation regions. When compared with abundances obtained near the equator, it is found that the HC3N and C2N2 nitriles, together with such hydrocarbons as C2H4, C3H4, and C4H2, are substantially enhanced over the north polar region. A factor-of-2 (minimum) depletion of CO2 relative to the equator is noted; it is judged that current photochemical models are inadequate bases for interpretation of these observations.

Coustenis, A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Inferring the abundances of ClO and HO2 from Spacelab 3 atmospheric trace molecule spectroscopy observations

The vertical distributions of the important highly reactive stratospheric species, ClO and HO2, have been inferred from Spacelab 3 (May 1985) Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) measurements of more detectable radical and reservoir species. A simple steady state algebraic expression for ClO, utilizing the observed ClONO2/NO2 abundance ratio, approximates the ClO results of a time-dependent photochemical model at sunset (30 deg N). Balloon measurements of ClO and comparisons of time-dependent photochemical model calculations of ClONO2 and HCl with the corresponding ATMOS profiles suggest that the actual ClO values are less than the time-dependent model profiles for ClO at sunset and sunrise (47 deg S). Errors in the current model simulation of the partitioning among the principal free chlorine species (HCl, ClONO2, and ClO) are indicated. The accuracy of the time-dependent model calculations of HO2 is suggested by the agreement between model results and ATMOS observations for HO2NO2 and balloon measurements of HO2. This confirms for the first time the procedure suggested previously by a number of authors of deriving HO(x) abundances from observed fields of O3 and H2O.

Allen, Mark↗