Nature Geoscience, Published online: 28 August 2024; doi:10.1038/s41561-024-01536-9
Author Correction: Amplified warming of extreme temperatures over tropical land
Abstract
The lunar surface undergoes various space weathering and impact processes, which shape the regolith and expose boulders. Using high-resolution Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Narrow Angle Camera imagery and associated Digital Elevation Models, we investigate regolith thicknesses and boulder densities at the four candidate landing sites of the Emirates Lunar Mission Rashid-1 rover: the floor-fractured crater Atlas and the Sinus Iridum, Oceanus Procellarum and Lacus Somniorum maria. The regolith thickness is estimated using the small crater morphology method, by mapping 3413 central mound, flat-bottomed, concentric craters (<350 m in diameter). Boulders were counted manually and compared with LRO Diviner rock abundance and mini-RF Circular Polarisation Ratio global maps. There is no obvious correlation between the site’s age, average regolith thickness and boulder density. The “Depth-Age hypothesis” is not confirmed here: Atlas (3.8 Gyr) has the thinnest regolith (median: 1.2 m), Procellarum (1.9 Gyr) and Somniorum (3.7 Gyr) have similar thicknesses (1.7 m and 1.8 m respectively), and the regolith in Iridum (3.4 Gyr) is the thickest (2.9 m). The estimated regolith thickness is highly variable laterally within the landing ellipses. Boulder fields in the landing areas are well-correlated with higher Diviner rock abundance values, and with locally thicker patches of regolith. The relatively thin regolith in Atlas could be related to its complex geology involving multiple volcanic episodes. Orbital estimates of regolith thickness and boulder distribution remain key for landing safety and trafficability assessments during mission preparations, and bring key insights into the local history of the regolith through crater morphologies.
Abstract
The doldrums are regions of low wind speeds and variable wind directions in the deep tropics that have been known for centuries. Although the doldrums are often associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the exact relationship remains unclear. This study re-examines the relationship between low-level convergence and the Atlantic doldrums. By analyzing the frequency distribution of low wind speed events in reanalysis and buoy data, we show that the doldrums are largely confined between the edges of the ITCZ marked by enhanced surface convergence. While the region between the edges is a region of high time-mean precipitation, low wind speed events occur in the absence of precipitation. Based on these results, we hypothesize that low wind speed events occur in regions of low level divergence rather than convergence.
The Cascadia subduction zone in the Pacific Northwest has a history of producing powerful and destructive earthquakes that have sunk forests and spawned tsunamis that reached all the way to the shores of Japan.
Abstract
This study examines the differences related to microphysical properties of ice in thunderstorms over the Amazon and Congo Basin using the Precipitation Feature (PF) data sets derived from passive microwave and radar observations from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Global Precipitation Mission Core Satellites. Analysis reveals that Amazon thunderstorms are likely composed of ice crystals smaller but more numerous than those in the Congo Basin, resulting in half as many flashes per PF on average in the Amazon, for similar Ice Water Content (IWC) or Area of 30 dBZ at −10°C (Acharge). The increase of the flash count following an increase of the IWC (Acharge) is only 72% (61%) as effective in the Amazon as it would be in the Congo Basin area. PFs with similar 30 dBZ radar echo top heights exhibit lower Brightness Temperatures (TBs) in the 85/89, 165, and 183 GHz frequencies over the Amazon, indicating more numerous smaller ice particles compared to those over the Congo Basin, which tend to show colder TBs at 37 GHz, possibly due to more numerous large graupel or hail particles. Comparisons of TBs in PFs with similar 30 dBZ echo top temperature between the Amazon and 3 × 3º global grids show that the median TB in Amazon is higher than that in most oceanic areas but is comparable to areas having high oceanic lightning activity (e.g., South Pacific Convergence Zone). It suggests that systems in the Amazon have similarities with maritime precipitation systems, yet with distinct characteristics indicative of land systems.
A study led by Drs. Xun Wei and Xue-Fa Shi from the First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, China presents 40Ar-39Ar age, geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic data of lavas from Hemler, Vlinder, and Il'ichev seamounts in the West Pacific. The research elucidates their petrogenesis and geodynamic processes.
A comprehensive evaluation of enhanced temperature influence on gas and aerosol chemistry in the lamp-enclosed oxidation flow reactor (OFR) system
Tianle Pan, Andrew T. Lambe, Weiwei Hu, Yicong He, Minghao Hu, Huaishan Zhou, Xinming Wang, Qingqing Hu, Hui Chen, Yue Zhao, Yuanlong Huang, Doug R. Worsnop, Zhe Peng, Melissa A. Morris, Douglas A. Day, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Jose-Luis Jimenez, and Shantanu H. Jathar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4915–4939, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4915-2024, 2024
This study systematically characterizes the temperature enhancement in the lamp-enclosed oxidation flow reactor (OFR). The enhancement varied multiple dimensional factors, emphasizing the complexity of temperature inside of OFR. The effects of temperature on the flow field and gas- or particle-phase reaction inside OFR were also evaluated with experiments and model simulations. Finally, multiple mitigation strategies were demonstrated to minimize this temperature increase.
ampycloud: an open-source algorithm to determine cloud base heights and sky coverage fractions from ceilometer data
Frédéric P. A. Vogt, Loris Foresti, Daniel Regenass, Sophie Réthoré, Néstor Tarin Burriel, Mervyn Bibby, Przemysław Juda, Simone Balmelli, Tobias Hanselmann, Pieter du Preez, and Dirk Furrer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4891–4914, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4891-2024, 2024
ampycloud is a new algorithm developed at MeteoSwiss to characterize the height and sky coverage fraction of cloud layers above aerodromes via ceilometer data. This algorithm was devised as part of a larger effort to fully automate the creation of meteorological aerodrome reports (METARs) at Swiss civil airports. The ampycloud algorithm is implemented as a Python package that is made publicly available to the community under the 3-Clause BSD license.
High-resolution wind speed measurements with quadcopter uncrewed aerial systems: calibration and verification in a wind tunnel with an active grid
Johannes Kistner, Lars Neuhaus, and Norman Wildmann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4941–4955, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4941-2024, 2024
We use a fleet of multicopter drones to measure wind. To improve the accuracy of this wind measurement and to evaluate this improvement, we conducted experiments with the drones in a wind tunnel under various conditions. This wind tunnel can generate different kinds and intensities of wind. Here we measured with the drones and with other sensors as a reference and compared the results. We were able to improve our wind measurement and show how accurately it works in different situations.
Retrieving cloud base height and geometric thickness using the oxygen A-band channel of GCOM-C/SGLI
Takashi M. Nagao, Kentaroh Suzuki, and Makoto Kuji
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-141,2024
Preprint under review for AMT (discussion: open, 0 comments)
In satellite remote sensing, estimating cloud base height (CBH) is more challenging than estimating cloud top height because the cloud base is obscured by the cloud itself. We developed an algorithm using the specific channel (known as the oxygen A-band channel) of the SGLI instrument on JAXA’s GCOM-C satellite to estimate CBH together with other cloud properties. This algorithm can provide global distributions of CBH across various cloud types, including liquid, ice, and mixed-phase clouds.
Deep-learning-driven simulations of boundary layer clouds over the Southern Great Plains
Tianning Su and Yunyan Zhang
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 6319–6336, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-6319-2024, 2024
Using 2 decades of field observations over the Southern Great Plains, this study developed a deep-learning model to simulate the complex dynamics of boundary layer clouds. The deep-learning model can serve as the cloud parameterization within reanalysis frameworks, offering insights into improving the simulation of low clouds. By quantifying biases due to various meteorological factors and parameterizations, this deep-learning-driven approach helps bridge the observation–modeling divide.
Mixed-precision computing in the GRIST dynamical core for weather and climate modelling
Siyuan Chen, Yi Zhang, Yiming Wang, Zhuang Liu, Xiaohan Li, and Wei Xue
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 6301–6318, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-6301-2024, 2024
This study explores strategies and techniques for implementing mixed-precision code optimization within an atmosphere model dynamical core. The coded equation terms in the governing equations that are sensitive (or insensitive) to the precision level have been identified. The performance of mixed-precision computing in weather and climate simulations was analyzed.
GREAT v1.0: Global Real-time Early Assessment of Tsunamis
Usama Kadri, Ali Abdolali, and Maxim Filimonov
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https//doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-139,2024
Preprint under review for GMD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
The GREAT v1.0 software introduces a novel tsunami warning technology for global real-time analysis. It leverages acoustic signals generated by tsunamis, which propagate faster than the tsunami itself, enabling real-time detection and assessment. Integrating various models, the software provides reliable and rapid assessment, mapping risk areas, and estimating tsunami amplitude. This advancement reduces false alarms and enhances global tsunami warning systems' accuracy and efficiency.
Alquimia v1.0: A generic interface to biogeochemical codes – A tool for interoperable development, prototyping and benchmarking for multiphysics simulators
Sergi Molins, Benjamin Andre, Jeffrey Johnson, Glenn Hammond, Benjamin Sulman, Konstantin Lipnikov, Marcus Day, James Beisman, Daniil Svyatsky, Hang Deng, Peter Lichtner, Carl Steefel, and David Moulton
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https//doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-108,2024
Preprint under review for GMD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Developing scientific software and making sure it functions properly requires a significant effort. As we advance our understanding of natural systems, however, there is the need to develop yet more complex models and codes. In this work, we present a piece of software that facilitates this work, specifically with regard to reactive processes. Existing tried-and-true codes are made available via this new interface, freeing up resources to focus on the new aspects of the problems at hand.
Abstract
Ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) are well known as primary emission from the production and consumption of traditional industrial sectors. Here, we reported the unintentional emission of ODSs from iron and steel plants as a new source, basing on real-world measurements of flue gases emitted from their major processes. The sintering was found to be the major emission process of ODSs, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl halide (CH3Cl), methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and halogenated very short-lived substances. The median emission factors of CFC-113, CFC-115, HCFC-22, and CH3Cl for typical sintering processes are 1.7, 0.7, 44.5 and 237.0 mg/t, respectively. Quantum chemical calculation figures out that the ODS species are mainly formed in the low efficiency combustion process of halogenated materials. Annual amounts of ODS and CFC-11-equivalent emissions were estimated to be 1,785 tons and 78 tons in 2019 over mainland China, respectively. Given these findings, this study provides a new prospective on searching for ODS emission sources, especially unintentional sources such as iron and steel industry and other combustion related activities.
Abstract
The inverse temperature layer (ITL) beneath water-atmosphere interface within which temperature increases with depth has been observed from measurement of water temperature profile at an inland lake. Strong solar radiation combined with moderate wind-driven near-surface turbulence leads to the formation of a pronounced diurnal cycle of the ITL predicted by a physical heat transfer model. The ITL only forms during daytime when solar radiation intensity exceeds a threshold while consistently occurs during nighttime. The largest depth of the ITL is comparable to the e-fold penetration depth of solar radiation during daytime and at least one order of magnitude deeper during nighttime. The dynamics of the ITL depth variation simulated by a physical model forced by observed water surface solar radiation and temperature is confirmed by the observed water temperature profile in the lake.
Global warming, driven by human activities, has led to rising average temperatures worldwide. However, Greenland has been warming at an even faster rate than the rest of the world, leading to accelerated ice sheet melting. This intensified warming in the northern regions, known as Arctic Amplification, has the potential to raise sea levels significantly, posing a threat to coastal areas and ecosystems globally. Understanding the drivers behind this phenomenon is crucial for predicting future climate impacts.
Climate scientists have warned of calamitous consequences if global temperatures continue their rise. But macroeconomists have largely told a less alarming story, predicting modest reductions in productivity and spending as the world warms.
For the last seven decades, Earth has been operating in unprecedented ways, leading many researchers to argue that we have entered a new geological epoch known as the Anthropocene.
When waves break on the open ocean, they throw particles called sea spray aerosols into the atmosphere. These particles can be lifted kilometers into the air, where they may affect how clouds form and therefore Earth's radiative balance. This balance between the amount of radiant energy Earth's surface and atmosphere emit, absorb, and reflect strongly affects climate.
