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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 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2002

Overlap Properties of Clouds Generated by a Cloud Resolving Model

In order for General Circulation Models (GCMs), one of our most important tools to predict future climate, to correctly describe the propagation of solar and thermal radiation through the cloudy atmosphere a realistic description of the vertical distribution of cloud amount is needed. Actually, one needs not only the cloud amounts at different levels of the atmosphere, but also how these cloud amounts are related, in other words, how they overlap. Currently GCMs make some idealized assumptions about cloud overlap, for example that contiguous cloud layers overlap maximally and non-contiguous cloud layers overlap in a random fashion. Since there are difficulties in obtaining the vertical profile of cloud amount from observations, the realism of the overlap assumptions made in GCMs has not been yet rigorously investigated. Recently however, cloud observations from a relatively new type of ground radar have been used to examine the vertical distribution of cloudiness. These observations suggest that the GCM overlap assumptions are dubious. Our study uses cloud fields from sophisticated models dedicated to simulate cloud formation, maintenance, and dissipation called Cloud Resolving Models . These models are generally considered capable of producing realistic three-dimensional representation of cloudiness. Using numerous cloud fields produced by such a CRM we show that the degree of overlap between cloud layers is a function of their separation distance, and is in general described by a combination of the maximum and random overlap assumption, with random overlap dominating as separation distances increase. We show that it is possible to parameterize this behavior in a way that can eventually be incorporated in GCMs. Our results seem to have a significant resemblance to the results from the radar observations despite the completely different nature of the datasets. This consistency is encouraging and will promote development of new radiative transfer codes that will estimate the radiation effects of multi-layer cloud fields more accurately.

Oreopoulos, L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A dynamical basis for the parameterization of organized deep convection in large-scale numerical models

A hierarchy of steady, nonlinear, semianalytic models of different types of convection were produced. These provide a theoretical framework for determining cloud outflow fluxes of both dynamic and thermodynamic quantities, which can be used to formulate dynamical transports in parameterization schemes. This was achieved by exploiting certain Lagrangian conservation properties of steady flow, from which an equation for the vertical displacement of particles can be obtained and the outflow entropy, energy and momentum fluxes and the infow/outflow mass fluxes can be determined from solution to the equation. These fluxes are determined in terms of grid scale parameters such as convective available potential energy (CAPE), cloud layer shear, and horizontal pressure gradients. Five main types of system models are identified, respectively representing archtypes of convection in zero shear, large shear, midlatitude squall lines, tropical squall lines and cellular convection. The downdraught is an important aspect in the first four of these and the cloud scale transport of momentum is very distinctive.

Moncrieff, M. W.↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Topological Approach to Representational Data Models

As data accumulate faster and bigger, building representa- tional models has turned into an art form. Despite sharing common data types, each scientific discipline often takes a different approach. In this work, we propose representational models grounded in the mathematics of algebraic topology to understand foundational data types. We present hypergraphs for multi-relational data, point clouds for vector data, and sheaf models when both data types are present and interrelated. These three models use similar principles from algebraic topology and provide a domain-agnostic framework. We will discuss each method, provide ref- erences to their foundational mathematical papers, and give examples of their use.

relational data, relational data, vector data, vec↗
DOE OSTI2019

csapr2cfrmrhi (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

csapr2cfrrhi (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

csapr2cfrcrc (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

csapr2cfrppi (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

csapr2cfrzppi (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

csapr2cfrmmisc (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

csapr2cfrhsrhi (a1)

The C-Band Scanning ARM Precipitation Radar is a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar that operates in a simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) mode, splitting the transmit signal so that power is transmitted on both horizontal and vertical polarizations at the same time. The CSAPR can also transmit on a single polarization (horizontal or vertical) and measure linear depolarization ratio (LDR). In addition to the first three Doppler moments (reflectivity, radial velocity, and spectra width), the CSAPR also provides differential reflectivity, correlation coefficient, and specific differential phase. The dual-polarization variables enable the provision of rainfall rate estimates and identification of precipitation types. For the 2018–2019 Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign in Argentina, ARM deployed a second-generation CSAPR, known as CSAPR2. CACTI data from the CSAPR2 are now available as b1-level products. Building on the original CACTI operational data, the b1-level products feature improved data quality resulting from extensive analyses and corrections. The data are cross-calibrated to a common point, datastreams are corrected for operational issues that occurred during the campaign, and several data quality masks and basic derived products are incorporated. For more information, read the CACTI radar b1-level processing report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

The earth resources experiment package on Skylab and proposed resource investigations.

In late 1973, NASA plans to launch a three-man experimental space station, the Skylab Workshop. Technical specifications regarding the instrumental facilities of the space station are presented, giving attention to the multispectral photographic facility, the IR spectrometer, the multispectral scanner, the L-band radiometer, and the S-193 sensor. The S-193 sensor will provide data applicable to studying varying ocean surfaces, wave conditions, sea and lake ice, ocean clouds, weather prediction, and soil types. All data from the sensors will be recorded on film and analog magnetic tape for return at the end of each manned period of Skylab.

Park, A. B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Detection of CO (J=1-0) in the dwarf elliptical galaxy NGC 185

The detection of CO (J = 1-0) emission in the dwarf elliptical galaxy NGC 185 is reported. The presence of massive molecular clouds in this early-type galaxy supports the idea of recent or ongoing stellar formation indicated by the population of blue stars in the center. The CO was detected in two positions in the galaxy, the center, and a prominent dustcloud. The emission profile has two peaks, roughly centered around the systemic velocity. It is found that NGC 185 is overluminous in blue light for its CO luminosity compared with Sc galaxies. This might indicate a higher star-formation efficiency for NGC 185 than for the late-type galaxies.

Wiklind, Tommy↗
NASA NTRS1988

The universe at infrared wavelengths

This article discusses the status of infrared astronomy after the mission of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). Important scientific results from IRAS include: the origin of the interplanetary dust cloud, the formation of solar type stars, the energetics of the interstellar medium, the discovery of ultra-luminous infrared galaxies and their possible relation to the origin of quasars, and the large scale structure of the universe.

Beichman, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The 27-28 October 1986 FIRE IFO cirrus case study - Cloud optical properties determined by High Spectral Resolution Lidar

The High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) was operated from a roof-top site in Madison, Wisconsin. The transmitter configuration used to acquire the case study data produces about 50 mW of ouput power and achieved eye-safe, direct optical depth, and backscatter cross section measurements with 10 min averaging times. A new continuously pumped, injection seeded, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser transmitter reduces time-averaging constraints by a factor of about 10, while improving the aerosol-molecular signal separation capabilities and wavelength stability of the instrument. The cirrus cloud backscatter-phase functions have been determined for the October 27-28, 1986 segment of the HSRL FIRE dataset. Features exhibiting backscatter cross sections ranging over four orders of magnitude have been observed within this 33 h period. During this period, cirrus clouds were observed with optical thickness ranging from 0.01 to 1.4. The altitude relationship between cloud top and bottom boundaries and the optical center of the cloud is influenced by the type of formation observed.

Grund, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Occurrence of Ice Supersaturations, Ice Clouds, and Ternary Aerosols in the Arctic Lowermost Stratosphere

Relative humidity, aerosol concentration, and ice crystals all have important impacts on chemistry and radiative transfer in the lowermost stratosphere. In this study, we have combined SOLVE measurements with meteorological analyses to investigate the statistics of humidity, aerosols, and clouds in the arctic lower stratosphere. First, we will present a statistical analysis of relative humidity with respect to ice in the lowermost stratosphere, used on the DC-8 in situ measurements. We will show examples of ice supersaturation well within the stratosphere. Generally, these cases were associated with extremely low temperatures near the tropopause. Next, we will discuss the climatological occurrence frequency of tropopause temperatures low enough for ice saturation even with typically low stratospheric water vapor mixing ratios. Really, we will examine case studies of ice clouds observed in the lowermost stratosphere during SOLVE. We will discuss the possible origin of these clouds (i.e., precipitation from higher type II PSCs, injection of tropospheric air into the lower stratosphere, etc.).

Jensen, Eric↗
NASA NTRS2001

Organic Signature of Dust from the Interstellar Medium (ISM)

Dust in the ISM carries an "organic" signature in form of a distinct group of C-H stretching bands, both in emission and absorption, around 3.4 micrometers. These bands agree with the symmetrical and asymmetrical C-H stretching vibrations of aliphatic -CH2- entities and are thought to be associated with organic molecules on the surface of dust grains. We show that this interpretation is inconsistent with laboratory experiments. Synthetic MgO and natural olivine single crystals, grown from a CO/CO2/H2O-saturated melt, exhibit the same C-H stretching bands but those bands are clearly associated with C-H entities inside the dense mineral matrix. The multitude of C-H stretching bands suggests that the C-H bonds arise from polyatomic C(sub n) entities. We heated the MgO and olivine crystals to temperatures between 550-1000 K to pyrolyze the C-H bonds and to cause the C-H stretching bands to disappear. Upon annealing at moderate temperatures between 300-390 K the C-H stretching bands reappear within a few days to weeks. The C-H stretching band intensity increases linearly with the square root of time. Thus, while the pyrolysis broke the C-H bonds and caused the H to disperse in the mineral matrix, the H atoms (or H2 molecules) are sufficiently mobile to return during annealing and reestablish the C-H bonds. Dust grains that condense in a gas-laden environment (outflow of late-stage stars or in dense molecular clouds) probably incorporate the same type of Cn-H entities. Imbedded in and in part bonded to the surrounding mineral matrix, the Cn-H entities display C-H stretching bands in the 3.4 micrometer region, but their lower frequency librational modes are so strongly coupled to the lattice modes that they broaden excessively and thus become unobservable.

Freund, Friedemann↗
NASA NTRS2004

Optical Spectra of Extrasolar Giant Planets

The flux distribution of a planet relative to its host star is a critical quantity for planning space observatories to detect and characterize extrasolar giant planets (EGP's). In this paper, we present optical planet-star contrasts of Jupiter-mass planets as a function of stellar type, orbital distance, and planetary cloud characteristics. As originally shown by Sudarsky et al. (2000, 2003), the phaseaveraged brightness of an EGP does not necessarily decrease monotonically with greater orbital distance because of changes in its albedo and absorption spectrum at lower temperatures. We apply our results to Eclipse, a 1.8-m optical telescope + coronograph to be proposed as a NASA Discovery mission later this year.

Heap, Sara R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Observational Evidence Against Mountain-Wave Generation of Ice Nuclei as a Prerequisite for the Formation of Three Solid Nitric Acid Polar Stratospheric Clouds Observed in the Arctic in Early December 1999

A number of recently published papers suggest that mountain-wave activity in the stratosphere, producing ice particles when temperatures drop below the ice frost point, may be the primary source of large NAT particles. In this paper we use measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) instruments on board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar-orbiting satellites to map out regions of ice clouds produced by stratospheric mountain-wave activity inside the Arctic vortex. Lidar observations from three DC-8 flights in early December 1999 show the presence of solid nitric acid (Type Ia or NAT) polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). By using back trajectories and superimposing the position maps on the AVHRR cloud imagery products, we show that these observed NAT clouds could not have originated at locations of high-amplitude mountain-wave activity. We also show that mountain-wave PSC climatology data and Mountain Wave Forecast Model 2.0 (MWFM-2) raw hemispheric ray and grid box averaged hemispheric wave temperature amplitude hindcast data from the same time period are in agreement with the AVHRR data. Our results show that ice cloud formation in mountain waves cannot explain how at least three large scale NAT clouds were formed in the stratosphere in early December 1999.

MOUNTAIN WAVES↗