Real-time stereoscopic applications using the goes operational satellites

We have investigated the use of real and synthetic stereo satellite images and stereo graphics in applications such as cloud-tracked winds, severe storm cloud analysis, and general meteorological interpretation. We have concluded that a stereo meteorological presentation is possible and desirable in an operational environment. Synthetic stereo could be used immediately in cloud-tracked wind operations. The presentation allows one to appreciate the interrelations between cloud motions and cloud structures, especially in multi-layered situations. Reprocessing of FGGE tropical wind sets with a synthetic stereo presentation showed some improved yields of low-level vectors, a significant increase in mid-level vectors, and very little change in the high-level vectors. Severe local storm real-stereo presentations are possible operationally because the 15 minute RISOP operations of GOES-East allow simultaneous scanning of both geosynchronous satellites twice per hour. The real-stereo height measurements of overshooting turrets are an improvement over infrared heights and can be used to monitor the strength of the thunderstorm updraft. Synthetic stereo presentations of thunderstorm tops can be presented in a non-linear fashion which stretches out the cloud top features. The synthetic stereo presentation is easier for most people to see. We recommend the use of a hybrid system where the viewing is done on the synthetic stereo image and the quantitative measurements are done on the real-stereo pairs.     

Stereoscopic observations of hurricanes and tornadic thunderstorms from geosynchronous satellites

Results are presented to show the application of GOES stereoscopy to the study of hurricanes and tornadic thunderstorms. Stereoscopic cloud top height contour maps were constructed to observe the structural evolution of two hurricanes: Frederic, 12 September 1979 and Allen, 8 August 1980 and a tornadic thunderstorm complex over Oklahoma on 2–3 May 1979. Stereoscopic height contours of Hurricane Allen show a very intense and symmetric storm with a circular shaped Central Dense Overcast (CDO) with an average height of 16.5 km. Height contours of Hurricane Frederic show a preferred region for convection with an explosive exhaust tower reaching a maximum height of 17.8 km. A technique for estimating tropical cyclone intensity using GOES stereoscopic height and infrared temperature information is also presented. Utilizing short interval (3-min) GOES stereoscopic data from 2 May 1979 and 9 May 1979 (SESAME days), cloud top ascent rates were measured and used in determining the intensity of growing convective cells. Results show vertical motions ranging from 4.4 m s^?1 for a moderate storm to 7.7 m s^?1 for an intense storm. These results compare well in magnitude with growth rates determined from simultaneous GOES infrared observations and previous estimates of visual and radar echo top growth rates of other thunderstorms.     

Applications of stereoscopic height computations from dual geosynchronous satellite data/joint NASA-Japan stereo project

Stereoscopic heights of the top of an Oklahoma thunderstorm were computed, finding that high cloud tops are not always characterized by very cold IR temperature. The identical method was also applied to the computation of stereo heights based on GOES West and GMS stereo pairs obtained under the NASA-JAPAN cooperative program. It was found that stereo techniques are extremely useful in understanding the structure of thunderstorms in the United States, as well as that of hurricanes over the South Pacific.     

Gravity waves generated by thunderstorms: South-East Asia tropical region study

Gravity waves are recognized as an integral part of earth’s atmosphere which are mainly responsible for energy and momentum distribution among different layers and regions in the atmosphere. Various sources present in land, ocean, and atmosphere such as mountains, convection, jets and fronts etc. are responsible for gravity waves generation. Thunderstorms (deep convection) are one of the major sources of gravity waves in the tropical region, capable of generating waves with a wide range of frequencies and scales and significantly affecting the existing waves. Previous numerical studies have characterised the wave properties that are generated from thunderstorms, but there are no statistically quantified studies. In this paper, we have modelled the relationship between the latent heat generated inside a thunderstorm and the gravity wave properties at the geo-collocated points. Gravity waves are identified over Singapore radiosonde station (with data available until 30?km altitude with 12?h temporal resolution) in the stratosphere using wavelet studies. Based on the GROGRAT ray tracing methods to identify the thunderstorm locations, and RAMS cloud-resolving models simulations to obtain the latent heating of the thunderstorm, a regression analysis is performed using 200 cases of gravity waves. Furthermore, cloud-top momentum flux analysis is performed for various cases latent heat. This study is expected to provide more quantified and concrete information on the coupling between the thunderstorm and gravity wave which includes the variance in these relationships due to wave frequency spectrum and generation mechanisms.     

一次暴雨激发平流层重力波的卫星观测与数值模拟

针对卫星Aqua/AIRS观测到的与2011年7月25日山东省乳山市特大暴雨相伴的一次平流层重力波过程,利用中尺度数值模式WRF进行暴雨诱发平流层重力波的数值模拟.对模式输出的垂直速度场和温度扰动场的分析表明,暴雨在平流层内的弧状波结构主要集中在降水云系东侧,水平影响范围大于1000km,且随着高度的增加,圆弧状结构趋于闭合,波动能量显著增强.此外,对垂直速度剖面结构分析表明,受高空东风和风切变的影响,重力波在上传过程中逆着背景风场向东传输,不同高度波动形态各异.基于快速傅里叶变换（FFT）的功率谱分析结果表明,此次暴雨激发的平流层重力波在35km高度的周期为7~20h,水平波长约为1000km,垂直波长为5~10km.通过分析动量通量的垂直输送,定量反映出重力波上传过程中的动力学变化特征.      

中国中部低层大气行星波无线电探空仪的观测研究

通过分析武汉、宜昌和恩施气象局无线电探空仪2001-2003年的观测数据,研究了中国中部地区对流层和低平流层中行星波的特性.通过Lomb-Scargle(L-S)的周期图方法发现了周期为准16天和周期为准10天的谱分量占据着主导地位.观察发现,较大振幅的行星波振荡主要集中在5-15 km之间.准16天行星波沿纬圈向西传播,对应的纬圈波数大约为2,水平波长约为17 324.8 km,传播相速度约为-12.5 m·s-1(东向为正),通过计算准16天行星波在10 km以下相位随高度的改变可以得到其垂直波长大约为25-30 km,而在对波层顶附近其相位几乎没有发生改变,呈现出静态波特性.准10天行星波沿纬圈向东传播,对应的纬圈波数大约为4,水平波长约为8627.3 km,传播相速度约为10.0 m·s-1,垂直波长约为22-40 km.      

中纬度地磁暴期间热层垂直风响应机制的模拟

基于TIMEGCM模型,研究了2005年9月10日中纬度地磁暴期间热层(100～650 km)水平风场变化对垂直风的影响.通过连续性方程诊断分析了暴时引起垂直风场变化的机制,结果表明:250 km以上的垂直风场取决于水平风场的变化,而250 km以下的垂直风场由较高高度的垂直风拉动;在地磁暴初相开始时,经向风场相比纬向...     

卫星观测台风重力波数值模拟与直接对比验证

以ECMWF的T799资料作为WRF-ARW（V3.5）初始场,对卫星高光谱红外大气垂直探测器AIRS观测的2013年超强台风苏力激发平流层重力波过程进行数值模拟,并利用卫星观测对数值模拟结果进行了直接对比验证.数值模拟表明,该台风诱发的重力波在20~40km高度逆着东风背景流向东向上传播,在水平方向呈半圆弧状;大气的垂直扰动随着高度的增加而增强,在40km高度上达到0.5m·s-1.基于三维傅里叶变换的波谱分析表明,平流层重力波水平波长中心值在500km附近,周期为3~5h,垂直波长主要为10~26km.分析表明,在18~40km高度的净纬向动量通量为6.7×10-4~1.89×10-3Pa,背景流强迫计算值为-0.23~1.21m·s-1·d-1,且在18km和40km高度的数值较大.最后,基于辐射传输模式计算的直接对比表明,卫星观测与数值模拟同时揭示了激发的平流层波动可传至40km以上高度及距台风中心2000km以外的区域,且不同资料得到的波动形态、方位以及水平尺度具有较好的一致性.      

冕洞网络的大气模型

本文采用非径向磁流管位形的假设,计算了太阳冕洞网络部分的色球-日冕过渡区的能量平衡模型。所考虑的能量流包括辐射、传导、对流和机械波加热（如阿尔芬波）,计算结果表明在冕洞网络部分的过渡区中,电子温度T和密度N分别比宁静太阳中的值低60%和2倍,而其过渡区的厚度比宁静太阳中的大4倍。这种大气模型可满意地解释T≥105K范围的远紫外观测发射量度的分布。另外我们也发现在冕洞大气的过渡区中,阿尔芬波加热似乎不能忽略,尤其是在冕洞的过渡区底部,它的加热作用可能会超过热传导。在冕洞大气中,由于波动量的淀积而产生的对流能损耗也是重要的,在过渡区底部650km以上,对流能损耗逐渐超过辐射损耗。      

Moderate geomagnetic storms of January 22–25, 2012 and their influences on the wave components in ionosphere and upper stratosphere-mesosphere regions

Moderate geomagnetic storms occurred during January 22–25, 2012 period. The geomagnetic storms are characterized by different indices and parameters. The SYM-H value on January 22 increased abruptly to 67 nT at sudden storm commencement (SSC), followed by a sharp decrease to −87 nT. A second SSC on January 24 followed by a shock on January 25 was also observed. These SSCs before the main storms and the short recovery periods imply the geomagnetic storms are CME  -driven. The sudden jump of solar wind dynamic pressure and IMF _Bz$B_z$ are also consistent with occurrence of CMEs. This is also reflected in the change in total electron content (TEC) during the storm relative to quiet days globally. The response of the ionospheric to geomagnetic storms can also be detected from wave components that account for the majority of TEC variance during the period. The dominant coherent modes of TEC variability are diurnal and semidiurnal signals which account upto 83% and 30% of the total TEC variance over fairly exclusive ionospheric regions respectively. Comparison of TEC anomalies attributed to diurnal (DW1) and semidiurnal (SW2) tides, as well as stationary planetary waves (SPW1) at 12 UTC shows enhancement in the positive anomalies following the storm. Moreover, the impact of the geomagnetic storms are distinctly marked in the daily time series of amplitudes of DW1, SW2 and SPW1. The abrupt changes in amplitudes of DW1 (5 TECU) and SW2 (2 TECU) are observed within 20°S–20°N latitude band and along 20°N respectively while that of SPW1 is about 3 TECU. Coherent oscillation with a period of 2.4 days between interplanetary magnetic field and TEC was detected during the storm. This oscillation is also detected in the amplitudes of DW1 over EIA regions in both hemispheres. Eventhough upward coupling of quasi two day wave (QTDWs) of the same periodicity, known to have caused such oscillation, are detected in both ionosphere and upper stratosphere, this one can likely be attributed to the geomagnetic storm as it happens after the storm commencement. Moreover, further analysis has indicated that QTDWs in the ionosphere are strengthened as a result of coherent oscillation of interplanetary magnetic field with the same frequency as QTDWs. On the otherhand, occurrences of minor SSW and geomagnetic storms in quick succession complicated clear demarcation of attribution of the respective events to variability of QTDWs amplitudes over upper stratosphere.     

Global characteristics of ionospheric electric fields and disturbances during the first hours of magnetic storms

The ionospheric plasma density can be significantly disturbed during magnetic storms. In the conventional scenario of ionospheric storms, the negative storm phases with plasma density decreases are caused by neutral composition changes, and the positive storm phases with plasma density increases are often related to atmospheric gravity waves. However, recent studies show that the global redistribution of the ionospheric plasma is dominated primarily by electric fields during the first hours of magnetic storms. In this paper, we present the measurements of ionospheric disturbances by the DMSP satellites and GPS network during the magnetic storm on 6 April 2000. The DMSP measurements include the F region ion velocity and density at the altitude of ∼840 km, and the GPS receiver network provides total electron content (TEC) measurements. The storm-time ionospheric disturbances show the following characteristics. The plasma density is deeply depleted in a latitudinal range of ∼20° over the equatorial region in the evening sector, and the depletions represent plasma bubbles. The ionospheric plasma density at middle latitudes (20°–40° magnetic latitudes) is significantly increased. The dayside TEC is increased simultaneously over a large latitudinal range. An enhanced TEC band forms in the afternoon sector, goes through the cusp region, and enters the polar cap. All the observed ionospheric disturbances occur within 1–5 h from the storm sudden commencement. The observations suggest that penetration electric fields play a major role in the rapid generation of equatorial plasma bubbles and the simultaneous increases of the dayside TEC within the first 2 h during the storm main phase. The ionospheric disturbances at later times may be caused by the combination of penetration electric fields and neutral wind dynamo process.     

武汉上空中层顶大气重力波活动的钠层荧光激光雷达观测研究

从中国科学院武汉物理与数学研究所钠荧光激光雷达自1999年至今的观测数据中选取了分布于全年26天的数据进行重力波活动的分析研究.统计结果表明,武汉中层顶区的重力波活动非常频繁:26天总观测时间累计约为185.5 h,总共观测到124个重力波活动,平均发生频度为每小时0.7个波,且波的出现频度与地方时有一定关系.这些波的垂直波长主要分布在3-7km,垂直相速主要位于0.1-0.5 m/s.与国外报道的结果相比较,波长数值与分布较为一致,但相速明显较低.武汉中层顶区重力波活动的另一特点是多波过程很频繁,多、单波过程的出现比例约为3:2.利用钠层相对密度扰动时空图方法,给出了武汉中层顶区重力波传播和破碎现象的典型结果.还利用单色波模型对部分钠层数据进行了单色波相关参数的提取.      

Effects of geomagnetic storms on the bottomside ionospheric F region

The geomagnetic storm is a complex process of solar wind/magnetospheric origin. The variability of the ionospheric parameters increases substantially during geomagnetic storms initiated by solar disturbances. Various features of geomagnetic storm act at various altitudes in the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere. The paper deals with variability of the electron density of the ionospheric bottomside F region at every 10 km of altitude during intense geomagnetic storms with attention paid mainly to the distribution of the F1 region daytime ionisation. We have analysed all available electron density profiles from some European middle latitude stations (Chilton, Pruhonice, Ebro, Arenosillo, Athens) for 36 events that occurred in different seasons and under different levels of solar activity (1995–2003). Selected events consist of both depletion and increase of the F2 region electron density. For European higher middle and middle latitude the F1 region response to geomagnetic storm was found to be negative (decrease of electron density) independent on the storm effect on the F2 region. For lower middle latitude the F1 response is weaker and less regular. Results of the analysis also show that the maximum of the storm effect may sometimes occur below the height of the maximum of electron density (NmF2).     

Vertical density and temperature structure over Northern Europe

During the Energy Budget Campaign, several profiles of the density and temperature of the upper atmosphere were obtained. The measurements were made using rocket-borne instrumentation launched from ESRANGE, Sweden and Andoya Rocket Range, Norway during November and December, 1980. The techniques included meteorological temperature sondes, passive falling spheres, accelerometer instrumented falling spheres, density gauges, mass spectrometers and infrared emission experiments. The instruments provided data within the altitude range from 20 km to 150 km. The measurements were made during periods which have been grouped into three categories by level of geomagnetic activity. Analysis has been made to compare the results and to examine the oscillations and fluctuations in the vertical profiles for scales ranging between hundreds of meters and tens of kilometers. Most of the features observed fit qualitatively within the range expected for internal gravity waves. The geomagnetic storm conditions may be associated with enhanced wave activity and heating observed in the lower thermosphere.     

Comparison of ozone data derived from SBUV and SAGE with emphasis on longitudinal variations

Stratospheric ozone observations by the SAGE and SBUV satellite instruments in March and April, 1979 have been analyzed. All SAGE profiles have been smoothed vertically over 8 km to provide some compatibility with the SBUV vertical resolution. Comparing the zonal mean ozone mixing ratios against smoothed LIMS profiles, it is inferred that SAGE is systematically overestimating ozone by approximately 20% at tropical latitudes at pressures lower than 5 mb and that SBUV is underestimating ozone by approximately 15% at 50–70° latitude at 10 mb. A comparison of the longitudinal variations of ozone by SBUV and SAGE is made and the detectability of planetary waves in ozone is emphasized. The uncorrelated portion of the SAGE variances are found to be approximately consistent with the SAGE noise model. Based on the correlated variances, the amplitudes of the smoothed SAGE planetary waves in ozone are found to be the same, on average, as in the SBUV experiment at mid-latitudes between 1 and 10 mb. Planetary wave detectability is illustrated during two several day periods at mid-latitudes and a persistent and theoretically-consistent relationship between ozone and temperature is noted. These examples, however, indicate that differences between ozone planetary wave amplitudes derived from the two sensors may occur when there is a strong vertical gradient in wave amplitude.     

Mid-Latitude Pc1, 2 Pulsations Induced by Magnetospheric Compression in the Maximum and Early Recovery Phase of Geomagnetic Storms

We investigate the properties of interplanetary inhomogeneities generating long-lasting mid-latitude Pc1, 2 geomagnetic pulsations. The data from the Wind and IMP 8 spacecrafts, and from the Mondy and Borok midlatitude magnetic observatories are used in this study. The pulsations under investigation develop in the maximum and early recovery phase of magnetic storms. The pulsations have amplitudes from a few tens to several hundred pT andlast more than seven hours. A close association of the increase (decrease) in solar wind dynamic pressure (Psw) with the onset or enhancement (attenuation or decay) of these pulsations has been established. Contrary to high-latitude phenomena, there is a distinctive feature of the interplanetary inhomogeneities that are responsible for generation of long-lasting mid-latitude Pc1, 2. It is essential that the effect of the quasi-stationary negative Bz-component of the interplanetary magnetic field on the magnetosphere extends over 4 hours. Only then are the Psw pulses able to excite the above-mentioned type of mid-latitude geomagnetic pulsations. Model calculations show that in the cases under study the plasmapause can form in the vicinity of the magnetic observatory. This implies that the existence of an intense ring current resulting from the enhanced magnetospheric convection is necessary for the Pc1, 2 excitation. Further, the existence of the plasmapause above the observation point (as a waveguide) is necessary for long-lasting Pc1 waves to arrive at the ground.      

Investigation of the thermosphere-ionosphere interaction by means of the neutral post-storm effect

Previous investigations of the authors based on the decay rates of many satellites have demonstrated the existence of a post-storm effect in the neutral atmosphere after geomagnetic storms. Its maximum appears 4–6 days after the storm onset. It generally lasts 8–10 days, but if there is also an ionospheric post-storm effect, then it is about twice as long at mid-latitudes and in the evening hours. The observed characteristics of the post-storm effect seem to indicate that it is related to the precipitation of ring current particles due to charge exchange and wave-particle interactions.     

A three-dimensional modelling study of the processes leading to mid latitude nitric oxide increases in the lower thermosphere following periods of high geomagnetic activity

The processes leading to enhancements in mid latitude nitric oxide (NO) densities following geomagnetic storms have been investigated using the University College London (UCL) Coupled Middle Atmosphere and Thermosphere (CMAT) general circulation model. A comparison of calculated storm time and quiet time NO densities at 110 km altitude reveals the presence of aurorally produced NO at both high and mid latitudes for several days after subsidence of activity. At 150 km, the NO enhancements are shorter lived and remain for up to approximately 2 days after the storm. By separating the contribution of chemical production and loss, horizontal and vertical advection, and molecular and eddy diffusion in the calculation of NO densities, we show that at 150 km altitude, horizontal transport must be taken into consideration if post-storm mid latitude enhancements are to be reproduced. Chemical production of NO at high latitudes continues for up to 2 days after subsidence of a storm at altitudes of around 150 km. We show that equatorward winds at this altitude are sufficiently strong to transport the aurorally produced NO to mid latitudes. Vertical diffusion transports NO from altitudes of 150 km and above, to lower altitudes where it is longer lived. At 110 km altitude, chemical, diffusive and advective terms must all be included in the calculation of NO density in order to simulate realistic mid latitude enhancements. We propose that it is the combined effects of increased chemical production, downward diffusion from altitudes of 150 km and above, and transport by winds that lead to increases in mid latitude NO density at altitudes of around 110 km. This is the first detailed study of the causes of post-storm mid latitude NO enhancements to use a three-dimensional general circulation model.     

Effect of moderate geomagnetic storms on equatorial plasma bubbles over eastern Africa in the year 2012: Evolution and electrodynamics

Equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) are common features of the equatorial and low-latitude ionosphere and are known to cause radio wave scintillation which leads to the degradation of communication and navigation systems. Although these structures have been studied for decades, a full understanding of their evolution and dynamics remains important for space weather mitigation purposes. In this study, we present cases of EPBs occurrences around April and July 2012 geomagnetic storm periods over the African equatorial sector. The EPBs were observed from the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) and generally correlated well to the ionospheric irregularities observed from the Global Positioning System total electron content (GPS-TEC) measurements (rate of TEC change, ROT). This study revealed that the evolution of the EPBs during moderate storms is controlled by the strength of the daytime equatorial electrojet (EEJ) currents regardless of the strength of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), the latter is observed during the July storm case in particular. These effects were more evident during the main and part of the early recovery phases of the geomagnetic storm days considered. However, the evening hours TEC gradients between regions of the magnetic equator and ionization crests also played roles in the existence of ionospheric irregularities.     

Seasonal variation of gravity wave sources from satellite observation

Recent high-resolution satellite observations of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere have shown correlations with the strength of the stratospheric jet stream, surface topography, and tropical convection. Seasonal variations of wave-induced stratospheric radiance variances are often the manifestations of modulations of these sources and refractive influences. In this paper, we focus on the seasonal climatology of gravity waves observed by the UARS MLS, while also showing some new results from GPS and AMSU instruments. Our analysis is aided by MWFM modeling of mountain waves at high latitudes and CMAP precipitation indices in the subtropics to provide a clearer picture of global gravity wave dynamics.