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Abstract

It has been hypothesized that the olivine- and carbonate-bearing units within Jezero crater are part of the broader olivine-carbonate rock unit found in the Nili Fossae region. Further, it is commonly proposed that olivine and carbonate are closely associated with each other in Jezero crater based on visible/near-infrared spectral data. In this work, we investigate the olivine- and carbonate-rich units in Jezero crater using spectral, thermophysical, and morphological analyses to determine the relationship between olivine- and carbonate-rich units. Thermal infrared spectral data indicate largely weak to absent olivine signatures in the marginal carbonates. Our analyses suggest a decoupled relationship between olivine and carbonate in Jezero. The distinct appearances of olivine and carbonate in Jezero crater compared to the regional olivine-carbonate rocks in Nili Fossae may imply unique formation mechanisms for olivine and carbonate in Jezero or variable levels of olivine alteration across the broader region.

Probabilistic flood inundation mapping through copula Bayesian multi-modeling of precipitation products
Francisco Javier Gomez, Keighobad Jafarzadegan, Hamed Moftakhari, and Hamid Moradkhani
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2647–2665, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2647-2024, 2024
This study utilizes the global copula Bayesian model averaging technique for accurate and reliable flood modeling, especially in coastal regions. By integrating multiple precipitation datasets within this framework, we can effectively address sources of error in each dataset, leading to the generation of probabilistic flood maps. The creation of these probabilistic maps is essential for disaster preparedness and mitigation in densely populated areas susceptible to extreme weather events.

Quantitative Error Analysis on Polarimetric Phased Array Radar Weather Measurements to Reveal Radar Performance and Configuration Potential
Junho Ho, Zhe Li, and Guifu Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-118,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
This study quantitatively analyzes and compares weather measurements from planar (PPPAR) and cylindrical polarimetric phased array radars (CPPAR). It examines data quality, potential problems, and clarifies misunderstandings between the configurations. The findings highlight 2D PPPAR’s challenges in making accurate weather measurements when the beam steers off broadside. CPPAR shows promise in obtaining high-quality polarimetric data because of its azimuthal scan invariant beam characteristics.

Abstract

In this study, we employ the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM), a variable-resolution global atmospheric model, driven by two distinct sea surface temperature (SST) data sets: the 0.25° Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (CCAM_OISST) version 2.1 and the 2° Extended Reconstruction SSTs Version 5 (CCAM_ERSST5). Model performance is assessed using a benchmarking framework, revealing good agreement between both simulations and the climatological rainfall spatial pattern, seasonality, and annual trends obtained from the Australian Gridded Climate Data (AGCD). Notably, wet biases are identified in both simulations, with CCAM_OISST displaying a more pronounced bias. Furthermore, we have examined CCAM’s ability to capture El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) correlations with rainfall during Austral spring (SON) utilizing a novel hit rate metric. Results indicate that only CCAM_OISST successfully replicates observed SON ENSO- and IOD-rainfall correlations, achieving hit rates of 86.6% and 87.5%, respectively, compared to 52.7% and 41.8% for CCAM_ERSST5. Large SST differences are found surrounding the Australian coastline between OISST and ERSST5 (termed the “Coastal Effect”). Differences can be induced by the spatial interpolation error due to the discrepancy between model and driving SST. An additional CCAM experiment, employing OISST with SST masked by ERSST5 in 5° proximity to the Australian continent, underscores the “Coastal Effect” has a significant impact on IOD-Australian rainfall simulations. In contrast, its influence on ENSO-Australian rainfall is limited. Therefore, simulations of IOD-Australian rainfall teleconnection are sensitive to local SST representation along coastlines, probably dependent on the spatial resolution of driving SST.

Abstract

In August 2017, a smoke plume from wildfires in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories recirculated and persisted over northern Canada for over two weeks. We compared a full-factorial set of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE simulations of the plume to satellite retrievals of aerosol optical depth and carbon monoxide, finding that ModelE performance was dependent on the model configuration, and more so on the choice of injection height approach, aerosol scheme and biomass burning emissions estimates than to the choice of horizontal winds for nudging. In particular, ModelE simulations with free-tropospheric smoke injection, a mass-based aerosol scheme and comparatively high fire NOx emissions led to unrealistically high aerosol optical depth. Using paired simulations with and without fire emissions, we estimated that for 16 days over an 850,000 km2 region, the smoke decreased planetary boundary layer heights by between 253 and 547 m, decreased downward shortwave radiation by between 52 and 172 Wm−2, and decreased surface temperature by between 1.5°C and 4.9°C, the latter spanning an independent estimate from operational weather forecasts of a 3.7°C cooling. The strongest surface climate effects were for ModelE configurations with more detailed aerosol microphysics that led to a stronger first indirect effect.

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing of aerosol is largely conducted at moderate or coarse spatial resolution around 1–10 km. Nevertheless, at urban areas with high human activity, aerosol can originate from complex emission sources and may also vary strongly in space. Therefore, aerosol characterization at fine spatial resolution is essential for air quality study and assessment of anthropogenic pollution as well as climate effects. However, space-borne instruments with high spatial resolution are usually limited in swath width or spectral coverage which result in lowering information content required for aerosol and surface retrieval. Based on the Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties (GRASP) algorithm, we propose a hybrid approach by combining fine and coarse spatial resolution measurements to retrieve aerosol and surface properties simulataneously at fine spatial resolution. The instruments with coarse spatial resolution and high revisting time can provide advanced aerosol characterization. At the same time, the instruments with fine spatial resolution are sensitive to spatial variability of aerosol nearby sources. In this study, the GRASP/Hybrid approach is demonstrated and tested based on the European Space Agency Sentinel-5p/TROPOMI together with the Italian Space Agency PRISMA satellite data. Specifically, the detailed aerosol microphysical properties from Sentinel-5p/TROPOMI 10 km retrievals are used as a priori information for PRISMA to derive aerosol loading and surface properties at 100 meter (m) spatial resolution. The PRISMA 100 m aerosol and surface retrieval based on the developed GRASP/Hybrid approach are evaluated using available ground-based and satellite measurements, including AERONET, VIIRS/DB aerosol and PRISMA Level 2 surface reflectance products.

Abstract

The Paluch diagram is a widely used tool for interpreting aircraft measurements of shallow cumulus clouds. A prior study conducted by Heus et al. (2008, https://doi.org/10.1175/2008jas2572.1) concluded that the source levels of in-cloud air inferred from the Paluch diagram exhibit biases, sometimes of several hundred meters, in comparison to those derived from Lagrangian particle tracking. In this short study we revisit this comparison. The results indicate that the upper source levels of in-cloud air determined from the Lagrangian Particle Tracking and the Paluch diagram are consistent, and the choice of statistical methods is crucial. The significance of this research lies in confirming the reliability of the Paluch analysis, enabling its confident application to aircraft data.

Science, Volume 385, Issue 6708, August 2024.

Science, Volume 385, Issue 6708, August 2024.

Science, Volume 385, Issue 6708, August 2024.

Science, Volume 385, Issue 6708, August 2024.

Science, Volume 385, Issue 6708, August 2024.

Abstract

Climate models indicate that a warmer environment will increase low-level moisture, potentially intensify extreme precipitation. However, its impact on different rainfall types remains unclear. Using satellite data, we examined changes in light (0-95th percentile, ≤5.28 mm hr−1) and heavy (95-100th percentile, >5.28 mm hr−1) precipitation in the tropics from 1998 to 2019. Our findings show a −9 ± 2% (23 ± 2%) change in heavy (light) rain intensity and a 13 ± 2% (−24 ± 1%) change in heavy (light) rain frequency. These changes link to warmer sea surface temperatures, increased atmospheric stability and water vapor, and weakened upward velocity. These insights shed light on how heavy and light precipitation patterns respond to changing climate, emphasizing the complexities within the hydrological cycle.

Abstract

Our current knowledge regarding the distribution patterns of ancient and recent recycled materials, as well as the origin of intraplate basalts in the eastern Asia Big Mantle Wedge (BMW), is limited. To address this, we conducted a detailed geochemical analysis of olivine melt inclusions (OLMI) in nephelinite samples. The normal OLMIs detected in our investigation exhibit geochemical features that closely resemble those of the hosting nephelinite, indicating a consistent association with a carbonated mantle source. Additionally, we identified a distinct group of anomalous OLMIs that displayed different geochemical characteristics from the hosting nephelinite but showed similarities to regional alkali basalts sourced from pyroxenite. The observed geochemical diversity in the nephelinite OLMIs suggests an interaction between deeply derived carbonated melts originating from the flattened Pacific slab in the mantle transition zone and pyroxenite in the lithospheric mantle. Carbonated fluid-fluxed melting is key to basalt formation in the BMW.

Abstract

Terminus change is a complex outcome of ice-ocean boundary processes and poses challenges for ice sheet models due to inadequate calving laws, creating uncertainty in sea level change projections. To address this, we quantify glacier termini sinuosity and convexity, testing the hypothesis that terminus morphology reflects dominant calving processes. Using 10 glaciers with diverse calving styles in Greenland over the period from 1985 to 2021, we establish a supervised classification of calving style by comparing morphology and literature-derived calving observations. Validation with four of these glaciers and flotation conditions and subglacial discharge routing observations confirms concave, smooth termini indicate buoyant flexure dominated-calving, while convex, sinuous termini suggest serac failure dominated-calving. We also identify a mixed style where both calving types may occur. We use these classes to label calving style from 1985 to 2021 for all 10 glaciers and explore how this changes over time as glaciers retreat.

Abstract

This study assesses the reliability and limitations of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) in detecting continuing currents by comparing observations from ground-based high-speed cameras with GLM-16 data. Our findings show that the GLM's one-group detection efficiency (DE_1) is 53%, while the more stringent five-consecutive-group detection efficiency (DE_5) is 10%. Optical signals detected by the GLM predominantly occur during the early stages of continuing currents. Additionally, there is a notable disparity in detection efficiencies between positive and negative continuing currents, with positive continuing currents being detected more frequently. The application of the logistic regression model developed by Fairman and Bitzer (2022) further illustrates the limitations in continuing current identification. The study underscores the challenges of relying solely on satellite data to monitor and analyze continuing currents, emphasizing the need for advancements in detection technologies and methodologies to reliably detect continuing current at a large spatial scale.

Abstract

Omega bands are mesoscale auroral structures emerging as eastward moving quasi-periodic poleward protrusions well within the closed field line region of the auroral oval. Neither specific conditions of their appearance nor their causes are well understood. We perform a superposed epoch analysis of OMNI and SuperMAG measurements taken during 28 omega band events recorded by auroral all-sky imager observations from 2006 to 2013 to identify their solar wind drivers. We find local enhancements in the solar wind flow speed, magnetic field, pressure, and proton density at the time of the omega band observation. In the magnetosphere-ionosphere, we see enhancements in the ring current, partial ring current, and auroral electrojets. These features are consistent with geomagnetic activity caused by stream interaction regions (SIRs). 19 of our events overlap with SIRs from published event catalogs. Our findings suggest that omega bands are driven by compression regions commonly associated with SIR events.

Abstract

While weakening of the boreal polar vortex may be caused by autumnal Arctic sea ice loss, less is known about the interannual influence of Antarctic sea ice on stratosphere-troposphere coupling in the Southern Hemisphere. Identifying any relationship over the short satellite period is difficult due to sampling variability and anthropogenic modification of the austral polar vortex. To circumvent these issues, we use large ensembles of fixed boundary condition simulations from the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) to assess if and how interannual fluctuations in winter Antarctic sea ice influence spring planetary-scale waves and the coupled stratosphere-troposphere circulation. Low Antarctic sea ice conditions are found to modulate tropospheric stationary waves to project constructively onto the climatological stationary wave, enhancing upward planetary wave propagation into the austral polar stratosphere. In WACCM, the resulting vortex weakening coincides with development of negative Southern Annular Mode conditions during September–November.

Abstract

Studies have implicated the importance of longwave (LW) cloud-radiative forcing (CRF) in facilitating or accelerating the upscale development of tropical moist convection. While different cloud types are known to have distinct CRF, their individual roles in driving upscale development through radiative feedback is largely unexplored. Here we examine the hypothesis that CRF from stratiform regions has the greatest positive effect on upscale development of tropical convection. We do so through numerical model experiments using convection-permitting ensemble WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) simulations of tropical cyclone formation. Using a new column-by-column cloud classification scheme, we identify the contributions of five cloud types (shallow, congestus, and deep convective; and stratiform and anvil clouds). We examine their relative impacts on longwave radiation moist static energy (MSE) variance feedback and test the removal of this forcing in additional mechanism-denial simulations. Our results indicate the importance stratiform and anvil regions in accelerating convective upscale development.

An urban module coupled with the Variable Infiltration Capacity model to improve hydrothermal simulations in urban systems
Yibing Wang, Xianhong Xie, Bowen Zhu, Arken Tursun, Fuxiao Jiang, Yao Liu, Dawei Peng, and Buyun Zheng
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 5803–5819, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-5803-2024, 2024
Urban expansion intensifies challenges like urban heat and urban dry islands. To address this, we developed an urban module, VIC-urban, in the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. Tested in Beijing, VIC-urban accurately simulated turbulent heat fluxes, runoff, and land surface temperature. We provide a reliable tool for large-scale simulations considering urban environment and a systematic urban modelling framework within VIC, offering crucial insights for urban planners and designers.