One year measurements of aerosol optical properties over an urban coastal site: Effect on local direct radiative forcing

We present results of direct aerosol radiative forcing over a French Mediterranean coastal zone based on one year of continuous observations of aerosol optical properties during 2005–2006. Monthly-mean aerosol optical depth at 440 nm ranged between 0.1 and 0.34, with high Angstrom coefficient (α > 1.2). The single scattering albedo (at 525 nm) estimated at the surface ranged between 0.7 and 0.8, indicating significant absorption. The presence of aerosols over the Mediterranean zone during summer decreases the shortwave radiation reaching the surface by as much as 26 ± 3.9 W m^− 2, and increases the top of the atmosphere reflected radiation by as much as 5.2 ± 1.0 W m^− 2. The shortwave atmospheric absorption translates to an atmospheric heating of 2.5 to 4.6 K day^− 1. Concerted efforts are needed for investigating the possible impact of the increase in heating rate on the maintenance of heat-waves frequently occurring over this coastal region during summer time.     

A Two-Wave Scheme for Orographic Gravity Wave Drag Parameterization

When the magnitude of sub-scale ographic forcing is comparable with explicitly ordinary dynamic forcing, the drag effect reduced by ographic gravity wave is to be significant for maintaining dynamic balance of atmospheric circulation, as well as the momentum and energy transport. Such sub-scale ographic forcing should be introduced into numerically atmospheric model by means of drag being parameterized. Furthermore, the currently mature ographic gravity wave drag （OGWD） parameterization, i.e., the so-called first-generation （based on lineal single-wave theoretical framework） or the second-generation drag parameterization （including an important extra forcing by the contribution of critical level absorption）, cannot correctly and effectly describe the vertical profile of wave stress under the influence of ambient wind shearing. Based on aforementioned consideration, a new two-wave scheme was proposed to parameterize the ographic gravity wave drag by means of freely propagating gravity waves. It starts with a second order WKB approximation, and treats the wave stress attenuations caused by either the selective critical level absorption or the classical critical level absorption explicitly; while in the regions where critical levels are absent, it transports the wave stress vertically by two sinusoidal waves and deposits them and then damps them according to the wave saturation criteria. This scheme is thus used to conduct some sample computations over the Dabie Mountain region of East China, as an example. The results showed that the new two-wave scheme is able to model the vertical distribution of the wave stress more realistically.     

基于行星际/太阳风和地磁条件的紫外极光卵边界建模和预测

极光卵的尺度大小与太阳风-磁层-电离层能量耦合过程紧密相关,准确预测其大小对空间天气研究和预报具有非常重要的意义.本文基于模糊c均值聚类算法,从Polar卫星紫外极光图像中自动提取极光卵边界数据(~1215000个赤道向边界点和~3805000极向边界点),统计分析其与太阳风等离子体、行星际磁场、地磁指数等之间的相关特性,并构建了以行星际、太阳风为模型参数(模型1)和以行星际、太阳风及地磁指数为模型参数(模型2)的2种极光卵边界多元回归模型.以模型预测的极光卵边界与实际极光卵边界之间的平均绝对误差作为模型评价标准,将本文预测模型与Carbary(2005)模型和Milan(2009)模型进行了对比.结果表明,模型2对极光卵极向、赤道向边界预测的平均绝对误差为1.55和1.66地磁纬度,优于Carbary和Milan模型(Carbary模型极向、赤道向边界的平均绝对误差为2.18和5.47地磁纬度,Milan模型极向、赤道向边界的平均绝对误差为1.71地磁纬度和1.90地磁纬度).     

Titan’s atomic hydrogen corona

Based on measurements performed by the Hydrogen Deuterium Absorption Cell (HDAC) aboard the Cassini orbiter, Titan’s atomic hydrogen exosphere is investigated. Data obtained during the T9 encounter are used to infer the distribution of atomic hydrogen throughout Titan’s exosphere, as well as the exospheric temperature.The measurements performed during the flyby are modeled by performing Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations of solar Lyman-α radiation, which is resonantly scattered on atomic hydrogen in Titan’s exosphere. Two different atomic hydrogen distribution models are applied to determine the best fitting density profile. One model is a static model that uses the Chamberlain formalism to calculate the distribution of atomic hydrogen throughout the exosphere, whereas the second model is a Particle model, which can also be applied to non-Maxwellian velocity distributions.The density distributions provided by both models are able to fit the measurements although both models differ at the exobase: best fitting exobase atomic hydrogen densities of n_H = (1.5 ± 0.5) × 10⁴ cm⁻³ and n_H = (7 ± 1) × 10⁴ cm⁻³ were found using the density distribution provided by both models, respectively. This is based on the fact that during the encounter, HDAC was sensitive to altitudes above about 3000 km, hence well above the exobase at about 1500 km. Above 3000 km, both models produce densities which are comparable, when taking into account the measurement uncertainty.The inferred exobase density using the Chamberlain profile is a factor of about 2.6 lower than the density obtained from Voyager 1 measurements and much lower than the values inferred from current photochemical models. However, when taking into account the higher solar activity during the Voyager flyby, this is consistent with the Voyager measurements. When using the density profile provided by the particle model, the best fitting exobase density is in perfect agreement with the densities inferred by current photochemical models.Furthermore, a best fitting exospheric temperature of atomic hydrogen in the range of T_H = (150-175) ± 25 K was obtained when assuming an isothermal exosphere for the calculations. The required exospheric temperature depends on the density distribution chosen. This result is within the temperature range determined by different instruments aboard Cassini. The inferred temperature is close to the critical temperature for atomic hydrogen, above which it can escape hydrodynamically after it diffused through the heavier background gas.     

Chemical properties of colored dissolved organic matter in the sea-surface microlayer and subsurface water of Jiaozhou Bay, China in autumn and winter

The distribution and chemical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the Jiaozhou Bay, China were examined during four cruises in 2010-2011. The influence of freshwater and industrial and municipal sewage along the eastern coast of the bay was clearly evident as CDOM levels (defined as a 305 ), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were well correlated with salinity during all the cruises. Moreover, DOC concentrations were significantly correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations in the surface microlayer as well as in the subsurface water. The concentrations of DOC and CDOM displayed a gradually decreasing trend from the northwestern and eastern coast to the central bay, and the values and gradients of their concentrations on the eastern coast were generally higher than those on the western coast. In addition, CDOM and DOC levels were generally higher in the surface microlayer than in the subsurface water. In comparison with DOC, CDOM exhibited a greater extent of enrichment in the microlayer in each cruise, with average enrichment factor (E F ) values of 1.38 and 1.84, respectively. Four fluorescent components were identified from the surface microlayer and subsurface water samples and could be distinguished as peak A, peak T, peak B and peak M. For all the cruises, peak A levels were higher in the surface microlayer than in the subsurface water. This pattern of variation might be attributed to the terrestrial input.     

A parameterized yet accurate model of ozone and water vapor transmittance in the solar-to-near-infrared spectrum

A parameterized transmittance model(PTR) for ozone and water vapor monochromatic transmittance calculation in the solar-to-near-infrared spectrum 0.3-4 μm with a spectral resolution of 5 cm-1 was developed based on the transmittance data calculated by Moderate-resolution Transmittance model(MODTRAN).Polynomial equations were derived to represent the transmittance as functions of path length and airmass for every wavelength based on the least-squares method.Comparisons between the transmittances calculated using PTR and MODTRAN were made,using the results of MODTRAN as a reference.Relative root-mean-square error(RMSre) was 0.823% for ozone transmittance.RMSre values were 8.84% and 3.48% for water vapor transmittance ranges of 1-1×10 18 and 1-1×10 3,respectively.In addition,the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II(SAGEII) ozone profiles and University of Wyoming(UWYO) water vapor profiles were applied to validate the applicability of PTR model.RMSre was 0.437% for ozone transmittance.RMSre values were 8.89% and 2.43% for water vapor transmittance ranges of 1-1×10 18 and 1-1×10 6,respectively.Furthermore,the optical depth profiles calculated using the PTR model were compared to the results of MODTRAN.Absolute RMS errors(RMSab) for ozone optical depths were within 0.0055 and 0.0523 for water vapor at all of the tested altitudes.Finally,the comparison between the solar heating rate calculated from the transmittance of PTR and Line-by-Line radiative transfer model(LBLRTM) was performed,showing a maximum deviation of 0.238 K d-1(6% of the corresponding solar heating rate calculated using LBLRTM).In the troposphere all of the deviations were within 0.08 K d-1.The computational speed of PTR model is nearly two orders of magnitude faster than that of MODTRAN.     

2006年北京春季气溶胶吸收系的分离研究

A statistic regression approach was used to estimate the wavelength exponents of black carbon(BC)and dust particles,and further to separate the contributions of the two types of aerosols to the total light absorption coefficient measured in the Beijing urban area in the spring of 2006.The results show that the wavelength exponent(α)of black carbon aerosol at urban site was approximately-0.92.which is in agreement with the value of-0.8±0.2 reported in related studies.The decoupling analysis of the measured light absorption coefficients during the three floating dust periods(March 25,March 27,and April 9)demonstrates that,on average,the light absorption caused by dust particles took up about 32.8% of the total light absorption at 520 nm wavelength,and by black aerosol more than 60%.This indicates that the black carbon was still the major contributor to the total aerosol light absorption in Beijing urban area even during the floating dust periods.     

Geochemical assessment of groundwater around Macherla-Karempudi area,Guntur district,Andhra Pradesh

Groundwater in Palnad sub-basin is alkaline in nature and Na⁺-Cl⁻-HCO₃⁻ type around Macherla-Karempudi area in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Total dissolved solids (TDS) show strong positive correlation with Cl⁻, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, and positive correlation with SO₄²⁻, K⁺ and HCO₃⁻. Calcareous Narji Formation is the dominant aquifer lithology, and water-rock interaction controls the groundwater chemistry of the area. Chloro-alkaline indices (CAI) are positive at Miriyala, Adigopula, Mutukuru, Macherla and Durgi suggesting replacement of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions from water by Mg⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ ions from country rock through base exchange reactions. Negative CAI values are recorded at Terala, Rayavaram and Nehrunagar, which indicate exchange of Na⁺ and K⁺ from the rock as cation-anion exchange reaction (chloro-alkaline disequilibrium). TDS range from 91 to 7100 ppm (Avg. 835 ppm) and exceed the prescribed limit of drinking water around Mutukuru, Durgi, Rayavaram, Khambampadu and Ammanizamalmadaka areas. Scanty rainfall and insufficient groundwater recharge are the prime factors responsible for high salinity in the area. Fluoride content ranges from <1 to 3.8 ppm and contaminated areas were identified around Macherla (1 sq km; 3.8ppm), Mandadi (1 sq km, 2.1ppm) and Adigopula (2 sq km, <1 to 3.7 ppm). The % Na⁺ content varies from 17 to 85 with the mean value of 57, and eighty (80) samples showed higher %Na⁺ in comparison to the prescribed limit of 60 for irrigation water. Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and % Na⁺ in relation to total salt concentration indicate that groundwater (51%) mostly falls under doubtful to poor quality for irrigation purpose. Groundwater of Adigopula village is fluoride contaminated and remedial measures are suggested to improve the water quality.     

Qualitative analysis and mapping of heavy metals in an abandoned Au–Ag mine area using NIR spectroscopy

Reflectance spectroscopy covering the visible and near-infrared ranges (400–2,400 nm) is known as a rapid and nondestructive method in the characterization and quantitative analysis of many components of interest. In this study, the potential use of spectral absorption feature parameters (SAFPs) in the range of 400–2,400 nm was investigated in terms of the prediction of heavy metals and mapping of their distribution. Parameters such as absorption depth, area, and peak ratio were derived from variations in spectral absorption shape associated with concentrations of heavy metals. Heavy metals were quantified from SAFPs using stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and enter multiple linear regression (EMLR). The EMLR model showed qualitative prediction performance for As and Cu, with R ² values of 0.60 and 0.81, respectively. A contour map of As and Cu concentrations based on EMLR-derived values showed similar spatial patterns to a map based on measured values.     

Factors affecting clarity of New Zealand lakes

Average values of inherent optical properties for the 400–700 nm waveband were estimated from quantum irradiance measurements on 27 New Zealand lakes of diverse optical character, using published nomograms. Secchi disc depths, turbidity, algal pigment, non‐volatile suspended solids, and absorption by membrane‐filtered samples at 440 nm (g 440 ) were also measured. Turbidity (NTU) correlated closely with the scattering coefficient (m^‐1) and these quantities were almost numerically equal, as found in other studies. The data were found to conform to an expression in the oceanographic literature relating Secchi disc depth to the beam attenuation and diffuse attenuation coefficients. Specific beam attenuation, scattering, and absorption coefficients were estimated from the coefficients of linear multiple regressions of the measured total coefficients on the variables: total pigment (chlorophyll a + phaeopigment), non‐volatile suspended solids, and g 440. The estimated values were in reasonable agreement with similar specific coefficients reported in the oceanographic literature. The coefficients provide a basis for predicting clarity in new impoundments or for predicting the effects of loading changes (e.g., of nutrients) on the clarity of existing lakes. The coefficients can be used for classifying lake waters into different optical types.