The Value Of The β Coefficient In The Relaxed Eddy Accumulation Method In Terms Of Fourth-Order Moments

The commonly measured value of in the relaxed eddy accumulationmethod of about 0.56is shown to arise from the non-Gaussiannature of turbulence. Fourth-orderGram–Charlier functions forthe two-dimensional probability distributionsof variation in the horizontal component of wind velocityand concentrations of water vapour, carbondioxide and methane with respect to thevertical component of wind velocity are used to examinethe value of .An analytical solution for ispresented in terms of fourth-order moments.Under mean conditions, this solution givesa value for of0.557. Variation of is shown to be controlledprimarily by the ratio of the mean ofc'w3 (where c'is relevant to the entity of interest andw' is vertical component of windvelocity) to the correlationcoefficient between the entity concentrationand vertical component of wind velocity.     

Near-field dispersion from instantaneous sources in the surface layer

This paper considers the near-field dispersion of an ensemble of tracer particles released instantaneously from an elevated source into an adiabatic surface layer. By modelling the Lagrangian vertical velocity as a Markov process which obeys the Langevin equation, we show analytically that the mean vertical drift velocity w(t) is w()=bu _*(1–e ^–(1+)), where is time since release (nondimensionalized with the Lagrangian time scale at the source), b Batchelor's constant, and u _*, the friction velocity. Hence, the mean height and mean depth of the ensemble are calculated. Although the derivation is formally valid only when 1, the predictions for w, mean height and mean depth are consistent in the downstream limit ( 1) with surface-layer Lagrangian similarity theory and with the diffusion equation. By comparing the analytical predictions with numerical, randomflight solutions of the Langevin equation, the analytical predictions are shown to be good approximations at all times, both near-field and far-field.     

Numerical Simulation of Strongly Stratified Flow Over a Three-Dimensional Hill

A numerical study of stably stratified flow over a three-dimensional hill is presented. Large-eddy simulation is used here to examine in detail the laboratory experimental flows described in the landmark work of Hunt and Snyder about stratified flow over a hill. The flow is linearly stratified and U/Nh is varied from 0.2 to 1.0. Here N and U are the buoyancy frequency and freestream velocity respectively, and h is the height of the hill. The Reynolds number based on the hill height is varied from 365 to 2968. The characteristic flow patterns at various values of U/Nh have been obtained and they are in good agreement with earlier theoretical and experimental results. It is shown that the flow field cannot be predicted by Drazin's theory when recirculation exists at the leeside of the hill even at UNh 1. The wake structure agrees well with a two-dimensional wake assumption when U/Nh 1 but lee waves start to influence the wake structure as U/Nh increases. The dividing-streamline heights obtained in the simulation are in accordance with experimental results and Sheppard's formula. The energy loss along the dividing streamline due to friction/turbulence approximately offsets the energy gained from pressure field. When lee waves are present, linear theory always underestimates the amplitude and overestimates the wavelength of three-dimensional lee waves. The simulated variations of drag coefficients with the parameterK (=ND/ U) are qualitatively consistent with experimental data and linear theory. Here D is the depth of the tank.     

A study of a fair weather boundary layer in TOGA-COARE: Parameterization of surface fluxes in large scale and regional models for light wind conditions

The study focuses on a way to parameterize the effect of subgrid scale convective motions on surface fluxes in large scale and regional models for the case of light surface winds. As previously proposed, these subgrid effects are assumed to scale with the convection intensity through the relationship: where is the mean velocity of the wind, U₀ the velocity of the mean wind, w_* the free convection velocity, and an empirical coefficient to be determined. Both observations and numerical simulation are presently used to determine the free convection coefficient .Large eddy simulation of a fair weather convective boundary layer case observed during TOGA-COARE is performed. Comparisons between observations and the simulation of surface properties and vertical profiles in the planetary boundary layer are presented. The simulated vertical turbulent fluxes of heat, moisture and buoyancy range well within estimates from aircraft measurements.The most important result is that the true free convection coefficient , directly estimated from simulation, leads to a value of 0.65, smaller than the ones estimated from temporal and spatial variances. Using observations and simulation, estimates of from temporal and spatial variances are obtained with similar values 0.8. From both theoretical derivations and numerical computations, it is shown that estimates of the true from variances are possible but only after applying a correction factor equal to 0.8. If this correction is not used, is overestimated by about 25%. The time and space sampling problem is also addressed in using numerical simulations.     

Effects of heat and water vapor transport on eddy covariance measurement of CO2 fluxes

Flux densities of carbon dioxide were measured over an arid, vegetation-free surface by eddy covariance techniques and by a heat budget-profile method, in which CO₂ concentration gradients were specified in terms of mixing ratios. This method showed negligible fluxes of CO₂, consistent with the bareness of the experimental site, whereas the eddy covariance measurements indicated large downward fluxes of CO₂. These apparently conflicting observations are in quantitative agreement with the results of a recent theory which predicts that whenever there are vertical fluxes of sensible or latent heat, a mean vertical velocity is developed. This velocity causes a mean vertical convective mass flux (= _cw for CO₂, in standard notation). The eddy covariance technique neglects this mean convective flux and measures only the turbulent flux _c w. Thus, when the net flux of CO₂ is zero, the eddy covariance method indicates an apparent flux which is equal and opposite to the mean convective flux, i.e., _c w = – _c w. Corrections for the mean convective flux are particularly significant for CO₂ because _cw and _c w are often of similar magnitude. The correct measurement of the net CO₂ flux by eddy covariance techniques requires that the fluxes of sensible and latent heat be measured as well.     

Convective Profile Constants Revisited

This paper examines the interpolation betweenBusinger–Dyer (Kansas-type) formulae,_u = (1 -1 6 )^-1/4 and_t = (1 - 16 )^-1/2, and free convection forms. Based on matching constraints, the constants, a_u and a_t, in the convective flux-gradient relations, _u = (1 - a_u )^-1/3 and _t = (1 - a_t )^-1/3, are determined. It isshown that a_u and a_t cannot be completely independent if convective forms are blended with theKansas formulae. In other words, these relationships already carryinformation about a_u and a_t. This follows because the Kansas relations cover a wide stability range (up to = - 2), which includes a lower part of the convective sublayer (about 0.1 < - < 2). Thus, there is a subrange where both Kansas and convective formulae are valid. Matching Kansas formulae and free convection relations within thesubrange 0.1 < - < 2 and independently smoothing ofthe blending function are used to determine a_u and a_t. The values a_u = 10 for velocity and a_t = 34for scalars (temperature and humidity) give a good fit. This new approacheliminates the need for additional independent model constants and yields a`smooth' blending between Kansas and free-convection profileforms in the COARE bulk algorithm.     

One-dimensional checkerboards and blending heights

We analyze the checkerboard problem of many alternating surfaces with different properties, on scales up to (say) 3,000 m. Power-law representations of the vertical profiles of mean wind speed and eddy diffusivity lead to solutions in terms of Kelvin and trigonometric functions.These solutions are used to determine blending heights (_*), where deviations from the mean of concentration, or of vertical flux density, fall to some small fraction, , of their value at the surface. Values of _*are important for regional and larger-scale meteorological models. In smaller scale micrometeorological studies, they may serve also as the top levels of surface boundary layers.An important result for both theoretical and experimental contexts is that deviations of flux persist with elevation much more strongly than those of concentration, so that, in general, _* should be based on flux rather than concentration. Representative values of _*, for = 0.05, are of order 5 and 30 m for surface pattern wavelengths of 10² and 10³ m, respectively. Values of _* are robust to changes in adopted power-law indices, and are independent of wind speed. Surface roughness has a mild but calculable effect.     

Equilibrium evaporation beneath a growing convective boundary layer

Expressions for the equilibrium surface Bowen ratio ( _s ) and equilibrium evaporation are derived for a growing convective boundary layer (CBL) in terms of the Bowen ratio at the top of the mixed layer _i and the entrainment parameter A _R . If A_R is put equal to zero, the solution for _s becomes-that previously obtained for the zero entrainment or closed box model. The Priestley-Taylor parameter is also calculated and plotted in terms ofA _R and _i . Realistic combinations of the atmospheric parameters give values of in the range 1.1 to 1.4.     

An explicit three-dimensional nonhydrostatic numerical simulation of a tropical cyclone

Summary A nonhydrostatic numerical simulation of a tropical cyclone is performed with explicit representation of cumulus on a meso- scale grid and for a brief period on a meso- scale grid. Individual cumulus plumes are represented by a combination of explicit resolution and a 1.5 level closure predicting turbulent kinetic energy (TKE).The results demonstrate a number of expected and unexpected important scale interaction processes. Within the central core of the developing cyclone, meso- convective regions grow and breakdown into propagating inertiagravity waves throughout the lifecycle of the cyclone. In the early stages, the amplitude of pressure fluctuations associated with the meso- scale convection exceed the central pressure of the cyclone and strongly modulate its intensity. With each meso- scale pulsation, the cyclone core increases in strength, measured by the central pressure deficit. The increasingly strong inertial frequency of the storm core acts to increasingly trap the convection induced heating within the core by balancing the tangential wind against the low central pressure, before the meso- scale convection breaks down and sends the warmth away as a propagating wave. Eventually, the slow manifold's amplitude exceeds the amplitude of the meso- scale oscillations and a stable eye region is formed. As inertial instability increases, increasingly high thermal warmth can be protected in the core, allowing persistent subsidence to form and to clear out the cyclone eye.On the outside of the eye wall, strong inertial stability gradients in the troposphere cause convective warming to split the inflow to the eye wal! and spawn outwardly propagating inertia gravity waves. These waves carry away all of the heating forced by convection that is not inertially trapped by the eye wall and act as a moderating influence on storm intensity.Inertia gravity waves are also spawned in the stratosphere at the top of the eye wall by the revolution of asymmetric cumulus structures. In all instances, the tropospheric waves are coupled to the propagating stratospheric waves which both move at 35 ms^–1, although there are many instances where the stratospheric waves seem to have no tropospheric counterpart. Hence the anvil top forcing and low level breakdown are linked.The outwardly propagating inertia gravity waves act to initiate outer bands of convection. This initiation is with the assistance of low level boundary layer variations of density related to previous convection and to virga falling from the anvil which moistens and destabilizes the mid levels of _e minimum. The convection initiated by these waves does not move substantially outward with the wave, although may appear to develop outward discontinuously.With 12 Figures     

ALPEX-Simulation

Summary In a project ALPEX-Simulation, sponsored by the Österreichischer Fond zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF), all eight cases of ALPEX-SOP cyclones were numerically simulated with a fine mesh isentropic model of the atmosphere. These numerical simulations in six-hourly intervals allow a deeper insight into the synoptics and dynamics of the cyclogeneses in the Western Mediterranean, especially into the genesis of the two basic types of cyclones: the so-called Überströmungs-type and Vorderseiten-type. In the first phase of cyclogenesis of the Überströmungs-type, the blocking and flow splitting of the cold air due to the Alps and the canalization between the Alps and the Massif Central are important. Cold air flows cyclonically around the western part of the Alps, creating a vorticity maximum at the south western edge of the Alpine, bow and leads also to an enhanced PV. In connection with warm air in the Mediterranean, a strong baroclinic zone is generated. The interaction between the arriving PV maximum in the upper troposphere and the enhanced PV at the bottom leads to cyclogenesis in the Western Mediterranean. In the case of the Vorderseiten-type warm air advection dominates with the exception of a shallow layer of cold air in the inner Po-Valley, which is shielded by the Alpine ridge. A well-pronounced PV maximum builds up and couples with the PV maximum arriving at upper levels, even before the cold air, coming from the north-west, has surrounded the Alps. The cold air only intensifies the development by raising the baroclinity. Therefore, the Vorderseiten-cyclogenesis is an orographically modified cyclogenesis, in the course of which the cyclonic development is triggered by the Alps, whereas the Überströmungs-cyclogenesis is an orographically induced cyclogenesis i.e. a true lee cyclogenesis.With 14 FiguresDied in a tragic traffic accident on June 6, 1993.     

Transport-Dissipation Analytical Solutions to the E-∈Turbulence Model and their Role in Predictions of the Neutral ABL

E- turbulence model predictions of the neutralatmospheric boundary layer (NABL) are reinvestigated to determine thecause for turbulence overpredictions found in previous applications. Analytical solutions to the coupled E and equations for the case of steady balance between transport and dissipation terms, the dominant balance just below the NABL top, are derived. It is found that analytical turbulence profiles laminarizeat a finite height only for values of closure parameter ratio c ₂ /_e equal toor slightly greater than one, with laminarization as z for greater . The point = 2 is additionally foundthat where analytical turbulent length scale (l) profilesmade a transition from ones ofdecreasing ( < 2) to increasing ( > 2)values with height. Numerically predicted profiles near the NABL topare consistent with analytical findings. The height-increasingvalues of l predicted throughout the NABL with standard values ofclosure parameters thus appear a consequence of 2.5(> 2), implied by these values (c ₂ = 1.92, _{= 1.3}, _{e = 1}). Comparison of numericalpredictions with DNS data shows that turbulence overpredictions obtained with standard-valued parameters are rectifiedby resetting and _e to 1.1 and 1.6, respectively, giving, with c ₂ = 1.92, 1.3, and laminarization of the NABL's cappingtransport-dissipation region at a finite height.     

Trajectory Curvature As A Selection Criterion For valid Lagrangian Stochastic Dispersion Models

Among well-mixed multi-dimensional Lagrangian stochastic (LS) dispersion models, we observe that those in poorest agreement with observations produce spiralling trajectories, with an associated reduction in dispersion. We therefore investigate statistics of increments d ' to the orientation '= arctan(W'/U') of the Lagrangian velocity-fluctuation vector – as a possible means to distinguish the better LS models within the well-mixed class. Zero-spin models, having d' = 0, are found to provide best agreement with observations. It is not clear however, whether imposition of the zero-spin property selects (in conjunction with the well-mixed condition) a unique model.     

Modification Of The Standard ∈-Equation For The Stable Abl Through Enforced Consistency With Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory

A condition is derived for consistency of the standard-equation with Monin–Obukhov (MO) similarity theory of thestably-stratified surface layer. The condition is derivedby extending the procedure used to derive the analogous condition forneutral theory to stable stratification. It is shown that consistencywith MO theory requires a function of flux Richardson number, Ri_f, to be absorbed into either of two closure parameters, c ₁ or c ₂.Inconsistency, on the other hand, results if constant values of these are maintained for all Ri_f, as is done in standardapplication of the equation, and the large overpredictions ofturbulence found in such application to the one-dimensionalstable atmospheric boundary layer (1D-SBL) are traced to thisinconsistency. Guided by this, we formulate a MO-consistent-equation by absorbing the aforementioned function intoc ₁, and combine this with a Level-2.5 second-orderclosure model for vertical eddy viscosity and diffusivities.Numerical predictions of the 1D-SBL by the modified model converge to a quasi-steady state, rectifying the predictive failure of the standard -equation for the case.Quasi-steady predictions of non-dimensional variables agree stronglywith Nieuwstadt's theory. Qualitative accuracy of predictionsis inferred from comparisons to field data, large-eddy simulationresults and Rossby-number similarity relationships.     

Analysis of Astex-Stratocumulus Observational Data Using a Mass-Flux Approach

A mass-flux approach is applied to observational data obtained in a convective boundary layer topped with stratocumulus clouds. The observational data were obtained from aircraft measurements during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX). A conditional sampling method is used to calculate average updraft and downdraft values. The vertical fluxes calculated with the mass-flux approach are found to be proportional to the real (measured) fluxes, with a proportionality factor being about 0.6. This value is predicted by theory for two variables having a joint Gaussian distribution function; proportionality factor = 2^-1 0.637. The horizontal fractional entrainment and detrainment rates calculated from the data ( 1–2 × 10^-2 m^-1) are an order of magnitude higher than the rates obtained by large eddy simulations for cumulus convection ( 2–3 × 10^-3 m^-1) and two orders of magnitude higher than those used in modelling cumulus convection with a mass-flux scheme in an operational weather forecast model ( 3 × 10^-4 m^-1). A numerical mass-flux model for the thermodynamics was developed and showed that results are in good agreement when compared with measured profiles of the liquid water content.     

A note on the frequency of occurrence of severe winters as evidenced in monastery and historical records from Greece during the period 1200–1900 A.D.

Summary Monastery and historical records for Greece during the period 1200–1900 A.D. have been used to obtain the number of severe winters which occurred during this time period. A winter was considered as being severe if long duration of snow cover and/or freezing of lakes in Greece were archived. Evidence is presented that the coldest periods in Greece during the period 1200–1900 A.D. occurred in the first half of the 15th century, in the second half of the 17th and in the 19th century. Geographical coherence is indicated with other areas in Europe, e.g., with The Netherlands, where historical records exist over the same period. The number of severe winters in 50-year intervals does show a positive correlation with the volcanic dust veil index.

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Zusammenfassung Kloster- und andere historische Aufzeichnungen Griechenlands über den Zeitraum 1200 – 1900 wurden herangezogen, um die Anzahl der strengen Winter zu ermitteln. Ein Winter wurde als streng eingestuft, wenn lang anhaltende Schneedecke und/oder das Einfrieren von Seen in Griechenland verzeichnet wurden.Deutlich erweisen sich hierbei die erste Hälfte des 15. Jahrhunderts, die zweite Hälfte des 17. Jahrhunderts und das 19. Jahrhundert als kälteste Perioden in Griechenland während des genannten Zeitraums. Dies erwies sich als geographisch kohärent mit anderen Teilen Europas, z. B. mit den Niederlanden, für die historische Aufzeichnungen über den selben Zeitraum existieren. Die Anzahl der strengen Winter in 50-Jahr-Intervallen weist eine positive Korrelation mit dem Vulkanstaub-Index auf.

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With 3 Figures     

Nine fallacies of natural disaster: The case of the Sahel

This article presents nine statements which are generally accepted as true. However, when they are applied to a particular situation, in this case the recent prolonged drought in the Sahelian zone in West Africa, they are as often untrue as they are true. For example, such generalizations as people learn from their mistakes or when the rains come, everything will return to normal or technology is the answer, when applied uncritically to a specific situation often prove to become part of the problem as well as a hindrance to the attainment of a solution to that problem.It is strongly suggested that these nine generalizations, here called fallacies, be carefully assessed when applied, thereby removing one more obstacle in dealing with environmental problems in general and natural hazards in particular.Published in Michael H. Glantz (ed.), The Politics of Natural Disasters: The Case of the Sahel Drought (NY: Praeger Publ., 1976) reprinted by permission.Michael H. Glantz is a scientist in the Advanced Study Program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.     

Bistability of the thermohaline circulation identified through comprehensive 2-parameter sweeps of an efficient climate model

The effect of changes in zonal and meridional atmospheric moisture transports on Atlantic overturning is investigated. Zonal transports are considered in terms of net moisture export from the Atlantic sector. Meridional transports are related to the vigour of the global hydrological cycle. The equilibrium thermohaline circulation (THC) simulated with an efficient climate model is strongly dependent on two key parameters that control these transports: an anomaly in the specified Atlantic–Pacific moisture flux (F_a) and atmospheric moisture diffusivity (K_q). In a large ensemble of spinup experiments, the values of F_a and K_q are varied by small increments across wide ranges, to identify sharp transitions of equilibrium THC strength in a 2-parameter space (between Conveyor On and Off states). Final states from this ensemble of simulations are then used as the initial states for further such ensembles. Large differences in THC strength between ensembles, for identical combinations of F_a and K_q, reveal the co-existence of two stable THC states (Conveyor On and Off)—i.e. a bistable regime. In further sensitivity experiments, the model is forced with small, temporary freshwater perturbations to the mid-latitude North Atlantic, to establish the minimum perturbation necessary for irreversible THC collapse in this bistable regime. A threshold is identified in terms of the forcing duration required. The model THC, in a Conveyor On state, irreversibly collapses to a Conveyor Off state under additional freshwater forcing of just 0.1 Sv applied for around 100 years. The irreversible collapse is primarily due to a positive feedback associated with suppressed convection and reduced surface heat loss in the sinking region. Increased atmosphere-to-ocean freshwater flux, under a collapsed Conveyor, plays a secondary role.     

The interaction of binary vortices in a barotropic model

Summary The interaction of binary cyclonic vortices is investigated using the nondivergent barotropic model of Chan and Williams (1987) under two situations: a quiescent environment and a linearly-sheared background flow. It is found that the mutual interaction between the vortices results from a combination of two processes: the advection of symmetric vorticity by the asymmetric flow and the advection of asymmetric vorticity by the symmetric flow. The latter contribution is rather significant. Whether the vortices in a binary system attract or repel each other depends on the asymmetric vorticity distribution associated with the two vortices. Such a distribution is governed by the structure (size) of and the separation between the vortices. In the presence of a sheared flow, the contribution from the advection of asymmetric vorticity by the symmetric flow may also become appreciable depending on the structure and magnitude of the shear. Furthermore, the geographical locations of the vortices in relation to the sheared flow are also important in determining the relative movement of the vortices.In the presence of , the movements of the vortices are modified by the northwestward -drift However, the relative motion between the vortices is almost identical to that on an f-plane. In other words, the mutual interaction between the vortices is largely independent of . Alternatively, the two vortices can be considered to be one system which drifts towards the northwest under the influence of while they interact with each other within the system. Physically, this independence arises because the two relative vorticity advection terms have much larger magnitudes than the planetary vorticity advection term. However, the -effect is still important in that it modifies the asymmetric flow associated with each vortex and hence the asymmetric vorticity. Such modifications change the advection patterns compared with the =0 case and hence lead to different vortex movements. The presence of a linear shear causes the binary system to move as if it was a large (for a cyclonic shear) or smaller (for an anticyclonic shear) vortex under the influence of .With 22 Figures     

Development of sea surface temperature,surface wind and divergence anomalies during a composite ENSO episode

Summary The interannual variations in sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial east Pacific, which are dominated by the El Niño phenomenon, are shown for the period 1870–1983. Since 1870 25 significant warm events have occurred. These events are classified as weak, moderate, strong and very strong, according to the normalized SST anomalies in the region 130° W–80° W, 0°–5° S.The spatial and temporal development of a composite El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episode, based on 10 very strong or strong events, is presented in terms of SST, surface wind and divergence anomalies for the tropical Pacific (10° N–30° S). During its evolution the following phases are distinguished: Antecedent Conditions, Onset Phase, Peak Phase, Mature Phase and Dissipation Stage.Some aspects of ocean-atmosphere interaction associated with this evolution and, more specifically, the initiation of the composite event, are described. Seasonally varying feedback processes between SST, surface wind and convergence anomaly patterns in the western Pacific/Indonesian region suggest a possible mechanism for the initiation of typical ENSO events.

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Zusammenfassung Die interannuären Variationen der Meeresoberflächentemperatur (SST) im äquatorialen Ostpazifik, die von dem El Niño-Phänomen dominiert werden, werden für die Periode 1870–1983 aufgezeigt. Seit 1870 traten 25 signifikante Ereignisse auf. Diese Ereignisse werden entsprechend den normierten SST-Anomalien in der Region 130° W–80° W, 0°–5° S als schwach, mittel, stark und sehr stark klassifiziert.Die räumliche und zeitliche Entwicklung einer Komposit-El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-Episode, die auf 10 sehr starken bzw. starken Ereignissen basiert, wird anhand von SST-, Bodenwind- und Divergenzanomalien für den tropischen Pazifik (10° N–30° S) dargestellt. Während ihrer Entwicklung werden die folgenden Phasen unterschieden: Vorausgehende Bedingungen, Einsetzphase, Spitzenphase, Reifestadium und Auflösungsstadium.Einige Aspekte der Wechselbeziehungen Ozean—Atmosphäre werden im Zusammenhang mit der Entwicklung und insbesondere der Auslösung des Komposit-Ereignisses beschrieben. Jahreszeitlich variierende Rückkopplungsprozesse zwischen SST-, Bodenwind- und Konvergenzanomalien in der westpazifischen/indonesischen Region stellen einen möglichen Mechanismus für die Auslösung typischer ENSO-Ereignisse dar.

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With 9 Figures     

Arctic hazes in summer over Greenland and the North American Arctic: II. Nature and concentrations of accumulation-mode and giant particles

Airborne measurements made during August 1985 over Greenland and its environs show that both accumulation-mode (0.1 m D2.0 m) and giant (D2 m) particles were present in relatively high concentrations in arctic haze layers and that the accumulation-mode particles dominated light scattering. Particles with diameters (D) between 1 and 4 m consisted predominately of mixed materials, small and dense inclusions, and probably organic compounds containing sulfur. Many of the particles from 0.1 to 1 m in diameter were also of mixed composition, with sulfuric acid, ammonium sulfate and organics probably the dominant constituents.