Influence of sea roughness and atmospheric inhomogeneities on microwave radiation of the atmosphere-ocean system

A discussion of the influence of sea roughness and spatial atmospheric inhomogeneities on the precision of satellite microwave radiometric measurements of the atmospheric parameters is presented. The two-scale model for microwave radiation of the ruffled sea surface without foam and spray is confirmed by experimental measurements. Investigations of the brightness temperature fluctuations of the clear and cloudy atmosphere are made using aircraft experimental measurements at the wavelengths 0.8 and 1.35 cm. Calculations of the radiation averaged over a satellite antenna footprint are carried out on the basis of these results and of well-known results of optical and infrared measurements. It is shown that sea roughness and the nonuniformity of clouds may result in errors in the integrated atmosphere water vapor and cloud liquid water content determination by satellite two-wavelength (0.8 and 1.35 cm) radiometric measurements up to 30 and 70 percent, respectively.     

On two small-scale circulation mechanisms of fine-aerosol transport in the atmospheric surface layer

Small-scale processes are taken to mean the disturbances of the atmospheric basic background which are caused by the thermal inhomogeneity of the underlying surface and under which one can neglect the effects of both centripetal and Coriolis accelerations. Slight disturbances suggest the use of linearized hydrothermodynamic equations of a weakly compressible atmosphere. Two models are considered. In one of the models, circulation over a weakly sloping barchan is analyzed using a refined model of mountain—valley circulation (the well-known Prandtl model). The other model, which is a model of a thermal spot in a geostrophic flow, can conditionally be called “anticonvective.” This problem is solved using the method of universal functions for parabolic equations with variable coefficients.     

Infrasound scattering from atmospheric anisotropic inhomogeneities

A model of anisotropic fluctuations forming in wind velocity and air temperature in a stably stratified atmosphere is described. The formation mechanism of these fluctuations is associated with the cascade transport of energy from sources of atmospheric gravity waves to wave disturbances with shorter vertical scales (than the scales of the initial disturbances generated by the sources) and, at the same time, with longer horizontal scales. This model is used to take into account the effects of infrasonic-wave scattering from anisotropic inhomogeneities of the effective sound speed in the atmosphere. Experimental data on the stratospheric, mesospheric, and thermospheric arrivals of signals (generated by explosion sources such as surface explosions and volcanoes) in the zones of acoustic shadow are interpreted on the basis of the results of calculations of the scattered infrasonic field in the context of the parabolic equation. The signals calculated with consideration for the fine structure of wind velocity and air temperature are compared with the signals observed in a shadow zone. The possibility to acoustically sound this structure at heights of both the middle and upper atmospheres is discussed.     

On acoustic N-wave reflections from atmospheric layered inhomogeneities

The nonlinear propagation of acoustic pulses from a point source of an explosive character (surface explosion or volcano) throughout the atmosphere with stratified wind-velocity and temperature inhomogeneities is studied. The nonlinear distortions of acoustic pulse and its transformation into an N-wave during its propagation to the upper atmosphere are analyzed in the context of a modified Burgers’ equation which takes into account a geometric ray-tube divergence simultaneously with an increase in both nonlinear and dissipative effects with height due to a decrease in atmospheric density. The problem of reflection of a spherical N-wave from an atmospheric inhomogeneous layer with model vertical wind-velocity and temperature fluctuations having a vertical spectrum that is close to that observed within the middle atmosphere is considered. The relation between the parameters (form, length, frequency spectrum, and intensity) of signals reflected from an atmospheric inhomogeneous layer and the parameters of the atmospheric fine layered structure at reflection heights is analyzed. The theoretically predicted forms of signals reflected from stratified inhomogeneities within the stratosphere and the lower thermosphere are compared to the observed typical forms of both stratospheric and thermospheric arrivals from surface explosions and volcanoes in the zones of an acoustic shadow.     

Acoustic plane-wave scattering from a rough surface over a random fluid medium

Acoustic plane-wave scattering from a rough surface overlying a fluid half-space with a sound-speed distribution subject to a small random variation is considered. Under the assumption that the surface roughness and medium randomness are statistically independent, the scattered field may be derived by first solving for the mean field in the medium, and then incorporating with boundary-perturbation method to obtain the total mean field and the power spectral density of the scattered field. The employed algorithm is compatible to the analysis available in the existing literature so that the formulations are conveniently integrated. The results for the power spectral density have shown that the effects of medium inhomogeneities on the rough surface scattering are limited in a spectral regime where the scattered components have shallow grazing angles. The distribution of the power spectral density over the space is primarily governed by the power spectrum and correlation lengths of the rough surface.     

On several mechanisms of the formation of the compensated thermohaline inhomogeneities in the ocean

The process of the geostrophic adjustment in the stably stratified two-component medium is studied in the framework of a linear approximation. We demonstrate that, at the final stage of that process, a stationary trace is generated by the distribution of the temperature and salinity, whose horizontal inhomogeneities mutually compensate in the field of the density. The compensation level for the stationary thermohaline distributions forming during the geostrophic adjustment is estimated. The origination mechanism of compensated thermohaline inhomogeneities in hydrodynamically stable shear flows is examined. We show that, in such flows, the disturbances of the fields of buoyancy (density), pressure, and velocity damp with time, whereas the compensated disturbances of the fields of the temperature and salinity are carried off by the flow without damping. Based on the explicit solutions of the dynamic equations, it is shown that the evolution of the compensated distribution of the temperature and salinity in the shear flows usually results in the sharpening of the spatial gradients. This feature may be, among others, related to one of the factors of the origination of the fine structure of the ocean: the small-scale thermohaline inhomogeneities, which exist against the background of the smooth vertical distribution of the density.     

Nonreflected vertical propagation of acoustic waves in a strongly inhomogeneous atmosphere

Using the linear theory of waves in a compressible atmosphere located in a gravitational field, we found a family of sound speed profiles for which the wave field can be represented by a traveling wave with no reflection. The vertical flux of wave energy on these nonreflected profiles is retained, which proves that the energy transfer may occur over long distances.     

Space and time variations in the fine structure of the upper atmosphere according to acoustic sounding data

The results of studying variations in the fine layered structure of the upper atmosphere (heights of 20–140 km) according to data obtained from acoustic sounding within the range of infrasonic waves are given. The sources of infrasounds were surface explosions equivalent to 10 kg to 70 t of TNT. These explosions were set off in different seasons in different regions of Russia. Experimental data obtained in 1981–2011 have been analyzed. It has been found that the fine structure in the form of vertically distributed layered formations occurs in the upper atmosphere in all seasons. Moreover, the vertical distribution of both air-temperature and wind-velocity inhomogeneities in the upper atmosphere may be invariable over a time interval of no less than several hours. It has also been found that, throughout the entire atmospheric thickness from the stratopause to the lower thermosphere heights (up to 140 km), the instantaneous height distribution of layered air-temperature and wind-velocity inhomogeneities may remain almost unchanged during a time interval of no less than 20 min.     

Dynamics of long spatial nonlinear waves in an ocean with a density jump and a gently sloping bottom

This paper deals with the modeling of the propagation of three-dimensional gravitational perturbations of small but finite amplitudes in shallow two-layered water in basins with a gently sloping bottom. A single integral-differential evolution equation is derived that takes into account the long-wave contributions of the inertia of liquid layers and surface tension and the weak nonlinearity of the disturbances, as well as the nonstationary water shear srtess at the bottom. A numerical implementation of the model equation that allows us to adequately describe the processes considered is suggested. The transformations of spatial solitary perturbations in the pycnocline of basins with different bottom topographies are presented.     

Hybrid Surface Waves from a Harmonic Perturbation Source

The problem of constructing uniform asymptotics of surface perturbations of far fields from a localized harmonic source in the flow of a heavy homogeneous fluid of infinite depth is considered. It is shown that the wave pattern of generated far fields at specific parameters is a system of hybrid wave disturbances that simultaneously possesses the properties of waves of two types: annular (transverse) and wedgeshaped (longitudinal) waves. The properties of the phase structure and wave fronts of the generated fields are studied. Uniform asymptotics of the solutions describing hybrid surface wave disturbances far from a harmonic source are constructed.     

Temperature fluctuations in the atmospheric surface layer over the thermally inhomogeneous underlying surface

The influence of both spatial and temporal temperature inhomogeneities of the underlying surface on the temperature field in an unstably stratified atmospheric surface layer is considered. The methods of correlation and spectral analyses are proposed to estimate statistical characteristics of surface-air temperature fluctuations caused by both turbulent mixing and inhomogeneities in the temperature of the underlying surface. Analysis of experimental data obtained from measurements in the atmospheric surface layer yields estimates for the contribution made by the time-dependent thermal properties of the underlying surface to the total variance of air-temperature fluctuations. It is shown that the additional air-temperature fluctuations generated by surface-temperature inhomogeneities and unrelated to shear flow may reach 70% and 30% of the total variance of measured fluctuations under variable cloudiness and clear skies, respectively. For the height z = 2 m within the wave-number range 2 × 10^?3 rad m^?1 < k < 0.1 rad m^?1, the contribution made by a spatial surface-temperature inhomogeneity to the variance of air-temperature fluctuations does not exceed 10% of the total variance. Correlation and spectral analyses of experimental data make it possible to isolate the spectra of properly turbulent fluctuations from the measured fluctuations and thus to obtain more accurate values of the universal function of similarity theory for temperature in the range of small wave numbers beyond the inertial range.     

Consideration for the tropopause’s displacements in the problem of flow over mountains

Within the framework of a two-dimensional, inviscid, stationary model, the problem of an unbounded (in height) two-layer quasi-static airflow over mesoscale mountains is considered. The airflow is characterized by a constant velocity and a discontinuity of temperature stratification at the inner interface (tropopause). The conjugation conditions for the flow fields at the boundary between the layers are formulated exactly, without the standard assumption of small perturbations. According to calculations, partial reflection of wave energy from the tropopause is substantially controlled by nonlinear effects associated with a finite height and shape of terrain. The tropopause’s displacement from the initial (equilibrium) level has a stabilizing effect on the flow, thus interfering with the development of anomalously strong disturbances. As a result, the flow field remains statically stable within a considerably wider range of flow parameters and for a larger mountain heights than predicted in the context of the conventional linear theory. The results obtained in this study are indicative of the importance of a correct consideration of the dynamic interaction between the troposphere and the overlying layers during both simulation of the process of flow and analysis of real atmospheric situations over mountains.     

Magnetohydrodynamic models of the upper atmosphere of Earth and some applications thereof

The earlier developed monotonous conservative variant of a net-characteristic method of the second- and third-order approximation based on 3D equations of magnetic gasodynamics with consideration for the magnetic field diffusion is expanded for the solution of dynamic problems on the flow of the upper atmosphere of the Earth by solar plasma. It is modified, which results in support for the solenoidality of the magnetic field and the removal of the magnetic charge. Calculations are carried out and preliminary results of using software complexes to simulate the passage of the leading edge of solar plasma through the upper atmosphere of the Earth are given. Unlike existing studies in this direction, the dynamics of the passage of the leading edge upon a strong burst in the intensity of solar wind over the entire altitude range from the surface of the Earth to the upper magnetosphere is considered.     

On the numerical modeling of tsunami wave generation and propagation

Abstract

In this article three main stages of tsunami wave evolution are investigated. At first, the development of disturbances from a given patched elevation of the bottom surface in an incompressible nonviscous fluid of the uniform depth is considered. Then, a tsunami wave diffraction by underwater bottom elevation or cavity is investigated. In this case the shallow water equations are already used, and it is supposed that a cylindrical wave is spread from patched water elevation over the epicentrum. Last, the tsunami propagation and transformation in a shallow water region and its run‐up on a beach are investigated on the basis of the improved shallow water theory, taking into consideration the nonlinear and dispersive terms of higher order. The proposed theory is tested in a problem of collisions of two solutions. Solutions of the first and the second problems are obtained by the method of integral Laplace's transformation with following numerical inversion of transformations. A finite difference method for a solution of the last problem is used.     

一次黄海海雾的三维数值模拟研究

本文利用 1个考虑了地形效应、植被影响、长波辐射、地表能量收支、液态水的重力沉降等影响雾的形成和发展主要因子的三维海雾模式 ,模拟了 1995 - 0 6 - 0 1发生在黄海的 1次实际海雾过程 ,分析了海雾生长、发展和消亡过程中液态水含量和其它物理量的三维时空分布变化特征。结果表明 ,该模式能较好地模拟出黄海海域实际的海雾生消过程 ,对海雾的三维结构有一定的模拟能力。     

Coastal currents adjacent to the Caeté Estuary,Pará Region,North Brazil

We examined and compared tidal currents and water column structure between a near-shore station (12 km from the coast) and an offshore station (32 km from the coast) adjacent to the Caeté River, Pará Region, Brazil. Although the coastal system of Pará is largely influenced by local tides and wind, we found substantial differences in the dominant forcing agents between stations. Water column dynamics at the near-shore station were largely affected by local tidal processes, while differences between surface and bottom layer flows also indicated the importance of gravitational circulation at this station and a substantial influence of the adjacent Caeté River discharge. In comparison, at the offshore station, water column structure was largely influenced by a semi-diurnal tidal flow, an along-coastal current flow (mainly associated with the North Brazil Current) and the dynamics of local wind flow. The near-shore station at low tide showed a high level of stratification; at high tide such stratification was reduced. In comparison, stratification was only apparent within the upper 6 m at the offshore station, the rest of the water column was relatively well-mixed. The stratification within Station 1 at low tide was a result of the bi-directional movement of water discharged from the Caeté River, with lower salinity surface water and high salinity bottom water resulting in an estuarine-like circulation environment. The spatial variability and lack of correlation in current flow and water column structure between the near-shore and offshore stations suggest that a flow field resulting from differences in local circulation, tidal variability and wind persistence separate areas. We argue that this separation may indicate that the offshore station is located in a transition region between the Caeté River waters and the local coastal area.     

Imagery of the inhomogeneities of currents on the ocean surface state

The influence of inhomogeneities of surface currents on the intensity of breaking wind waves is considered and a model for the relation between whitecap contrasts and the tensor of current gradients is developed. The imagery of typical patterns of ocean currents is discussed. The results of field observations supporting this model are given.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Diagnostics of the mesoscale water exchange on the basis of statistical characteristics of the distribution of normalized radiance

A new approach is suggested for the diagnostics of manifestations of water exchange in the field of normalized radiance and automation of the analysis of digital images of the water surface. The approach is based on the application of a set of statistical characteristics of a radiance relief as an integral indication of local inhomogeneities in the water medium and provides for the estimate of these characteristics over small regions (frames) of the basin studied using multispectral information. Using the example of the SeaWiFS scanner data on the evolution of an eddy dipole in August 1998 in a study region with a size of 160 × 160 km in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, it was shown that the estimates of a number of statistical characteristics of spectrally different radiance reliefs found in the frames with a size of 40 × 40 km significantly depended on the presence of fragments of an eddy dipole or other structures in these frames. A set of such characteristics made possible reliable differentiation of radiance reliefs by the degree of randomness, by the orientation of the inhomogeneities that form the relief, and by other properties caused by the variability of the light scattering and light absorbing admixtures in the sea medium in the course of the water exchange. The approach does not require any preliminary information about the object of observations. It is promising in the basins with moderate water transparency and vertical inhomogeneity of the upper layer available for remote profiling.     

Hydrodynamic shape optimization of thin floating plates

In this work, the problem of optimizing the shape of a thin floating plate (sometimes called a dock) to maximize radiation damping is investigated. The plate is modeled with zero draft and floats on the surface of an irrotational, incompressible ocean of infinite extent. For simplicity, only rigid heave motions are considered. The flow problem is analyzed using the Chen and Mei variational principle wherein the potential field inside a hemisphere surrounding the plate is represented using a spherical harmonic expansion and matched on the hemisphere to an outer field described by distributing sources on the hemisphere. The plate shape is parameterized using a Fourier series which is suitable for use with the variational principle. Gradients of the damping coefficient with respect to the shape parameters are developed by solving an adjoint flow problem whose potential is shown to be a scalar multiple of the original flow potential. Optimal plate shapes are determined using the well-known optimization code NPSOL which makes use of the damping coefficient calculation and gradients.     

Wave interaction with a semi-porous cylindrical breakwater mounted on a storage tank

The interaction of linear water waves with a semi-porous cylindrical breakwater surrounding a rigid vertical circular cylinder mounted on a storage tank is investigated theoretically. The cylindrical breakwater structure is porous in the vicinity of the free-surface, while at some distance below the water surface it becomes impermeable. Under the assumptions of linearized potential flow, the coupled problem of flow in the interior and exterior fluid regions is solved by an eigenfunction expansion approach. Analytical expressions are obtained for the wave motion in both the interior and exterior flow regions. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the effects of the various wave and structural parameters on the hydrodynamic loads and interior and exterior wave fields. It is found that for certain parameter combinations the semi-porous, cylindrical breakwater may result in a significant reduction in the wave field and hydrodynamic forces experienced by the interior structure.