An evaluation of ice nuclei characteristics from the long-term measurement data over North China

An attempt was made to delineate the characteristics of ice nuclei (IN) over North China using the ground-based measurement data from 1963?C2003. The results show that: (1) the IN concentrations increased during the period from 1963?C1996, but decreased after 2000; (2) the average IN concentrations range from 1.0 to 26.3, 3.6 to 78.9, 19.2 to 627.3, and 92.9 to 5285.0 L^?1 at temperature ?15, ?20, ?25, and ?30°C, with the overall average of 7.8, 20.6, 167.7, and 890.6 L^?1, respectively; and (3) the number concentration of active IN increased nearly exponentially with decreasing temperature, with the slope (ranging from 0.11 to 0.42°C^?1) being of a narrow range in a log-linear coordinate; the regression equations for the western central China and the eastern central China can be expressed as N(T) = 0.0396 exp (?0.317 ??T) and N(T) = 0.1496 exp (?0.299??T), respectively. The present study may be useful toward applications in models for predicting IN effects on the cloud, precipitation and climate over North China.     

Accuracy of the linearized standard balance and asymmetric balance systems in a shallow-water numerical model

A numerical evaluation of the accuracy of the standard balance equations (BE) and the asymmetric balance equations (AB) in strong vortex applications is presented. Linearized equations for the evolution of disturbances on a symmetric hurricane-like vortex in a shallow-water model are used to compare forecasts using the AB and BE formulations with benchmark primitive equation forecasts. The validity of the BE and AB models is formally determined by the square of the Froude number, F², and the square of the local Rossby number for disturbances with azimuthal wavenumber n, , respectively. The numerical experiments demonstrate that accurate results can be achieved with BE and AB in situations where F² and , respectively, are not necessarily small. When the divergence of the asymmetric disturbance is not much smaller than its vorticity, and the azimuthal wavenumber of the disturbance is low, the AB system proves to be a useful alternative to BE.     

Estimating net radiation at surface using artificial neural networks: a new approach

This study describes the results of artificial neural network (ANN) models to estimate net radiation (R _n), at surface. Three ANN models were developed based on meteorological data such as wind velocity and direction, surface and air temperature, relative humidity, and soil moisture and temperature. A comparison has been made between the R _n estimates provided by the neural models and two linear models (LM) that need solar incoming shortwave radiation measurements as input parameter. Both ANN and LM results were tested against in situ measured R _n. For the LM ones, the estimations showed a root mean square error (RMSE) between 34.10 and 39.48?W?m^?2 and correlation coefficient (R ²) between 0.96 and 0.97 considering both the developing and the testing phases of calculations. The estimates obtained by the ANN models showed RMSEs between 6.54 and 48.75?W?m^?2 and R ² between 0.92 and 0.98 considering both the training and the testing phases. The ANN estimates are shown to be similar or even better, in some cases, than those given by the LMs. According to the authors?? knowledge, the use of ANNs to estimate R _n has not been discussed earlier, and based on the results obtained, it represents a formidable potential tool for R _n prediction using commonly measured meteorological parameters.     

Buoyancy in tropical cyclones and other rapidly rotating atmospheric vortices

Motivated primarily by its application to understanding tropical-cyclone intensification and maintenance, we re-examine the concept of buoyancy in rapidly rotating vortices, distinguishing between the buoyancy of the symmetric balanced vortex or system buoyancy, and the local buoyancy associated with cloud dynamics. The conventional definition of buoyancy is contrasted with a generalized form applicable to a vortex, which has a radial as well as a vertical component. If, for the special case of axisymmetric motions, the balanced density and pressure distribution of a rapidly rotating vortex are used as the reference state, the buoyancy field then characterizes the unbalanced density perturbations, i.e. the local buoyancy. We show how to determine such a reference state without approximation.The generation of the toroidal circulation of a vortex, which is necessary for vortex amplification, is characterized in the vorticity equation by the baroclinicity vector. This vector depends, inter-alia, on the horizontal (or radial) gradient of buoyancy evaluated along isobaric surfaces. We show that for a tropical-cyclone-scale vortex, the buoyancy so calculated is significantly different from that calculated at constant height or on surfaces of constant σ (σ = (p − p^*)/(p_s − p^*), where p is the actual pressure, p^* some reference pressure and p_s is the surface pressure). Since many tropical-cyclone models are formulated using σ-coordinates, we examine the calculation of buoyancy on σ-surfaces and derive an expression for the baroclinicity vector in σ-coordinates. The baroclinic forcing term in the azimuthal vorticity equation for an axisymmetric vortex is shown to be approximately equal to the azimuthal component of the curl of the generalized buoyancy. A scale analysis indicates that the vertical gradient of the radial component of generalized buoyancy makes a comparatively small contribution to the generation of toroidal vorticity in a tropical cyclone, but may be important in tornadoes and possibly also in dust devils.We derive also a form of the Sawyer–Eliassen equation from which the toroidal (or secondary) circulation of a balanced vortex may be determined. The equation is shown to be the time derivative of the toroidal vorticity equation in which the time rate-of-change of the material derivative of potential toroidal vorticity is set to zero. In analogy with the general case, the diabatic forcing term in the Sawyer–Eliassen equation is shown to be approximately equal to the time rate-of-change of the azimuthal component of the curl of generalized buoyancy.Finally, we discuss the generation of buoyancy in tropical cyclones and contrast the definitions of buoyancy that have been used in recent studies of tropical cyclones. We emphasize the non-uniqueness of the buoyancy force, which depends on the choice of a reference density and pressure, and note that different, but equivalent interpretations of the flow dynamics may be expected to arise if different reference quantities are chosen.     

A kinetic theory for internal waves in a randomly stratified fluid

We discuss the transport of energy of internal waves propagating in a stratified unbounded fluid with randomly varying buoyancy frequency N of the form $\text{N}{}^2\text{= N}{}_0{}^2\text{[1 + ?Ξ(}\textcolor{red}{}\text{)]}$. Here N₀ = constant, 0 < ? ? 1 and Ξ is a zero-mean stationary random function of $\textcolor{red}{}\text{= (x,z)}$ where x and z are respectively horizontal and vertical coordinates. In the limit of small ?, a linear kinetic equation (transport equation) is derived which describes the space—time evolution of the mean wave energy density in such a medium. When it is integrated over all wave number space, the kinetic equation implies the total conservation of wave energy. The approach used is reminiscent of the nonlinear wave interaction theories of Phillips (1960), Benny (1962) and Hasselmann (1966) and others, in which the random microstructure Ξ would be regarded as a nonpropagating (zero-frequency) random wave field. Our analysis is based on the Eulerian equations of motion in which no a priori assumptions are made regarding the scattered wave field — on the contrary, it is a deduction of the theory presented here that only the propagating internal wave modes participate in the energy exchange processes. In particular we do not assume that the internal wave field constitutes a homogenous assembly of random wave packets evolving in time alone — unlike much of the earlier work — and this enables us to treat the scattering of individual internal waves by the microstructure.The kinetic equation is used to determine the energy transmitted through and reflected by a horizontally oriented random slab which models a layer of microstructure of finite thickness in the ocean. Specifically, we show that significant reflection can occur when Ψ(2k_0z) is sufficiently large, where Ψ is the vertical wavenumber spectrum of the microstructure fluctuations Ξ(z) and k_0z is the vertical wavenumber of the incident wave. We also show that the reflection coefficient increases monotonically with increasing frequency, which is in qualitative agreement with recent measurements at site D(39°N, 70°W) which indicate that in regions where density inhomogeneities are present, the vertical coherence decreases with increasing frequency. Actual numerical estimates for the reflection coefficient are obtained for vertical microstructure data from station P(50°N, 145°W). It is found that for intermediate wavelengths — 0(10²m) — and a broad band of frequencies (0.6 ? ω/N₀ < 1), the reflection coefficient is greater than 0.5. Finally, the qualitative behaviour of the kinetic equation for two-dimensional microstructure is examined in the geometric optics limit: wavelength much less than (the integral) correlation scale. In this case the integro-differential kinetic equation reduces to a Fokker—Planck diffusion equation. From the latter we infer that at high frequencies, a wave packet becomes incoherent after propagating a distance that is less than a typical correlation scale associated with the fluctuations Ξ.     

Time-dependent uptake of NO3 by sea salt

Using a coated-insert flow tube reactor coupled to a low-energy electron-impact mass spectrometer with molecular beam sampling, we studied uptake of NO₃ by sea salt at room temperature and [NO₃]?=?8?10¹¹???4?10¹³ molecule cm^?3. The radical uptake coefficient γ(t) is time dependent: its initial value (γ _ini) decreases exponentially with the characteristic time (τ) to its steady-state value (γ _ss) at given [NO₃]. The parameters γ _ini, γ _ss and τ depend on [NO₃], whereas γ _ss is water vapor independent at [H₂O]?=?8?10¹²???1.6?10¹⁵ molecule cm^?3 and RH ≤ 0.5 %. HCl and NO₂ are uptake products detected in the gas phase. We used these findings to estimate γ values under tropospheric conditions for urban coastal and remote marine environments: at high NO₃ (~90 ppt), the time dependence becomes important, and the γ value averaged over the aerosol lifetime is 4?10^?3; at low NO₃ (~1 ppt), the radical uptake is time independent and proceeds faster with γ _ini?=?8?10^?3     

Dynamical and Thermal Problems in Vortex Development and Movement. Part II: Generalized Slantwise Vorticity Development

The development of vertical vorticity under adiabatic condition is investigated by virtue of the view of potential vorticity and potential temperature (PV-θ) and from a Lagrangian perspective. A new concept of generalized slantwise vorticity development (GSVD) is introduced for adiabatic condition. The GSVD is a coordinate independent framework of vorticity development (VD), which includes slantwise vorticity development (SVD) when a particle is sliding down the concave slope or up the convex slope of a sharply tilting isentropic surface under stable or unstable condition. The SVD is a special VD for studying the severe weather systems with rapid development of vertical vorticity. In addition, the GSVD clarifies VD and SVD. The criteria for VD and SVD demonstrate that the demand for SVD is much more restricted than the demand for VD. When an air parcel is moving down the concave slope or up the convex slope of a sharply tilting isentropic surface in a stable stratified atmosphere with its stability decreasing, or in an unstable atmosphere with its stability increasing, i.e., its stability θ z approaches zero, its vertical vorticity can develop rapidly if its C D is decreasing. The theoretical results are employed to analyze a Tibetan Plateau (TP) vortex (TPV), which appeared over the TP, then slid down and moved eastward in late July 2008, resulting in heavy rainfall in Sichuan Province and along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The change of PV 2 contributed to the intensification of the TPV from 0000 to 0600 UTC 22 July 2008 when it slid upward on the upslope of the northeastern edge of the Sichuan basin, since the changes in both horizontal vorticity η s and baroclinity θ s have positive effects on the development of vertical vorticity. At 0600 UTC 22 July 2008, the criterion for SVD at 300 K isentropic surface is satisfied, meaning that SVD occurred and contributed significantly to the development of vertical vorticity. The appearance of the stronger signals concerning the VD and SVD surrounding the vortex indicates that the GSVD concept can serve as a useful tool for diagnosing the development of weather systems.     

Palaeoprecipitation reconstruction by inverse modelling using the isotopic signal of loess organic matter: application to the Nußloch loess sequence (Rhine Valley, Germany)

A modified version of the Biome4 vegetation model for simulation of the mean δ¹³C of plant communities is presented, and used to reconstruct palaeoprecipitation. We treat all fractionations by C3 and C4 plants in all coexistent Plant Functional Types, weighted by their respective net primary production. We constrain the range of variation in the intracellular versus atmospheric CO₂ concentration by fixing a lower limit. Finally, we replace some constant parameters by functions of external forcing to account for their responses to environmental variation. The new version of Biome4 was applied as an inverse model and tested on three modern data sets. The fit between observations and simulations is very close to the 1:1 relationship, with respective slopes of 0.90±0.02 (r ²=0.98, n=29) for δ¹³C and 0.97±0.06 (r ²=0.90, n=29) for precipitation. Inverse modelling was applied using the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to the Nußloch loess sequence. Over the last glaciation, simulated palaeoprecipitation varies between 240 mm year^?1 and 400 mm year^?1. This study clearly demonstrates atmospheric teleconnections with the Greenland ice-sheet extension, by matching Dansgaard-Oeschger events with precipitation increase of ca. 100–200 mm year^?1.     

Observation of snowfall with a low-power FM-CW K-band radar (Micro Rain Radar)

Quantifying snowfall intensity especially under arctic conditions is a challenge because wind and snow drift deteriorate estimates obtained from both ground-based gauges and disdrometers. Ground-based remote sensing with active instruments might be a solution because they can measure well above drifting snow and do not suffer from flow distortions by the instrument. Clear disadvantages are, however, the dependency of e.g. radar returns on snow habit which might lead to similar large uncertainties. Moreover, high sensitivity radars are still far too costly to operate in a network and under harsh conditions. In this paper we compare returns from a low-cost, low-power vertically pointing FM-CW radar (Micro Rain Radar, MRR) operating at 24.1?GHz with returns from a 35.5?GHz cloud radar (MIRA36) for dry snowfall during a 6-month observation period at an Alpine station (Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus, UFS) at 2,650?m height above sea level. The goal was to quantify the potential and limitations of the MRR in relation to what is achievable by a cloud radar. The operational MRR procedures to derive standard radar variables like effective reflectivity factor (Z _e) or the mean Doppler velocity (W) had to be modified for snowfall since the MRR was originally designed for rain observations. Since the radar returns from snowfall are weaker than from comparable rainfall, the behavior of the MRR close to its detection threshold has been analyzed and a method is proposed to quantify the noise level of the MRR based on clear sky observations. By converting the resulting MRR-Z _e into 35.5?GHz equivalent Z _e values, a remaining difference below 1?dBz with slightly higher values close to the noise threshold could be obtained. Due to the much higher sensitivity of MIRA36, the transition of the MRR from the true signal to noise can be observed, which agrees well with the independent clear sky noise estimate. The mean Doppler velocity differences between both radars are below 0.3?ms^?1. The distribution of Z _e values from MIRA36 are finally used to estimate the uncertainty of retrieved snowfall and snow accumulation with the MRR. At UFS low snowfall rates missed by the MRR are negligible when comparing snow accumulation, which were mainly caused by intensities between 0.1 and 0.8 mm?h^?1. The MRR overestimates the total snow accumulation by about 7%. This error is much smaller than the error caused by uncertain Z _e?Csnowfall rate relations, which would affect the MIRA36 estimated to a similar degree.     

Shelf wave dispersion in a geophysical ocean

We consider subinertial, free waves trapped along three coastlines (i.e., shelf waves) in an ocean governed by a geophysical model in which stratification is explicitly obtained by taking the Vaisala frequency N much greater than the inertial frequency f. The behavior is generalized in terms of the parameter S = (N/f)a where a is the bottom slope of the trapping region. Only when $\text{S}\text{\$}\text{?}\text{0.2}$, are the predicted shelf waves like those predicted by Laplace's tidal equations (LTE) on an f-plane. When 0.2 ? S < 1, LTE are inappropriate because the shelf waves are only qualitatively like those predicted by LTE, and when S 1, the shelf waves are like baroclinic Kelvin waves in that they can occur at any subinertial frequency up to f (in qualitative disagreement with the predictions of LTE). Since N/f is usually a large number in the real ocean (of order 50–250), S is likely to be large unless the bottom slope is very gentle throughout the trapping region. Some applications to coastal current observations are discussed.     

Evaluating observed and projected future climate changes for the Arctic using the K?ppen-Trewartha climate classification

The ecosystems in the Arctic region are known to be very sensitive to climate changes. The accelerated warming for the past several decades has profoundly influenced the lives of the native populations and ecosystems in the Arctic. Given that the K?ppen-Trewartha (K-T) climate classification is based on reliable variations of land-surface types (especially vegetation), this study used the K-T scheme to evaluate climate changes and their impact on vegetation for the Arctic (north of 50°N) by analyzing observations as well as model simulations for the period 1900–2099. The models include 16 fully coupled global climate models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment. By the end of this century, the annual-mean surface temperature averaged over Arctic land regions is projected to increase by 3.1, 4.6 and 5.3°C under the Special Report on Emissions Scenario (SRES) B1, A1b, and A2 emission scenarios, respectively. Increasing temperature favors a northward expansion of temperate climate (i.e., Dc and Do in the K-T classification) and boreal oceanic climate (i.e., Eo) types into areas previously covered by boreal continental climate (i.e., Ec) and tundra; and tundra into areas occupied by permanent ice. The tundra region is projected to shrink by ?1.86?×?10⁶?km² (?33.0%) in B1, ?2.4?×?10⁶?km² (?42.6%) in A1b, and ?2.5?×?10⁶?km² (?44.2%) in A2 scenarios by the end of this century. The Ec climate type retreats at least 5° poleward of its present location, resulting in ?18.9, ?30.2, and ?37.1% declines in areal coverage under the B1, A1b and A2 scenarios, respectively. The temperate climate types (Dc and Do) advance and take over the area previously covered by Ec. The area covered by Dc climate expands by 4.61?×?10⁶?km² (84.6%) in B1, 6.88?×?10⁶?km² (126.4%) in A1b, and 8.16?×?10⁶?km² (149.6%) in A2 scenarios. The projected redistributions of K-T climate types also differ regionally. In northern Europe and Alaska, the warming may cause more rapid expansion of temperate climate types. Overall, the climate types in 25, 39.1, and 45% of the entire Arctic region are projected to change by the end of this century under the B1, A1b, and A2 scenarios, respectively. Because the K-T climate classification was constructed on the basis of vegetation types, and each K-T climate type is closely associated with certain prevalent vegetation species, the projected large shift in climate types suggests extensive broad-scale redistribution of prevalent ecoregions in the Arctic.     

High-resolution spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation in Iran: a comparative study with three global-precipitation datasets

High-resolution precipitation datasets are used for numerous applications. However, depending on the procedures for obtaining these products, such as number of observations, quality checking, error-correction procedures, and interpolation techniques, they include many uncertainties. Therefore, the accuracy of these products needs to be evaluated over different regions. In this study, the Iranian National Dataset (INDS), a new 1?×?1 km precipitation dataset based on precipitation data of 1,441 quality-controlled stations for the climatic period from 1961 to 2005, was constructed using the digital elevation model, correlation method, and Kriging interpolation procedure. Iran's annual precipitation values at grids and stations were extracted from Climatic Research Unit (CRU) CL 2.0, CRU TS 3.10.01, and WorldClim datasets, and differences between corresponding values in each of the three datasets and INDS were calculated and analyzed. The coefficient of determination (R ²) between the national network stations' data and the CRU CL 2.0, CRU TS 3.10.01, and WorldClim datasets were 0.50, 0.13, and 0.62, respectively. Moreover, R ² values between the grids of each dataset and INDS were 0.51, 0.40, and 0.60, respectively. To determine the global datasets' efficiency for displaying temporal patterns of precipitation, the monthly values gathered from them at 11 stations (as representative of Iran's various precipitation regimes) were compared with the real values at these stations. The results showed that in term of temporal patterns, the concurrences among the three global datasets and the INDS was more acceptable, especially in the case of CRU CL 2.0. In general, it is concluded that the global datasets could be deployed for the primary assessment of the annual precipitation distribution; however, for more precise studies, use of local data is highly recommended.     

On the solution of the stationary,baroclinic Ekman-layer equations with a finite boundary-layer height

The stationary, Ekman-layer equations have been solved in closed form for two expressions of the eddy viscosity as a function of height, z: v _τ=cu*z(1?z/h)and v _τ=cu*z(1?z/h) ², where u* is the friction velocity, h the boundary-layer height and c a constant. The main difference between both solutions is that the quadratic K-profile leads to a velocity discontinuity at the top of the boundary layer, while the solution for the cubic profile approaches the geostrophic wind at z=h smoothly. We discuss the characteristics of the solutions in terms of a dimensionless parameter C=fh/cu*, where f is the Coriolis parameter. The dependence on C can be interpreted in terms of a varying boundary-layer height or in terms of stability. The results for C ~ 1 are related to a neutral boundary layer. They agree well with results of a second-order model. The limit C → 0 is investigated in detail. We find that the stress profile becomes linear. The velocity profile shows different characteristics depending on whether we consider a shallow or a very unstable boundary layer. The results agree with observations. Finally we consider the influence of baroclinicity on the wind and stress profiles.     

Raindrop Size Distribution Parameters Retrieved from Guangzhou S-band Polarimetric Radar Observations

According to the statistical shape–slope (μ–Λ) relationship observed for the first time by several 2D-Video-Distrometers (2DVD) in southern China, a constrained gamma (C-G) model was proposed for the retrieval of rain drop size distributions (DSDs) from Guangzhou S-band polarimetric radar observations. Two typical precipitation processes were selected to verify the accuracy of the retrieval scheme. The μ–Λ relationship: Λ = 0.0241μ² + 0.867μ + 2.453 was obtained based on the 2DVD observation results from at Huizhou Longmen station, which is a very representative location in the area. Relying on the Guangzhou polarimetric radar measurements of radar reflectivity (Z_HH) and differential reflectivity (Z_DR), the gamma (Γ) size distribution parameters (N₀, μ, and Λ) can be retrieved by the C-G model retrieval scheme. The results show that the Guangzhou polarimetric radar retrievals of DSDs were close to the 2DVD observations at Guangzhou Maofengshan station. The rain rate, mass mean diameter, and normalized intercept parameter of radar retrievals were in good agreement with the 2DVD observations, and the relative errors were less than 10%. The overall accuracy of the retrieval scheme was high. The retrieval scheme has established the relationship between the polarimetric radar measurements and gamma size distribution parameters. It will be helpful to in-depth research and application of the dual-polarization radar data in microphysical precipitation processes analysis, as well as convection-resolved numerical model data assimilation and prediction effect evaluation.     

An experimental study of nonlinear baroclinic instability and mode selection in a large basin

This paper reports on two-layer rotating liquid experiments designed to study the behavior of non-linear baroclinic waves under conditions where the Rossby radius of deformation R_d is much smaller than the geometric length scale L imposed by the size of the laboratory apparatus. The apparatus is constructed to consistently simulate f-plane dynamics. When F = L²/R_d² > > 1, it is found that the unstable waves first encountered as friction is decreased have high frequencies, in accord with linear theory. As the friction parameter $\text{Q = 0.7 E}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}\text{/R}{}_0$ (where E is the Ekman number and R₀ the Rossby number) is further decreased into the non-linear region, singlewave amplitude vacillation is observed. Generally, as Q decreases lower frequencies (and low wavenumbers) dominate the response, which ultimately becomes turbulent at values of Q of the order 0.1. This is contrary to the result expected from an extrapolation of linear theory. Further observations show that the finite-amplitude state is not unique: multi-equilibria are possible depending on the initial conditions.     

Experimental studies of the development of quasi-two-dimensional turbulence in stably stratified fluid

Quasi-two-dimensional turbulence was generated by towing an array of vertical cylinders through a tank which was filled with a two-layer stratified fluid. Sugar and Epsom salts were used, to give matching refractive indices for the two layers. The interface between the two layers was seeded with approximately 1000 neutrally buoyant particles. The evolution of this quasi-two-dimensional turbulence was visualized by photographing the fluorescent particles illuminated by a horizontal laser sheet traversing in the vertical direction. The three-dimensional particle velocity was obtained by digitizing the streaks. The evolution of the velocity correlations, length scales, one-dimensional and two-dimensional velocity and vorticity spectra were obtained for N = 5.72 s⁻¹, N = 4.43 s⁻¹, and N = 2.55 s⁻¹ (where N is the Brunt-Väisälä frequency). The results showed the physical process of inverse energy cascading and the formation of dominant vortical structures under the influence of density stratification. Compared with idealized two-dimensional turbulence, the flow is highly dissipative at high N, as a result of the frictional dissipation between the interface and the unstratified layers.     

Anthropogenic heat in the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil

The main goal of this work is to describe the anthropogenic energy flux (Q _F) in the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil. The hourly, monthly, and annual values of the anthropogenic energy flux are estimated using the inventory method, and the contributions of vehicular, stationary, and human metabolism sources from 2004 to 2007 are considered. The vehicular and stationary sources are evaluated using the primary consumption of energy based on fossil fuel, bio fuel, and electricity usage by the population. The diurnal evolution of the anthropogenic energy flux shows three relative maxima, with the largest maxima occurring early in the morning (??19.9 Wm^?2) and in the late afternoon (??20.3 Wm^?2). The relative maximum that occurs around noontime (??19.6 Wm^?2) reflects the diurnal pattern of vehicle traffic that seems to be specific to S?o Paulo. With respect to diurnal evolution, the energy flux released by vehicular sources (Q _FV) contributes approximately 50% of the total anthropogenic energy flux. Stationary sources (Q _FS) and human metabolism (Q _FM) represent about 41% and 9% of the anthropogenic energy flux, respectively. For 2007, the monthly values of Q _FV, Q _FS, Q _FM, and Q _F are, respectively, 16.8?±?0.25, 14.3?±?0.16, 3.5?±?0.03, and 34.6?±?0.41?MJ?m^?2?month^?1. The seasonal evolution monthly values of Q _FV, Q _FS, Q _FM, and Q _F show a relative minimum during the summer and winter vacations and a systematic and progressive increase associated with the seasonal evolution of the economic activity in S?o Paulo. The annual evolution of Q _F indicates that the city of S?o Paulo released 355.2?MJ?m^?2?year^?1 in 2004 and 415.5?MJ?m^?2?year^?1 in 2007 in association with an annual rate of increase of 19.6?MJ?m^?2?year^?1 (from 2004 to 2006) and 30.5?MJ?m^?2?year^?1 (from 2006 to 2007). The anthropogenic energy flux corresponds to about 9% of the net radiation at the surface in the summer and 15% in the winter. The amplitude of seasonal variation of the maximum hourly value of the diurnal variation increases exponentially with latitude.     

Studying the spatiotemporal variation of snow-covered days over China based on combined use of MODIS snow-covered days and in situ observations

Based on the moderate resolution imaging spectro-adiometer (MODIS)-acquired snow-covered days data (MSCD), validation of MSCD is performed by using 529 in situ observations of snow-covered days (SCD) from 2001 to 2006 in China. For the different characteristics of snow cover in four major snow-covered regions including the Tibetan Plateau, Xinjiang, and north-eastern and inner Mongolia, the validation process is divided into five parts for all of China. Our results indicate that except in the south-eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, the MSCD is usually lower than the in situ SCD measurement. It is found that the MSCD have good polynomial regression agreement with the in situ measurements in Xinjiang and north-eastern and inner Mongolia with an R ² values that reach 0.89, 0.78, and 0.87, respectively. Because the MSCD is smaller but with a good regression relationship with the in situ SCD, calibration of the MSCD images could significantly improve its precision in those regions. To be considered a stable snow-covered area, there must be greater than 60?days per year in which the pixels are covered by snow. Unstable snow-covered areas are ones in which fewer than 60?days but at least 1?day is covered by snow. The calibrated MSCD outcome indicates that the unstable snow-covered area can reach 555.2?×?10⁴?km², and the stable snow-covered area is approximately 273.1?×?10⁴?km². The area in the three major stable snow-covered regions of the Tibetan Plateau, Xinjiang, and north-eastern and inner Mongolia is approximately 100.4?×?10⁴, 54.4?×?10⁴, and 114.7?×?10⁴?km², respectively.     

Characteristics and sources of inertia-gravity waves revealed in the KEOP-2007 radiosonde data

Characteristics and sources of inertia-gravity waves are investigated using high-resolution radiosonde data observed at ten stations in Korea during 15 June to 15 July 2007. The wave analyses are performed in the lower stratospheric region (Z = 17–30 km). The average intrinsic frequency, vertical wavelength, and horizontal wavelength for the observed waves are 2.77f (where f is the Coriolis parameter), 2.58 km, and 620.11 km, respectively. The average eastward and westward momentum fluxes are 0.005 m² s^?2 and ?0.003 m² s^?2, respectively, and the average northward and southward momentum fluxes are 0.007 m² s^?2 and ?0.002 m² s^?2, respectively. To understand the propagation and the sources of the observed gravity waves, a three-dimensional ray-tracing model is used. The observed gravity waves are classified into two groups based on the existence of convection when and where the rays reach altitudes of 6–13 km. Sources are mostly located in the northeast and southeast of the observation stations below Z = 5 km for the convection-related cases (CONV), while those for the other cases (NCONV) are located in the northeast and southeast of the observation stations above Z = 20 km. The average intrinsic frequency and vertical wavelength of the CONV cases are somewhat larger than those of the NCONV cases. The average potential, kinetic, and total wave energies of the CONV cases are less than those of the NCONV cases.