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At least 127 records · Page 7
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NASA NTRS2008

Ongoing Development of NASA's Global Land Data Assimilation System

NASA's Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) produces global fields of land surface states (e.g., soil moisture and temperature) and fluxes (e.g., latent heat flux and runoff) by driving offline land surface models with observation-based inputs, using the Land Information System (LIS) software. Since production began in 2001, GLDAS has supported more than 100 scientific investigations and applications. Some examples are GEWEX and NASA Energy and Water Cycle Study (NEWS) global water and energy budget analyses, interpretations of hydrologic data derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission, and forecast model initiation studies at NOAA and NASA. At the same time, the GLDAS team has continued improve results through the development of new modeling and data assimilation techniques. Here we describe several recent and ongoing innovations. These include global implementation of a runoff routing procedure, GRACE data assimilation, advanced snow cover assimilation, and irrigation modeling.

Rodell, Matthew↗
NASA NTRS1994

Statistical analysis of mesoscale rainfall: Dependence of a random cascade generator on large-scale forcing

Under the theory of independent and identically distributed random cascades, the probability distribution of the cascade generator determines the spatial and the ensemble properties of spatial rainfall. Three sets of radar-derived rainfall data in space and time are analyzed to estimate the probability distribution of the generator. A detailed comparison between instantaneous scans of spatial rainfall and simulated cascades using the scaling properties of the marginal moments is carried out. This comparison highlights important similarities and differences between the data and the random cascade theory. Differences are quantified and measured for the three datasets. Evidence is presented to show that the scaling properties of the rainfall can be captured to the first order by a random cascade with a single parameter. The dependence of this parameter on forcing by the large-scale meteorological conditions, as measured by the large-scale spatial average rain rate, is investigated for these three datasets. The data show that this dependence can be captured by a one-to-one function. Since the large-scale average rain rate can be diagnosed from the large-scale dynamics, this relationship demonstrates an important linkage between the large-scale atmospheric dynamics and the statistical cascade theory of mesoscale rainfall. Potential application of this research to parameterization of runoff from the land surface and regional flood frequency analysis is briefly discussed, and open problems for further research are presented.

Over, Thomas, M.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Assessing Bare-Ice Albedo Simulated By MAR Over the Greenland Ice Sheet (2000–2021) and Implications for Meltwater Production Estimates

Surface mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) has accelerated over the past decades, mainly due to enhanced surface melting and liquid water runoff in response to atmospheric warming. A large portion of runoff from the GrIS originates from exposure of the darker bare ice in the ablation zone when the overlying snow melts, where surface albedo plays a critical role in modulating the energy available for melting. In this regard, it is imperative to understand the processes governing albedo variability to accurately project future mass loss from the GrIS. Bare-ice albedo is spatially and temporally variable and contingent on non-linear feedbacks and the presence of light-absorbing constituents. An assessment of models aiming at simulating albedo variability and associated impacts on meltwater production is crucial for improving our understanding of the processes governing these feedbacks and, in turn, surface mass loss from Greenland. Here, we report the results of a comparison of the bare-ice extent and albedo simulated by the regional climate model Modèle Atmosphérique Régional (MAR) with satellite imagery from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for the GrIS below 70∘ N. Our findings suggest that MAR overestimates bare-ice albedo by 22.8 % on average in this area during the 2000–2021 period with respect to the estimates obtained from MODIS. Using an energy balance model to parameterize meltwater production, we find this bare-ice albedo bias can lead to an underestimation of total meltwater production from the bare-ice zone below 70∘ N of 42.8 % during the summers of 2000–2021.

albedo↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Update on the Hydrological Land Surface Data and Services at NASA GES DISC

"The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) is one of twelve NASA Earth Observing System data centers that document, process, archive and distribute data from Earth science missions and related projects. The GES DISC hosts many hydrological land surface data products including North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS), Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS), and assimilated-Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). The Land Surface Model (LSM) products contain model output, including heat fluxes, rain, snow, soil temperature, soil moisture and runoff; and observational forcing data, including surface pressure, temperature, precipitation, downward shortwave and longwave radiation, humidity, and wind. The temporal resolution of the hydrology data at the GES DISC ranges from hourly to monthly and the spatial resolution 0.1 degree to 1.0 degree. The variability of Earth’s water and energy cycles can be characterized with these spatially and temporally consistent, and quality controlled hydrological land surface data. These data could support ongoing modeling activities, and help improve our understanding of land-surface-atmosphere interactions and their impact on climate. Over the years, new data is added, and older data is reprocessed and updated. This presentation provides a summary table of the hydrological data and discusses recent updates to the data and data services at the GES DISC. New data products include (1) GRACE Global Version 3.0 drought indicators and (2) FLDAS monthly global and Central Asia daily data. Reprocessed and updated products include (1) NLDAS Version 2.0 and (2) GRACE United States Version 4.0 drought indicators. Lastly, this presentation will discuss the opportunities for accessing some of our hydrology data from the cloud. As the hydrology land surface data is moved to the cloud, users can expect faster service for longer time series, notably the hydrology data rods time series service."

Ashley Heath↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Relating Land Cover Change to Runoff Distribution Using NASA Earth Observations in Riley County, Kansas

In recent years, Riley County, Kansas experienced high levels of flooding potentially due to changes in land use and impervious surface. To analyze the increase in floods and runoff patterns over time, this study contrasted two methods of curve number (CN) calculation, which estimated runoff from rainfall events, from 2006-2020. The conventional calculation method used a look-up table and tracked land use/land cover change. This method resulted in static tables from various inputs such as soil type, surface imperviousness, slope, and crop phenology to estimate runoff versus infiltration. These tables allowed for phenology specific curve numbers and accounted for various farming techniques but required many inputs and lacked flexibility to include seasonal variations in vegetation. In contrast, the dynamic method is a more modern and simple calculation employing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from Landsat 5, Landsat 7, and Landsat 8 satellites compiled over the rainy season each year to calculate curve numbers based off seasonal vegetation. This dynamic method allowed for more precise analysis of runoff variability because NDVI is a more accurate, real-time measurement for land cover and it could be calculated with greater temporal detail. The results will allow decision makers to make more informed decisions on resiliency strategies to address future flooding.

Trista Brophy↗
NASA NTRS1995

Urban remote sensing applications: TIMS observations of the City of Scottsdale

A research program has been initiated between Arizona State University and the City of Scottsdale, Arizona to study the potential applications of TIMS (Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner) data for urban scene classification, desert environmental assessment, and change detection. This program is part of a long-term effort to integrate remote sensing observations into state and local planning activities to improve decision making and future planning. Specific test sites include a section of the downtown Scottsdale region that has been mapped in very high detail as part of a pilot program to develop an extensive GIS database. This area thus provides excellent time history of the evolution of the city infrastructure, such as the timing and composition of street repavement. A second area of study includes the McDowell intensive study by state and local agencies to assess potential sites for urban development as well as preservation. These activities are of particular relevance as the Phoenix metropolitan area undergoes major expansion into the surrounding desert areas. The objectives of this study in urban areas are aimed at determining potential applications of TIMS data for classifying and assessing land use and surface temperatures. Land use centers on surface impermeability studies for storm runoff assessment and pollution control. These studies focus on determining the areal abundance of urban vegetation and undeveloped soil. Highly experimental applications include assessment and monitoring of pavement condition. Temperature studies focus on determining swimming pool area and temperature for use in monitoring evaporating and urban water consumption. These activities are of particular relevance as the Phoenix metropolitan area undergoes major expansion into the surrounding desert area.

Christensen, Philip R.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Leveraging High Resolution Remotely Sensed Evapotranspiration Data to Assess Water Availability and Vulnerability in the Memphis Aquifer Area in West Tennessee

The Memphis aquifer is an indispensable source of water for municipal, agricultural, and industrial use across west Tennessee. The aquifer's water is thousands of years old and in pristine condition due to the natural geological filtering by the aquifer’s confining clay layers. To sustain the aquifer’s water supply, recharge must happen at a rate efficient enough to keep up with pumping from the aquifer. In partnership with Protect Our Aquifer and the University of Memphis Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research, this project examined multiple factors to discover thriving areas of recharge in west Tennessee. The team used Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) precipitation data, ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) evapotranspiration data, Landsat 8 and National Land Cover Database (NLCD) to track landcover change, and the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) Noah land surface model to estimate monthly runoff. These factors were averaged seasonally from 2019 to 2022 to understand seasonal relationships within the study area. Precipitation and evapotranspiration data were used to create water balance maps and with the evaporative stress index (ESI), landcover, and runoff maps, the team pinpointed locations that are most conducive to recharge. The team determined that areas where the water balance is low, ESI is high, and where there is sufficient pervious landcover are locations where recharge happens most effectively. Identification of effective recharge locations may be used by the partners to prioritize areas in need of protection before they become impacted by industrialization and urbanization.

Lauren Webster↗
NASA NTRS2012

Understanding Changes in Water Availability in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte Basin Under the Influence of Large-Scale Circulation Indices Using the Noah Land Surface Model

Water availability plays an important role in the socio-economic development of a region. It is however, subject to the influence of large-scale circulation indices, resulting in periodic excesses and deficits. An assessment of the degree of correlation between climate indices and water availability, and the quantification of changes with respect to major climate events is important for long-term water resources planning and management, especially in transboundary basins as it can help in conflict avoidance. In this study we first establish the correlation of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) with gauged precipitation in the Rio Grande basin, and quantify the changes in water availability using runoff generated from the Noah land surface model. Both spatial and temporal variations are noted, with winter and spring being most influenced by conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Negative correlation is observed at the headwaters and positive correlation across the rest of the basin. The influence of individual ENSO events, classified using four different criteria, is also examined. El Ninos (La Ninas) generally cause an increase (decrease) in runoff, but the pattern is not consistent; percentage change in water availability varies across events. Further, positive PDO enhances the effect of El Nino and dampens that of La Nina, but during neutral/transitioning PDO, La Nina dominates meteorological conditions. Long El Ninos have more influence on water availability than short duration high intensity events. We also note that the percentage increase during El Ninos significantly offsets the drought-causing effect of La Ninas.

Khedun, C. Prakash↗
NASA NTRS1982

A second-order Budkyo-type parameterization of landsurface hydrology

A simple, second order parameterization of the water fluxes at a land surface for use as the appropriate boundary condition in general circulation models of the global atmosphere was developed. The derived parameterization incorporates the high nonlinearities in the relationship between the near surface soil moisture and the evaporation, runoff and percolation fluxes. Based on the one dimensional statistical dynamic derivation of the annual water balance, it makes the transition to short term prediction of the moisture fluxes, through a Taylor expansion around the average annual soil moisture. A comparison of the suggested parameterization is made with other existing techniques and available measurements. A thermodynamic coupling is applied in order to obtain estimations of the surface ground temperature.

Andreou, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Catchment-Based Approach to Modeling Land Surface Processes in a GCM: Model Structure - Part 1

A new strategy for modeling the land surface component of the climate system is described. The strategy is motivated by an arguable deficiency in most state-of-the-art land surface models (LSMs), namely the disproportionately higher emphasis given to the formulation of one-dimensional, vertical physics relative to the treatment of horizontal heterogeneity in surface properties -- particularly subgrid soil moisture variability and its effects on runoff generation. The new strategy calls for the partitioning of the continental surface into a mosaic of hydrologic catchments, delineated through analysis of high-resolution surface elevation data. The effective "grid" used for the land surface is therefore not specified by the overlying atmospheric grid. Within each catchment, the variability of soil moisture is related to characteristics of the topography and to three bulk soil moisture variables through a well-established model of catchment processes. This modeled variability allows the partitioning of the catchment into several areas representing distinct hydrological regimes, wherein distinct (regime-specific) evaporation and runoff parameterizations are applied. Care is taken to ensure that the deficiencies of the catchment model in regions of little to moderate topography are minimized.

Koster, Randal D.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Seasonal Monitoring of Melt and Accumulation Within the Deep Percolation Zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet and Comparison with Simulations of Regional Climate Modeling

Increasing melt over the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) recorded over the past several years has resulted in significant changes of the percolation regime of the ice sheet. It remains unclear whether Greenland's percolation zone will act as a meltwater buffer in the near future through gradually filling all pore space or if near-surface refreezing causes the formation of impermeable layers, which provoke lateral runoff. Homogeneous ice layers within perennial firn, as well as near-surface ice layers of several meter thickness have been observed in firn cores. Because firn coring is a destructive method, deriving stratigraphic changes in firn and allocation of summer melt events is challenging. To overcome this deficit and provide continuous data for model evaluations on snow and firn density, temporal changes in liquid water content and depths of water infiltration, we installed an upward-looking radar system (upGPR) 3.4 m below the snow surface in May 2016 close to Camp Raven (66.4779 deg N, 46.2856 deg W) at 2120 m a.s.l. The radar is capable of quasi-continuously monitoring changes in snow and firn stratigraphy, which occur above the antennas. For summer 2016, we observed four major melt events, which routed liquid water into various depths beneath the surface. The last event in mid-August resulted in the deepest percolation down to about 2.3 m beneath the surface. Comparisons with simulations from the regional climate model MAR are in very good agreement in terms of seasonal changes in accumulation and timing of onset of melt. However, neither bulk density of near-surface layers nor the amounts of liquid water and percolation depths predicted by MAR correspond with upGPR data. Radar data and records of a nearby thermistor string, in contrast, matched very well for both timing and depth of temperature changes and observed water percolations. All four melt events transferred a cumulative mass of 56 kg/(sq. m) into firn beneath the summer surface of 2015. We find that continuous observations of liquid water content, percolation depths and rates for the seasonal mass fluxes are sufficiently accurate to provide valuable information for validation of model approaches and help to develop a better understanding of liquid water retention and percolation in perennial firn.

Heilig, Achim↗
NASA NTRS1982

Hydrology team

General problems faced by hydrologists when using historical records, real time data, statistical analysis, and system simulation in providing quantitative information on the temporal and spatial distribution of water are related to the limitations of these data. Major problem areas requiring multispectral imaging-based research to improve hydrology models involve: evapotranspiration rates and soil moisture dynamics for large areas; the three dimensional characteristics of bodies of water; flooding in wetlands; snow water equivalents; runoff and sediment yield from ungaged watersheds; storm rainfall; fluorescence and polarization of water and its contained substances; discriminating between sediment and chlorophyll in water; role of barrier island dynamics in coastal zone processes; the relationship between remotely measured surface roughness and hydraulic roughness of land surfaces and stream networks; and modeling the runoff process.

Ragan, R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Mesoscale Convective Systems in SCSMEX: Simulated by a Regional Climate Model and a Cloud Resolving Model

A Regional Land-Atmosphere Climate Simulation (RELACS) System is being developed and implemented at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. One of the major goals of RELACS is to use a regional scale model with improved physical processes, in particular land-related processes, to understand the role of the land surface and its interaction with convection and radiation as well as the water and energy cycles in Indo-China/South China Sea (SCS)/China, North America and South America. The Penn State/NCAR MM5 atmospheric modeling system, a state of the art atmospheric numerical model designed to simulate regional weather and climate, has been successfully coupled to the Goddard Parameterization for Land-Atmosphere-Cloud Exchange (PLACE) land surface model, PLACE allows for the effect A vegetation, and thus important physical processes such as evapotranspiration and interception are included. The PLACE model incorporates vegetation type and has been shown in international comparisons to accurately predict evapotranspiration and runoff over a wide variety of land surfaces. The coupling of MM5 and PLACE creates a numerical modeling system with the potential to more realistically simulate the atmosphere and land surface processes including land-sea interaction, regional circulations such as monsoons, and flash flood events. RELACS has been used to simulate the onset of the South China Sea Monsoon in 1986, 1991 and 1998. Sensitivity tests on various land surface models, cumulus parameterization schemes (CPSs), sea surface temperature (SST) variations and midlatitude influences have been performed. These tests have indicated that the land surface model has a major impact on the circulation over the South China Sea. CPSs can effect the precipitation pattern while SST variation can effect the precipitation amounts over both land and ocean. RELACS has also been used to understand the soil-precipitation interaction and feedback associated with a flood event that occurred in and around China's Yantz River during 1998. The exact location (region) of the flooding can be effected by the soil-rainfall feedback. Also, the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model which allows for realistic moist processes as well as explicit interactions between cloud and radiation, and cloud and surface processes will be used to simulate convective systems associated with the onset of the South China Sea Monsoon in 1998. The GCE model also includes the same PLACE and radiation scheme used in the RELACS. A detailed comparison between the results from the GCE model and RELACS will be performed.

Tao, W.-K.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Mesoscale Convective Systems in SCSMEX: Simulated by a Regional Climate Model and a Cloud Resolving Model

A Regional Land-Atmosphere Climate Simulation (RELACS) System is being developed and implemented at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. One of the major goals of RELACS is to use a regional scale model with improved physical processes, in particular land-related processes, to understand the role of the land surface and its interaction with convection and radiation as well as the water and energy cycles in Indo-China/ South China Sea (SCS)/China, N. America and S. America. The Penn State/NCAR MM5 atmospheric modeling system, a state of the art atmospheric numerical model designed to simulate regional weather and climate, has been successfully coupled to the Goddard Parameterization for Land-Atmosphere-C loud Exchange (PLACE) land surface model. PLACE allows for the effects of vegetation, and thus important physical processes such as evapotranspiration and interception are included. The PLACE model incorporates vegetation type and has been shown in international comparisons to accurately predict evapotranspiration and runoff over a wide variety of land surfaces. The coupling of MM5 and PLACE creates a numerical modeling system with the potential to more realistically simulate the atmosphere and land surface processes including land-sea interaction, regional circulations such as monsoons, and flash flood events. RELACS has been used to simulate the onset of the South China Sea Monsoon in 1986, 1997 and 1998. Sensitivity tests on various land surface models, cumulus parameterization schemes (CPSs), sea surface temperature (SST) variations and midlatitude influences have been performed. These tests have indicated that the land surface model has a major impact on the circulation over the S. China Sea. CPSs can effect the precipitation pattern while SST variation can effect the precipitation amounts over both land and ocean. RELACS has also been used to understand the soil-precipitation interaction and feedback associated with a flood event that occurred in and around China's Yantz River during 1998. The exact location (region) of the flooding can be effected by the soil-rainfall feedback. Also, the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model which allows for realistic moist processes as well as explicit interactions between cloud and radiation, and cloud and surface processes will be used to simulate convective systems associated with the onset of the South China Sea Monsoon in 1998. The GCE model also includes the same PLACE and radiation scheme used in the RELACS. A detailed comparison between the results from the GCE model and RELACS will be performed.

Tao, W.-K.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Dynamics of suspended sediment plumes in Lake Ontario

The author has identified the following significant results. Two unusual turbidity features were detected in imagery obtained over Lake Ontario on September 19, 1973. The location of a submerged sewer outfall was detected in frame 1423-15224-5 about 2 kilometers offshore opposite a treatment plant serving Rochester, New York. The other feature was a thermal heat plume made visible by an erosive eastward moving longshore current. The thermal plume, which extended about 3 kilometers into the lake, results from the discharge of cooling water from a nuclear power plant located 20 miles east of Rochester, New York. Under an offshore wind field, the outer edge of the Niagara River plume extended 30 kilometers into Lake Ontario on September 3, 1973. By way of contrast, a strong west-northwest wind on April 29, 1973, confined the plume to about 3 kilometers of the lake's south shore. The size of the Genesee River plume is largely dependent on discharge. During the spring high flow season, the plume extended over 22 square kilometers of the lake's surface on May 16, 1973. As runoff dwindled with the approach of summer, the plume contracted to less than 1 square kilometer in area by mid-July.

Pluhowski, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The contribution of space observations to water resources management; Proceedings of the Symposium, Bangalore, India, May 29-June 9, 1979

The symposium focused on hydrology, soil moisture estimation and ground water exploration, wetlands monitoring and water quality estimation, hydrometeorology, snow and ice monitoring, and evapotranspiration estimation. Other problems discussed include surface water and flood mapping, watershed runoff estimation and prediction, and new space systems contributing to water resources management.

Salomonson, V. V.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hydrological Data at the NASA GES DISC: Current Capabilities and New Opportunities

The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) is one of twelve NASA Earth science data centers that document, process, archive and distribute data from Earth observation missions and projects. GES DISC maintains an archive of several hydrology datasets, including the Land Data Assimilation Systems (LDAS) and the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Data Assimilation for Drought Monitoring (GRACE-DA-DM) data products. These datasets include model output of heat fluxes, rain, snow, soil temperature, soil moisture, and runoff; and observational forcing data, including surface pressure, temperature, precipitation, downward shortwave and longwave radiation, humidity, and wind. The temporal resolution of the hydrology data at GES DISC ranges from hourly to monthly, and spatial resolutions range from 0.1° to 1.0°. The GES DISC provides services which enable users to aggregate, temporally and spatially subset, regrid, and visualize archived data including the GES DISC Subsetter, Hydrology Data Rods, and the Geospatial Interactive Online Visualization and Analysis Infrastructure (GIOVANNI). The Hydrology Data Rods service optimally reorganizes large hydrological data sets as extended time series, providing more efficient access for the hydrological community. The time series data (aka “data rods”) were integrated into hydrology community tools, such as the Data Rods Explorer on HydroShare. Furthermore, the GES DISC is in the process of migrating its data and services to the cloud. Hydrological data available at the GES DISC are now available in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud (us-west-2 region) providing users Direct S3 data access and the capability for cloud computing operations. In this presentation, the hydrology data products and services currently available at the GES DISC will be summarized. Also discussed are the migration to the cloud, user support through this transition, and the status of migrating the data rods service to the cloud.

Ashley Heath↗
NASA NTRS2019

Mid-Latitude Freshwater Availability Reduced by Projected Vegetation Responses to Climate Change

Plants are expected to generate more global-scale runoff under increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations through their influence on surface resistance to evapotranspiration. Recent studies using Earth System Models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project ostensibly reaffirm this result, further suggesting that plants will ameliorate the dire reductions in water availability projected by other studies that use aridity metrics. Here we complicate this narrative by analysing the change in precipitation partitioning to plants, runoff and storage in multiple Earth system models under both high carbon dioxide concentrations and warming. We show that projected plant responses directly reduce future runoff across vast swaths of North America, Europe and Asia because bulk canopy water demands increase with additional vegetation growth and longer and warmer growing seasons. These runoff declines occur despite increased surface resistance to evapotranspiration and vegetation total water use efficiency, even in regions with increasing or unchanging precipitation. We demonstrate that constraining the large uncertainty in the multimodel ensemble with regional-scale observations of evapotranspiration partitioning strengthens these results. We conclude that terrestrial vegetation plays a large and unresolved role in shaping future regional freshwater availability, one that will not ubiquitously ameliorate future warming-driven surface drying.

Mankin, Justin S.↗