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At least 109 records · Page 6

Coexisting Quantum Gases in Earth’s Orbit

Summary: Ultracold atomic gases provide a unique tool for exploring the quantum nature of matter and for probing the foundations of modern physics. Researchers with NASA’s Cold Atom Lab (CAL) have now simultaneously produced gases of two atomic species (rubidium and potassium) in a uniquely quantum (wave-like) phase of matter called a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) for the first time in space. CAL scientists are using the unique micro gravity environment onboard the International Space Station to study interactions, molecule formation, and the emergence of structure and complexity in these coexisting dual-species gases at unprecedented low temperatures, for long times in free fall, and specifically in the absence of the perturbing force of gravity.

quantum gases↗

Coexistence Curve of Perfluoromethylcyclohexane-Isopropyl Alcohol

The coexistence curve of the binary fluid mixture perfluoromethylcyclohexane-isopropyl alcohol was determined by precisely measuring the refractive index both above and below its upper critical consolute point. Sixty-seven two-phase data points were obtained over a wide range of reduced temperatures, 10(exp -5) less than t less than 2.5 x 10(exp -1), to determine the location of the critical point: critical temperature=89.901 C, and critical composition = 62.2% by volume perfluoromethylcyclohexane. These data were analyzed to determine the critical exponent 8 close to the critical point, the amplitude B, and the anomaly in the diameter. The volume-fraction coexistence curve is found to be as symmetric as any composition like variable. Correction to scaling is investigated as well as the need for a crossover theory. A model is proposed that describes the asymptotic approach to zero of the effective exponent Beta, which allows an estimation of the temperature regime free of crossover effects.

Jacobs, D. T.↗

Trace Elements in High-Ca Pyroxene and Plagioclase in the Bilanga Diogenite: Implications for the Magmatic Evolution of Diogenites

High-Ca pyroxene and plagioclase are typically present as minor phases in diogenites. However, although the trace element content of diogenite orthopyroxene has been measured in a number of studies; almost no trace element data is available for the high-Ca pyroxene and plagioclase with which it routinely coexists in these meteorites. These data could provide insights into the nature and evolution of the melts from which diogenites crystallized in the HED parent body. In this study we have obtained initial measurements of several REEs in high-Ca pyroxene, plagioclase, and orthopyroxene in the Bilanga. Measurement of additional incompatible trace element concentrations in these phases is currently in progress.

Domanik, K. J.↗

Massive Chromite in the Brenham Pallasite and the Fractionation of Cr During the Crystallization of Asteroidal Cores

Large (greater than or equal to 2 mm) chromite grains are present in IIIAB iron meteorites and in the main-group a pallasites (PMG), closely related to high-Au IIIAB irons, Pallasites seem to have formed by the intrusion of a highly evolved metallic magma from a IIIAB-like core into fragmented olivine of the overlying dunite mantle. High Cr contents are commonly encountered during the analyses of metallic samples of high-Au IIIAB irons and main-group pallasites, an indication that Cr contents were high in the intruding liquid and that Cr behaved as an incompatible element during the crystallization of the IIIAB magma, contrary to expectations based on the negative IIIAB Cr-Ni and Cr-Au trends among low-Au IIIAB irons. In a region about 10 cm across in the Brenham main-group pallasite massive chromite fills the interstices between olivine grains, the site normally occupied by metal in Brenham and other pallasites. The massive chromite may have formed as a late cumulus phase; because Fe-Ni was also crystallizing, its absence in the chromite-rich region suggests a separation associated with differences in liquid buoyancy. The coexisting chromite and olivine are zoned; in the olivine FeO is highest in pallasitic (olivine-metal) regions, lowest in rims adjacent to chromite, and intermediate in the cores of these olivines. Chromite shows the opposite zoning, with the highest FeO contents at grain edges adjacent to olivine. The observed gradients are those expected to form by Fe-Mg exchange between olivine and chromite during slow cooling at subsolidus temperatures. Compared to normal Brenham, contents of phosphoran olivine and phosphates are higher in the chromitic pallasitic region. We also report data for large-to-massive chromites present in PMG Molong and in high-Au IIIAB Bear Creek that, like Brenham, formed from a highly evolved magma. The Bear Creek chromite has a much lower Mg content than that in the pallasites, implying that, in the PMG, the Mg was extracted from the olivine during high-temperature reaction with the precipitating chromite. There are other circumstantial arguments indicating that Cr was incompatible in the metal during the crystallization of the IIIAB magma, with the concentration in die residual magma rising from an initial value of about 300 micrograms/g to a value around 700 micrograms/g when Bear Creek and Brenham were formed. We consider possible explanations for these negative Cr-Au and Cr-Ni trends and find the most probable one to be that they reflect sampling artefacts resulting from analysts avoiding visible chromite (and the commonly associated phase FeS) when choosing metal samples.

Wasson, John T.↗

Equatorial scintillations - A review

Scintillation observations of equatorial irregularities by techniques such as in situ, radar backscatter, airglow, and total electron content are reviewed, with an emphasis on GHz measurements. New aspects of the spread-F analysis from ionograms are mentioned, followed by a discussion of scintillation morphology, and the longitudinal control of the equatorial scintillations is emphasized. A coordinated multitechnique observation of the equatorial irregularities is described in detail, the study being divided into two parts: (1) an examination of the large field-aligned irregularity structures and their association with discrete patches of scintillation activity, and (2) an investigation of the coexistence of km-scale-irregularities with meter scales and a description of the evolution of the irregularity and scintillation spectra during the various phases of irregularity generation and decay. Unsolved problems are also reviewed, e.g., it is stated that the effects of steep spatial gradients in the electron density structures and their subsequent erosion on both CW and pulse propagation need to be evaluated both from the point of view of theory and experiments.

Basu, S.↗

Assessing Organic Preservation and the Implications for Potential Biosignatures in the Bastide Member of the Séítah Formation, Jezero Crater

Introduction: Olivine has the highest CO2 trapping potential of ultramafic minerals, due to its rapid rate of dissolution and high percentage of divalent cations/unpolymerized silicate tetrahedra [1]. It generates divalent carbonates from CO2 and sequesters CO2 into the mineral matrix of the target lithology. The co-occurrence of olivine and carbonate within abraded targets from the Bastide Member of the Séítah Formation (Fm) of the Jezero crater floor [2] suggests the carbonation of olivine occurred within the mineral matrix hosted in a subsurface system. Hydrothermal origins for the subsurface system are hypothesized from orbital data [3]. This is supported by the detection of hydration features within the rock as well as the carbonate features are solely detected within the abrasion patch but not the rock’s surface. Organic preservation potential of abrasion patches: We incorporated the SHERLOC/WATSON results acquired from the Dourbes, Garde, and Quartier abrasion patches in the Séítah Fm to investigate the organomineral associations, and determine the biosignature preservation potential of these rocks. Dourbes is dominated by olivine and has minor amounts of carbonate, hydrated Ca-sulfate, and amorphous or microcrystalline silicate. Fluorescence features (330-340 nm) are detected in discrete locales and could be consistent with double ring aromatic organic molecules; yet, these features do not appear to be associated with an identified mineral phase. Dark subhedral to euhedral olivine grains within the Garde abrasion patch often co-occur with carbonate-consistent spectral signatures in all analyzed scans. The availability of Fe2+ is a known influence on olivine dissolution rates [1] and SuperCam estimates of the olivine composition (Forsterite-60 average for Sols 202-234) may thereby provide a constraint on the carbonation extent. Carbonated olivine phenocrysts within the matrix may be due to aqueous alteration, as the carbonation of nodules is consistent with observations in other hydrothermal systems and within Martian meteorites (ALH84001) [4]. In comparison, the Quartier abrasion patch represents an extensively altered endmember within the Bastide Member of the Séítah Fm. It contains a fluorescence doublet at 305/325 nm that coexists with multiple species of Na-sulfate and Mg-sulfate, Mg-carbonates, olivine [5]. Aqueous alteration and implications for habitability: The identification of primary and secondary mineral phases observed in the Bastide Member suggests the release of cations from primary ultramafic minerals through aqueous alteration. Within Garde, the carbonate detected appears to be Mg-rich and likely formed from the in situ alteration of Mg-rich olivine within the region as carbonate has only been detected within the rock via in situ analysis. Carbonates derived from abiotic and biotic reactions preserve biosignatures (i.e. indices of habitability) on Earth. The detected carbonate phase found in association with fluorescent features within the rock matrix may also indicate potential organic compounds preserved in a putative hydrothermal system. Fluorescent features (~330 nm) are unique to Garde and Dourbes, though they are co-located to carbonate signatures solely within Garde, and between the light toned minerals. Identification of these fluorescent features may be consistent with 1-2 ring aromatic compounds. The limit of detection for Raman is multiple orders of magnitude greater than the limit of detection required for fluorescence [6]. Implications for provenance: Hydrothermal systems represent disequilibrium chemical conditions that are hypothesized to have supported the emergence of life and also preserve ancient carbon within precipitated carbonates [7]. Hydrothermal system associated carbonates are capable of preserving biosignatures up to an estimated ~3.77 – 4.28 Gya [8]. Thus, carbonated olivine found within the Séítah Fm may represent a high-potential biosignature preserving environment on Mars. The formation of carbonates by an aqueous alteration process, such as carbonation of olivine is also consistent with hypotheses for carbonate within the greater regional-olivine bearing unit [2,3], which contains Garde, Dourbes, and Quartier. Acknowledgments: This work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The California Institute of Technology under a contract from NASA. References: [1] Wood et al., (2019) ES&T, 6, 10. [2] Stack, K. et al., (2020) Space Sci Rev, 216, 127. [3] Tarnas, J. et al., (2021) JGR: Planets, 126, 11. [4] Steele et al., (2007) Meteorit. Planet. Sci., 42, 9. [5] Murphy, A.E. et al., (2022) LPSC [6] Bhartia et al., (2021) Space Sci Rev, 217, 58. [7] Luther (2021) GRL, 48, e2021GL094869. [8] Dodd et al., (2017) Nature, 543, 60-64

E L Cardarelli↗

Quark matter droplets in neutron stars

We show that, for physically reasonable bulk and surface properties, the lowest energy state of dense matter consists of quark matter coexisting with nuclear matter in the presence of an essentially uniform background of electrons. We estimate the size and nature of spatial structure in this phase, and show that at the lowest densities the quark matter forms droplets embedded in nuclear matter, whereas at higher densities it can exhibit a variety of different topologies. A finite fraction of the interior of neutron stars could consist of matter in this new phase, which would provide new mechanisms for glitches and cooling.

Heiselberg, H.↗

Machiite, Al2Ti3O9, A New Oxide Mineral from the Murchison Carbonaceous Chondrite: A New Ultra-refractory Phase From the Solar Nebula

Machiite (IMA 2016-067), Al2Ti3O9, is a new mineral that occurs as a single euhedral crystal, 4.4 mm in size, in contact with an euhedral corundum grain, 12 mm in size, in a matrix of the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. The mean chemical composition of holotype machiite by electron probe microanalysis is (wt%) TiO2 59.75, Al2O3 15.97, Sc2O3 10.29, ZrO2 9.18, Y2O3 2.86, FeO 1.09, CaO 0.44, SiO2 0.20, MgO 0.10, total 99.87, giving rise to an empirical formula (based on 9 oxygen atoms pfu) of (Al1.17Sc0.56Y0.10Ti4+0.08Fe0.06Ca0.03Mg0.01)(Ti4+2.71Zr0.28Si0.01)O9. The general formula is (Al,Sc)2(Ti4+,Zr)3O9. The end-member formula is Al2Ti3O9. Machiite has the C2/c schreyerite-type structure with a = 17.10 Å, b = 5.03 Å, c = 7.06 Å, b = 107°, V = 581 Å3, and Z = 4, as revealed by electron backscatter diffraction. The calculated density using the measured composition is 4.27 g/cm3. The machiite crystal is highly 16O-depleted relative to the coexisting corundum grain (D17O = –0.2 ± 2.4‰ and –24.1 ± 2.6‰, respectively; where D17O = d17O – 0.52 × d18O). Machiite is a new member of the schreyerite (V2Ti3O9) group and a new Sc,Zr-rich ultrarefractory phase formed in the solar nebula, either by gas-solid condensation or as a result of crystallization from a Ca,Al-rich melt having solar-like oxygen isotopic composition (D17O ~ –25‰) under high-temperature (~1400–1500 °C) and low-pressure (~10-4–10-5 bar) conditions in the CAI-forming region near the protosun. The currently observed disequilibrium oxygen isotopic composition between machiite and corundum may indicate that machiite subsequently experienced oxygen isotopic exchange with a planetary-like 16O-poor gaseous reservoir either in the solar nebula or on the CM chondrite parent body. The name machiite is in honor of Chi Ma, mineralogist at California Institute of Technology, for his contributions to meteorite mineralogy and discovery of many new minerals representing extreme conditions of formation.

Alexander N Krot↗

Machiite, Al2Ti3O9, a New Oxide Mineral from the Murchison Carbonaceous Chondrite: A New Ultra-refractory Phase from the Solar Nebula

Machiite (IMA 2016-067), Al2Ti3O9, is a new mineral that occurs as a single euhedral crystal, 4.4 mm in size, in contact with an euhedral corundum grain, 12 mm in size, in a matrix of the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. The mean chemical composition of holotype machiite by electron probe microanalysis is (wt%) TiO2 59.75, Al2O3 15.97, Sc2O3 10.29, ZrO2 9.18, Y2O3 2.86, FeO 1.09, CaO 0.44, SiO2 0.20, MgO 0.10, total 99.87, giving rise to an empirical formula (based on 9 oxygen atoms pfu) of (Al1.17Sc0.56Y0.10Ti4+0.08Fe0.06Ca0.03Mg0.01)(Ti4+2.71Zr0.28Si0.01)O9. The general formula is (Al,Sc)2(Ti4+,Zr)3O9. The end-member formula is Al2Ti3O9. Machiite has the C2/c schreyerite-type structure with a = 17.10 Å, b = 5.03 Å, c = 7.06 Å, b = 107°, V = 581 Å3, and Z = 4, as revealed by electron backscatter diffraction. The calculated density using the measured composition is 4.27 g/cm3. The machiite crystal is highly 16O-depleted relative to the coexisting corundum grain (D17O = –0.2 ±2.4‰ and –24.1 ± 2.6‰, respectively; where D17O = d17O – 0.52 ×d18O). Machiite is a new member of the schreyerite (V2Ti3O9) group and a new Sc,Zr-rich ultrarefractory phase formed in the solar nebula, either by gas-solid condensation or as a result of crystallization from a Ca, Al-rich melt having solar-like oxygen isotopic composition (D17O ~ –25‰) under high-temperature (~1400–1500 °C) and low-pressure (~10-4–10-5 bar) conditions in the CAI-forming region near the protosun. The currently observed disequilibrium oxygen isotopic composition between machiite and corundum may indicate that machiite subsequently experienced oxygen isotopic exchange with a planetary-like 16O-poor gaseous reservoir either in the solar nebula or on the CM chondrite parent body. The name machiite is in honor of Chi Ma, mineralogist at California Institute of Technology, for his contributions to meteorite mineralogy and discovery of many new minerals representing extreme conditions of formation.

Machiite↗

Lunar petrogenesis in a well-stirred magma ocean

The principal group of low-KREEP highlands rocks as indicated by quartz-olivine-anorthite pseudoternary phase diagrams shows chemical trends which violate the Bowen reaction principle, in that the greater the concentration of magnesian and mafic minerals, the more sodic the coexisting plagioclase tends to be. It is suggested that this trend was established during the primary differentiation of the lunar crust and is a result of crystallization in a vigorously convecting (well-stirred) system. Under these conditions all plagioclase crystals, all pyroxene crystals, and all of the residual liquid remain fairly uniform in composition until advanced crystallization immobilizes the system. The rock suite then established would vary continuously from anorthositic types at the top to ultramafic types at the bottom.

Wood, J. A.↗

Effects of kinetics on the crystallization of quartz normative basalt 15597 - An experimental study

Equilibrium experiments on a residual liquid composition from the dynamic crystallization study on quartz normative basalt (QNB) 15597 are used to evaluate the effects of kinetics on the crystallization of pyroxene-porphyritic basalts. The results indicate that the liquids coexisting with pyroxene phenocryst rims before the precipitation of groundmass plagioclase + pyroxene have left the equilibrium liquid line of descent and metastably penetrated the plagioclase primary phase volume. The precipitation of groundmass plagioclase + pyroxene brings the basalt system closer to equilibrium with respect to the residual liquid and crystals. At rapid cooling rates pyroxene phenocryst growth produces substantial compositional gradients in the residual silicate liquid at the pyroxene/liquid interface. The compositional gradients enhance the nucleation and growth of groundmass phases at the phenocryst interface, because effects related to constitutional supercooling for these phases (e.g., plagioclase, pyroxene, etc.) favor nucleation at the interface.

Grove, T. L.↗

International Coordination and Cooperation on LunaNet Spectrum

LunaNet is planned to be the network of networks operated by a set of cooperating organizations to provide interoperable Communications, networking, Position, Navigation, and Timing (CPNT) services to users on and around the Moon based on a framework of mutually agreed-upon standards, protocols, frequency bands and interface requirements. LunaNet follows a service-oriented architecture that is agnostic about the types of organizations that provide services, e.g., government, industry, or academia. LunaNet is open, scalable, resilient, secure, and extensible. To achieve these goals, LunaNet Service Providers (LNSP) must coordinate with each other to define and develop the architecture, to plan initial and evolved capabilities, and to operate their networks. One of the central LunaNet tenets is the use of shared spectrum. For example, the Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS) acts like a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as the US Global Positioning System (GPS) or European Galileo but the LNSPs’ contributions to LunaNet must use the same frequency band (2483.5 MHz-2500.0 MHz) and transmit the same waveform synchronized by highly accurate clocks so that Users ‘see’ one virtual network and use the same multilateration algorithm to determine their positions. This necessitates a high degree of spectrum coordination. NASA’s Lunar and Human Spaceflight Spectrum Management Team has been actively supporting development of the LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS), soliciting inputs from spectrum policy and planning experts across NASA, ESA and JAXA. Cislunar spectrum use considerations have been studied and adjudicated within the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG) and inform the ongoing discussion of a lunar communication and navigation architecture within the existing radio regulatory framework of the International Telecommunication Union, leading to the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27). The frequency plan contained in the publicly released draft of the LunaNet Interoperability Specification reflects the initial phase of exploration (roughly to 2030) defining an optimal set of radio frequencies in appropriately allocated services consistent with WRC-23 decisions for use by known or planned CPNT applications, while striving to maximize coexistence and compatibility amongst cislunar systems and other systems within the near-Earth regime (< 2 million km from Earth). Important considerations include: protection of extremely sensitive receive-only radio astronomy systems on the lunar far side, known as the Shielded Zone of the Moon (SZM); compatibility between Direct with Earth (DWE) communications links and links needed to support relay satellites in lunar orbit with their customer systems on orbit or on the lunar surface; compatibility between multiple lunar surface communications systems and capabilities over varied and challenging terrain and distances; as well as ensuring compatibility and interoperability between navigation systems which either leverage Earth-based or in-situ lunar systems. In addition, the lunar CPNT architecture is envisioned to be the basis – with adjustments – of the future Mars CPNT architecture as we expand into the solar system using Interplanetary Networking (IPN). The second phase of lunar spectrum definition will address planned international capabilities for the next decade that will require action at WRC-27 and beyond. This paper will discuss each of these considerations in more depth and how the current LunaNet frequency plan addresses them.

LunaNet↗

A review of the theory of interstellar communication

The probability is analyzed that intelligent civilizations capable of interstellar communication exist in the galaxy. Drake's (1960) equation for the prevalence of communicative civilization is used in the calculations, and attempts are made to place limits on the search range that must be covered to contact other civilizations, the longevity of the communicative phase of such civilizations, and the possible number of two-way exchanges between civilizations in contact with each other. The minimum estimates indicate that some 100,000 civilizations probably coexist within several tens of astronomical units of each other and that some 1,000,000 probably coexist within 10 light years of each other. Attempts to detect coherent signals characteristic of intelligent life are briefly noted, including Projects Ozma and Cyclops as well as some Soviet attempts. Recently proposed American and Soviet programs for interstellar communication are outlined.

Billingham, J.↗

The relationship of storm severity to directionally resolved radio emissions

Directionally resolved atmospheric radio frequency emission data were acquired from thunderstorms occurring in the central and southwestern United States. In addition, RF sferic tracking data were obtained from hurricanes and tropical depressions occurring in the Gulf of Mexico. The data were acquired using a crossed baseline phase interferometer operating at a frequency of 2.001 MHz. The received atmospherics were tested for phase linearity across the array, and azimuth/elevation angles of arrival were computed in real time. A histogram analysis of sferic burst count versus azimuth provided lines of bearing to centers of intense electrical activity. Analysis indicates a consistent capability of the phase linear direction finder to detect severe meteorological activity to distances of 2000 km from the receiving site. The technique evidences the ability to discriminate severe storms from nonsevere storms coexistent in large regional scale thunderstorm activity.

Johnson, R. O.↗

Experimental partitioning of rare earth elements and scandium among armalcolite, ilmenite, olivine and mare basalt liquid

An experimental study was carried out to measure partition coefficients for two rare-earth elements (Sm and Tm) and Sc among armalcolite, ilmenite, olivine and liquid coexisting in a system modeled on high-Ti mare basalt 74275. This 'primitive' sample was chosen for study because its major and trace element chemistry as well as its equilibrium phase relations at atmospheric pressure are known from previous studies. Beta-track analytical techniques were used so that partition coefficients could be measured in an environment whose bulk trace element composition is similar to that of the natural basalt. Partition coefficients for Cr and Mn were determined in the same experiments by microprobe analysis. The only equilibrium partial melting model appears to be one in which ilmenite is initially present in the source region but is consumed by melting before segregation of the high-Ti mare basalt liquid from the residue.

Irving, A. J.↗

Thermodynamics of Si-C-O system

The Si-C-O predominance diagram, in conjunction with a free-energy minimum of the gas phase, has been used to explain several observations in the reactions of SiC and/or carbon with SiO2. In the predominance diagram, the axes are chosen as the primary activity units for carbon and oxygen. The predominance diagram shows only the stable condensed phases SiO2, SiC, carbon, and silicon. It also shows the isobars for SiO(g) and CO(g), which are the primary gas-phase species. Only the thermodynamics of the system is considered. The observations explained include the general adjustment of carbon-rich SiC to a free-energy minimum on the SiC/SiO2 coexistence line and the inability to form free silicon from SiO2 and carbon, except at very high temperatures.

Jacobson, N. S.↗

Size distribution of retrovirally marked lineages matches prediction from population measurements of cell cycle behavior

Mechanisms that regulate neuron production in the developing mouse neocortex were examined by using a retroviral lineage marking method to determine the sizes of the lineages remaining in the proliferating population of the ventricular zone during the period of neuron production. The distribution of clade sizes obtained experimentally in four different injection-survival paradigms (E11-E13, E11-E14, E11-E15, and E12-E15) from a total of over 500 labeled lineages was compared with that obtained from three models in which the average behavior of the proliferating population [i.e., the proportion of cells remaining in the proliferative population (P) vs. that exiting the proliferative population (Q)] was quantitatively related to lineage size distribution. In model 1, different proportions of asymmetric, symmetric terminal, and symmetric nonterminal cell divisions coexisted during the entire developmental period. In model 2, the developmental period was divided into two epochs: During the first, asymmetric and symmetric nonterminal cell divisions occurred, but, during the second, asymmetric and symmetric terminal cell divisions occurred. In model 3, the shifts in P and Q are accounted for by changes in the proportions of the two types of symmetric cell divisions without the inclusion of any asymmetric cell divisions. The results obtained from the retroviral experiments were well accounted for by model 1 but not by model 2 or 3. These findings demonstrate that: 1) asymmetric and both types of symmetric cell divisions coexist during the entire period of neurogenesis in the mouse, 2) neuron production is regulated in the proliferative population by the independent decisions of the two daughter cells to reenter S phase, and 3) neurons are produced by both asymmetric and symmetric terminal cell divisions. In addition, the findings mean that cell death and/or tangential movements of cells in the proliferative population occur at only a low rate and that there are no proliferating lineages "reserved" to make particular laminae or cell types. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

NASA Discipline Developmental Biology↗

Mechanisms for Diurnal Variability of Global Tropical Rainfall Observed from TRMM

The behavior and various controls of diurnal variability in tropical-subtropical rainfall are investigated using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation measurements retrieved from the three level-2 TRMM standard profile algorithms for the 1998 annual cycle. Results show that diurnal variability characteristics of precipitation are consistent for all three algorithms, providing assurance that TRMM retrievals are producing consistent estimates of rainfall variability. As anticipated, most ocean areas exhibit more rainfall at night, while over most land areas, rainfall peaks during daytime; however, important exceptions are noted. The dominant feature of the oceanic diurnal cycle is a rainfall maximum in late-evening-early-morning (LE-EM) hours, while over land the dominant maximum occurs in the mid- to late afternoon (MLA). In conjunction with these maxima are pronounced seasonal variations of the diurnal amplitudes. Amplitude analysis shows that the diurnal pattern and its seasonal evolution are closely related to the rainfall accumulation pattern and its seasonal evolution. In addition, the horizontal distribution of diurnal variability indicates that for oceanic rainfall, there is a secondary MLA maximum coexisting with the LE-EM maximum at latitudes dominated by large-scale convergence and deep convection. Analogously, there is a preponderancy for an LE EM maximum over land coexisting with the stronger MLA maximum, although it is not evident that this secondary continental feature is closely associated with the large-scale circulation. Neither of the secondary maxima exhibit phase behavior that can be considered semidiurnal in nature. Diurnal rainfall variability over the ocean associated with large-scale convection is clearly an integral component of the general circulation. Phase analysis reveals differences in regional and seasonal features of the diurnal cycle, indicating that underlying forcing mechanisms differ from place to place. This is underscored by the appearance of secondary ocean maxima in the presence of large-scale convection, along with other important features. Among these, there are clear-cut differences between the diurnal variability of seasonal rainfall over the mid-Pacific and Indian Ocean Basins. The mid-Pacific exhibits double maxima in spring and winter but only LE-EM maxima in summer and autumn, while the Indian Ocean exhibits double maxima in spring and summer and only an LE-EM maximum in autumn and winter. There are also evident daytime maxima within the major large-scale marine stratocumulus regions off the west coasts of continents. The study concludes with a discussion concerning how the observational evidence either supports or repudiates possible forcing mechanisms that have been suggested to explain diurnal rainfall variability.

Yang, Song↗