A comparison of a Eulerian and a Lagrangian time scale for over-water atmospheric flows during stable conditions

Lagrangian integral time scales were calculated from crosswind concentration distributions of oil-fog smoke released from a continuous point source over the ocean during stable atmospheric conditions assuming an exponential correlation function. Variance of the lateral velocity fluctuations, _v ², and the energy dissipation rate, , were obtained from simultaneous Eulerian measurements at the beach. An Eulerian energy dissipation scale defined as _v ²/ was then computed. The ratio of the Lagrangian integral scale to the Eulerian energy dissipation scale was found to be close to 1. This ratio was also estimated to be 1 based on physical and dimensional considerations regarding the cascade of energy. Length scales for longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions were interpreted with a model based on similarity considerations applicable for over-water atmospheric flows.Authored under contract EY-76-C-02-0016 with the U.S. Department of Energy. Accordingly, the U.S. Government retains a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to publish or reproduce the published form of this contribution, or allow others to do so, for U.S. Government purposes.     

A coastal prediction system as an event response tool: Particle tracking simulation of an anhydrous ammonia spill in Tampa Bay

A coastal prediction system for Tampa Bay, comprised of a numerical circulation model and Lagrangian particle transport model, rapidly produces hindcast/forecast simulations that alert authorities to high impact areas following the introduction of hazardous material into the bay. The effectiveness of the prediction system as an event response tool is evaluated during an anhydrous ammonia spill. A week-long simulation predicts the trajectory of the material due to winds and currents. Physical transport of the model particles alternates from being tidally driven to being driven both by wind action and residual circulation. A forecast simulation showing particle distribution drove field sampling that resulted in the detection of a Pseudo-nitzschia bloom likely initiated from excess ammonium in the bay. An online component of the coastal prediction system is in development to better manage response and mitigation efforts for future hazardous material spills in Tampa Bay.     

An analysis of soil moisture dynamics using multi-year data from a network of micrometeorological observation sites

Soil moisture data, obtained from four AmeriFlux sites in the US, were examined using an ecohydrological framework. Sites were selected for the analysis to provide a range of plant functional type, climate, soil particle size distribution, and time series of data spanning a minimum of two growing seasons. Soil moisture trends revealed the importance of measuring water content at several depths throughout the rooting zone; soil moisture at the surface (0–10 cm) was approximately 20–30% less than that at 50–60 cm. A modified soil moisture dynamics model was used to generate soil moisture probability density functions at each site. Model calibration results demonstrated that the commonly used soil matric potential values for finding the vegetation stress point and field content may not be appropriate, particularly for vegetation adapted to a water-controlled environment. Projections of future soil moisture patterns suggest that two of the four sites will become severely stressed by climate change induced alterations to the precipitation regime.     

Reply to the Comment by Mauder on “How Well Can We Measure the Vertical Wind Speed? Implications for Fluxes of Energy and Mass”

In Kochendorfer et al. (Boundary-Layer Meteorol 145:383–398, 2012, hereafter K2012) the vertical wind speed $(w)$ measured by a non-orthogonal three-dimensional sonic anemometer was shown to be underestimated by $\approx $ 12 %. Turbulent statistics and eddy-covariance fluxes estimated using $w$ were also affected by this underestimate in $w$ . Methodologies used in K2012 are clarified here in response to Mauder’s comment. In addition, further analysis of the K2012 study is presented to help address questions raised in the comment. Specific responses are accompanied with examples of time series, calculated correlation coefficients, and additional explanation of the K2012 methods and assumptions. The discussion and analysis included in the comment and in this response do not affect the validity of the methods or conclusions presented in K2012.     

Variation in Solvent-Extractable Lipids and n-Alkane Compound-Specific Carbon Isotopic Compositions with Depth in a Southern China Karst Area Soil

Because literatures about the lipid compositions of modern soils in karst areas are scarce,we have studied the soil horizons overlying the Heshang(和尚) Cave that has provided paleoclimate records from speleothem lipid contents.Our analysis reveals a series of n-alkanes,free fatty acids,n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-ones distribution and relative abundance changing with the depth,and in which the ratios of the lower molecular weight to higher molecular weight n-alkanes,free fatty acids,n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-one...     

A spectral and lag-correlation analysis of turbulence in a deciduous forest canopy

The processes influencing turbulence in a deciduous forest and the relevant length and time scales are investigated with spectral and cross-correlation analysis. Wind velocity power spectra were computed from three-dimensional wind velocity measurements made at six levels inside the plant canopy and at one level above the canopy. Velocity spectra measured within the plant canopy differ from those measured in the surface boundary layer. Noted features associated with the within-canopy turbulence spectra are: (a) power spectra measured in the canopy crown peak at higher wavenumbers than do those measured in the subcanopy trunkspace and above the canopy; (b) peak spectral values collapse to a relatively universal value when scaled according to a non-dimensional frequency comprised of the product of the natural frequency and the Eulerian time scale for vertical velocity; (c) at wavenumbers exceeding the spectral peak, the slopes of the power spectra are more negative than those observed in the surface boundary layer; (d) Eulerian length scales decrease with depth into the canopy crown, then increase with further depth into the canopy; (e) turbulent events below crown closure are more correlated with turbulent events above the canopy than are those occurring in the canopy crown; and (f) Taylor's frozen eddy hypothesis is not valid in a plant canopy. Interactions between plant elements and the mean wind and turbulence alter the processes that produce, transport and remove turbulent kinetic energy and account for the noted observations.     

An open path,fast response infrared absorption gas analyzer for H2O and CO2

An open path infrared absorption based instrument for fast response measurements of H₂O and CO₂ fluctuations is described. This instrument performed reliably in several field experiments in both terrestrial and marine environments, on both fixed (tower) and mobile (boat, plane) flux platforms. Noise levels for H₂O and CO₂ concentrations were less than 10 mg/m³ and 300 g/m³, respectively for frequencies between 0.005 and 10 Hz. Drifts in instrument output, associated with changes in instrument temperature, are compensated for electronically.     

The orbital period and negative superhumps of the nova-like cataclysmic variable V378 Pegasi

A radial velocity study is presented of the cataclysmic variable V378 Pegasi (PG 2337 + 300). It is found to have an orbital period of 0.13858 ± 0.00004 d (3.32592 ± 0.00096 h). Its spectrum and long-term light curve suggest that V378 Peg is a nova-like variable, with no outbursts. We use the approximate distance and position in the Galaxy of V378 Peg to estimate E(B − V) = 0.095, and use near-infrared magnitudes to calculate a distance of 680 ± 90 pc and M_V = 4.68 ± 0.70, consistent with V378 Peg being a nova-like. Time-resolved photometry taken between 2001 and 2009 reveals a period of 0.1346 ± 0.0004 d (3.23 ± 0.01 h). We identify this photometric variability to be negative superhumps, from a precessing, tilted accretion disk. Our repeated measurements of the photometric period of V378 Peg are consistent with this period having been stable between 2001 and 2009, with its negative superhumps showing coherence over as many as hundreds or even thousands of cycles.