Showing papers in "Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society in 1990"
TL;DR: The largest increases in surface temperatures over the Northern Hemisphere in the decade prior to 1988 were in Alaska, while substantial decreases occurred in the North Pacific Ocean as discussed by the authors, which illustrates the considerable geographic spatial structure to interdecadal temperature variations associated with changes in the atmospheric circulation.
Abstract: The largest increases in surface temperatures over the Northern Hemisphere in the decade prior to 1988 were in Alaska, while substantial decreases occurred in the North Pacific Ocean. This illustrates the considerable geographic spatial structure to interdecadal temperature variations associated with changes in the atmospheric circulation. In particular, from 1977 to 1988, there was a deeper and eastward-shifted Aleutian low-pressure system in the winter half year, which advected warmer and moister air into Alaska and colder air over the North Pacific. Associated changes in surface-wind stress and wind-stress curl altered the North Pacific Ocean currents, as revealed by the Sverdrup transport. The North Pacific changes appear to be linked through teleconnections to tropical atmosphere–ocean interactions and the frequency of El Nino versus La Nina events. Consequently, the question of why it was so warm in Alaska becomes changed to one of why there were three tropical Pacific Warm Events, but no Cold Event...
1,086 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere on global temperature changes are analyzed and the problems with models currently used to predict climatic changes are examined, and the greenhouse effect hypothesis is discussed.
Abstract: The greenhouse effect hypothesis is discussed. The effects of increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere on global temperature changes are analyzed. The problems with models currently used to predict climatic changes are examined.
438 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the global numerical weather prediction system of the National Meteorological Center and review recent improvements, the evolution in skill, and current research projects and plans.
Abstract: In this paper we describe the global numerical weather prediction system of the National Meteorological Center, and review recent improvements, the evolution in skill, and current research projects and plans.
303 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case is presented in which clouds are observed to form first over a mesoscale-size area (100 x 300 km) of harvested wheat in Oklahoma, where the ground temperature is warmer than adjoining areas dominated by growing vegetation.
Abstract: A case is presented in which clouds are observed to form first over a mesoscale-size area (100 x 300 km) of harvested wheat in Oklahoma, where the ground temperature is warmer than adjoining areas dominated by growing vegetation. In addition, clouds are suppressed over relatively long bands downwind of small man-made lakes and areas characterized by heavy tree cover. The observed variability of cloud relative to landscape type is compared with that simulated with a one-dimensional boundary-layer model. Clouds form earliest over regions characterized by high, sensible heat flux, and are suppressed over regions characterized by high, latent heat flux during relatively dry atmospheric conditions. This observation has significance in gaining understanding of the feedback mechanisms of land modification on climate, as well as understanding relatively short-range weather forecasting.
242 citations
TL;DR: The Taiwan Area Mesoscale Experiment (TAMEX) is a research program conducted jointly by scientists of Taiwan, the Republic of China, and the United States to improve, through better understanding, the forecasting of heavy precipitation events that lead to flash floods as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Taiwan Area Mesoscale Experiment (TAMEX) is a research program conducted jointly by scientists of Taiwan, the Republic of China, and the United States to improve, through better understanding, the forecasting of heavy precipitation events that lead to flash floods. In order to achieve this objective the field phase of TAMEX was launched to collect the data necessary to study the mesoscale circulation associated with the Mei-Yu front; the evolution of the mesoscale convective systems in the vicinity of the Mei-Yu front; and the effects of orography on the Mei-Yu front and on mesoscale convective systems. The field phase extended from 1 May to 29 June 1987, covering 13 operational missions. In addition, soundings were taken every 6 h within the special network for a 1-month period from 15 May to 15 June. Meteorological phenomena on which special observations were collected include the Mei-Yu front, low-level jet, prefrontal squall lines, open-ocean mesoscale convective systems, mountain convection, terr...
125 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an image-processing technique based on a pixel-by-pixel subtraction of 10.8 μm from 3.7 μm brightness temperatures is presented.
Abstract: The 3.7-μm channel on-board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) provides the unique capability to detect small, but hot, surface features. We present an image-processing technique based on a pixel-by-pixel subtraction of 10.8 μm from 3.7 μm brightness temperatures. We also develop an automated technique which classifies hotspots based on: 1) the brightness temperatures at 3.7 and 10.8 μm at a given pixel, and 2) a background temperature based on the immediately surrounding pixels.
104 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a simulation of the appearance of an intense hailstorm in the passive microwave spectrum is used to characterize the vertical sources of radiation contributing to the microwave brightness temperatures at the top of the atmosphere.
Abstract: A simulation of the appearance of an intense hailstorm in the passive microwave spectrum is used to characterize the vertical sources of radiation contributing to the microwave brightness temperatures at the top of the atmosphere. The four frequencies studied correspond to those used on the USAF Special Sensor Microwave Imager. The origin and movement of the radiation are described by two vertically resolved radiative structure functions. Consideration is given to problems relating to precipitation retrieval through passive remote sensing.
82 citations
TL;DR: The International Satellite Land-Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) and the Satellite Data Algorithm Workshop (SDAW) as discussed by the authors were initiated to address the research problems associated with interpretation and utilization of satellite data over the earth's land surface.
Abstract: The major groups of algorithms used to convert satellite data into land-surface climatological parameters are reviewed. The International Satellite Land-Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) and the Satellite Data Algorithm Workshop are described. ISLSCP was initiated to address the research problems associated with interpretation and utilization of satellite data over the earth's land surface. The proceedings of a workshop sponsored by ISLSCP to investigate the state and potential of satellite sensor output into surface parameters is presented. The current status of algorithms used to determine land-surface parameters is assessed; the methodologies that ultilize these parameters and other data for estimates of the surface energy balance are reviewed; and a preliminary assessment of the effort required to construct an operational system for the routine processing of satellite data into land-surface parameters is made.
79 citations
79 citations
76 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case is made that forecasts of mean conditions for periods as long as a season can be made with appreciable reliability for certain parameters, places, seasons and situations, thereby making them potentially beneficial to certain users.
Abstract: The widely held belief that monthly and seasonal predictions, while containing some information, are not skillful enough to be of economic benefit, is reexamined through an extended example of winter seasonal temperature skill as it relates to the natural gas industry. A case is made that forecasts of mean conditions for periods as long as a season can be made with appreciable reliability for certain parameters, places, seasons, and situations, thereby making them potentially beneficial to certain users. Several opportunities to improve the reliability of these forecasts over the next several years are described in the context of operational systems currently used to make predictions for the United States. Finally, the levels and types of research necessary to realize the potential benefits to users of skillful long-range forecasts are outlined. It is argued that it makes little sense, from a scientific or societal point of view, to neglect research on prediction of intraseasonal to interannual time scale...
TL;DR: The Amazon Boundary Layer Experiments (ABLE 2A and 2B) as discussed by the authors were designed to determine sources, sinks, concentrations, and transports of trace gases and aerosols originating from the tropical rain forest soils, wetlands, and vegetation.
Abstract: In July and August 1985, and April and May 1987, two atmospheric chemistry field experiments called the Amazon Boundary-layer Experiments, (ABLE 2A and 2B) were conducted from a base near Manaus, Brazil in the central Amazon basin. The experiments were designed to determine sources, sinks, concentrations, and transports of trace gases and aerosols originating from the tropical rain forest soils, wetlands, and vegetation. We describe in this paper the design of these experiments and some of the preliminary results which have emerged. We wish, in particular, to illustrate the complexities of determining the inter-related roles between meteorological scales of motion and the fluxes, transports, and reactions of chemical species and aerosols embedded in the atmospheric fluid. Illustrative results from ABLE 2A and 2B are presented which represent both meteorological findings largely independent of the chemistry and results which stem from the chemical nature of the experiment and might not have been f...
TL;DR: The NCAR Cross-Chain LORAN Atmospheric Sounding System (CLASS) is a fully mobile configuration, which is called M-CLASS as discussed by the authors, and it has been successfully deployed in a series of test flights in the spring of 1987.
Abstract: We have Rested the NCAR Cross-Chain LORAN Atmospheric Sounding System (CLASS) in a fully mobile configuration, which we call M-CLASS. The sondes use LORAN-C navigation signals to allow calculation of balloon position and horizontal winds. In nonstormy environments, thermodynamics and wind data were almost always of high quality. Besides providing special soundings for operational forecasts and research programs, a major feature of mobile ballooning with M-CLASS is the ability to obtain additional data by flying other instruments on the balloons. We flew an electric field meter, along with a sonde, into storms on 8 of the initial 47 test flights in the spring of 1987. In storms, pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind data were of good quality about 80%, 75%, 60%, and 40% of the time, respectively. In a flight into a mesocyclone, we measured electric fields as high as −135 kV/m (at 10 km MSL) in a region of negative charge. The electric field data from several storms allow a quantitative assessm...
TL;DR: In this article, a field campaign to document the dynamic modifications to the atmospheric flow generated by the Pyrenean range during a 2-month period (October and November 1990) with six intensive observation periods (IOPs) of 2 to 3 days.
Abstract: Although the qualitative influence of mountains over the atmosphere has been known for a long time, numerous deficiencies, linked to orography, are still noted, either in forecasts by regional models, or in the long-term behavior of climate models. This is why the French and Spanish weather services are undertaking an important field campaign to document the dynamic modifications to the atmospheric flow generated by the Pyrenean range during a 2-month period (October and November 1990) with six intensive observation periods (IOPs) of 2 to 3 days. The experimental strategy is based largely on mesoscale numerical-model results and will help to validate these models. The main focus is on the documentation of clear-air turbulence generated either by breaking mountain waves, by surface roughness, or by the wind shear induced by the lateral-flow deviation around the mountain. Experimental means include several networks of surface stations, radio soundings, constant-level balloons, four wind profilers, ...
TL;DR: In this paper, mesoscale convective systems observed in the southern High Plains during the Oklahoma-Kansas Preliminary Regional Experiment for STORMcentral (PRE-STORM) field program were analyzed using radar and rawinsonde data.
Abstract: Mesoscale convective systems observed in the southern High Plains during the Oklahoma-Kansas Preliminary Regional Experiment for STORM-central (PRE-STORM) field program were analyzed using radar and rawinsonde data Although radar data indicate that no two systems are identical, basic recurring mesoscale structures are evident Based on these recurrent features, the systems have been classified into three types of mesoscale convective patterns: linear mesoscale systems, occluding mesoscale systems, and chaotic mesoscale systems Examples of all three types are discussed High-density rawinsonde data collected in the regions ahead of the mesoscale systems have been averaged to produce composite soundings; the composites exhibit differences in both thermodynamic and wind structure between types
TL;DR: A mesoscale modeling system is being applied on an experimental basis at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) for production of real-time, high resolution, numerical weather forecasts for the northeastern United States as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A mesoscale modeling system is being applied on an experimental basis at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) for production of real-time, high resolution, numerical weather forecasts for the northeastern United States. The initial model experimentation is being supported by Penn State. It is believed to be the first time that a real-time, three-dimensional mesoscale model has been run routinely at an American university, although mesoscale models have been run in real time in government laboratories. A version of the Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model is employed, using a two-way interacting nested grid with a fine-grid increment of 30 km, a coarse-grid increment of 90 km, and 15 computational levels. The forecast cycle is initiated automatically by the Department of Meteorology's Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 8350 system when all the required 0000 UTC surface and upper-air National Weather Service (NWS) data have been received, quality checked, and archived. Lateral boundary conditions are ex...
TL;DR: In this paper, present and future effects of global warming were discussed and two opposing schools of thought concerning global warming are summarized, and it was pointed out that scientific concern for a high probability of unprecedented climatic change over the next 50 years is not based upon the detailed fluctuations in the climate record to date, but on physical processes that comprise the greenhouse effect.
Abstract: Estimates of present and future effects of global warming are discussed and the two opposing schools of thought concerning global warming are summarized. It is pointed out that scientific concern for a high probability of unprecedented climatic change over the next 50 years is not based upon the detailed fluctuations in the climate record to date, but on physical processes that comprise the greenhouse effect. The most recent climatic models are described and validation of these models discussed. Results from these models suggest that global average surface temperatures will increase by 1.5-4.5 C during the next century. However, changes in greenhouse gas concentrations, other nongreenhouse forcings such as solar variability or atmospheric aerosols, and feedback processes not properly accounted for in the present models could produce greater or smaller increases. Sea-level rises of 0.2-1.2 m are typically projected for the next century. Some discussion of policy responses is presented. 62 refs.
TL;DR: In this article, four separate field experiments to study tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific area will be carried out during August/September 1990 by the United States, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization (ESCAP/WMO) Typhoon Committee, the USSR, and by Taiwanese scientists.
Abstract: Four separate (but coincident in time) field experiments to study tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific area will be carried out during August/September 1990 by the United States, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization (ESCAP/WMO) Typhoon Committee, the USSR, and by Taiwanese scientists. The objective of the U.S. experiment is to improve basic understanding of tropical cyclone motion. The focus of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee experiment is to improve operational track prediction. A multi-ship and aircraft expedition is planned by the USSR to understand the effects of the ocean inhomogeneities on tropical cyclones, and the response of the ocean to typhoon passage. Researchers in Taiwan will organize special observations of typhoons approaching Taiwan to understand the wind and precipitation distributions. The combined observations from these experiments should result in a comprehensive dataset for the study of western Pacific tropical cyclones.
TL;DR: In this article, a 3 1/2-yr experimental program of extended-range integrations of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) numerical weather prediction model is summarized.
Abstract: Results from a 3 1/2-yr experimental program of extended-range integrations of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) numerical weather prediction model are summarized. The topics discussed include 1) The evolution of extended-range systematic error and skill in forecasting large-scale weather regime transitions; 2) The dependence of extended-range systematic error and skill on model horizontal resolution; 3) Monthly mean forecasts of tropical rainfall; 4) Tropical/extratropical interaction, and the influence of tropical low-frequency variability an extratropical forecast skill; 5) Ensemble forecasting, including the impact of ensemble averaging on forecast skill, and ensemble dispersion as a measure of forecast reliability; and 6) Probabilistic forecasting using phase-space cluster analysis. Our results are broadly consistent with those from other major centers evaluating the feasibility of dynamical extended-range prediction. We believe that operational extended-range fo...
TL;DR: Humidity Exchange over the Sea (HEXOS) as discussed by the authors ) is an international program for the study of evaporation and spray droplet flux from sea to air, which includes measurements in the field, simulation studies in wind tunnels, interpretive studies such as flow distortion modeling, boundary-layer modeling and development of parameterization for use in synoptic, and climatic models of the atmosphere and ocean.
Abstract: Humidity Exchange over the Sea (HEXOS) is an international program for the study of evaporation and spray droplet flux from sea to air. The program includes measurements in the field, simulation studies in wind tunnels, interpretive studies such as flow distortion modeling, boundary-layer modeling and development of parameterization for use in synoptic, and climatic models of the atmosphere and ocean. The HEXOS Main Experiment (HEXMAX) was carried out in October and November of 1986 at the Dutch offshore research platform Meetpost Noordwijk (MPN) and from ship, aircraft, and shore stations in the vicinity. Evaporation, wind stress, and heat flux were determined at all stations using combinations of eddy correlation, dissipation, and profile methods. Concurrent measurements of spray and aerosol distributions and other relevant parameters, and the regular occurence of favorable winds and weather make the HEXMAX dataset unique in its completeness and in the range of conditions covered. Some preliminary resul...
TL;DR: The Monsoon Trough Boundary Layer Experiment (MONTBLEX) as discussed by the authors is a multi-institutional, all-India coordinated program to study the atmospheric boundary-layer processes in the monsoon trough (MT) area of northern India.
Abstract: The Monsoon Trough Boundary Layer Experiment (MONTBLEX) is a multi-institutional, all-India coordinated program to study the atmospheric boundary-layer processes in the monsoon trough (MT) area of northern India. The experiment is being organized through a core program in which four observational towers are being set up in different meteorological regimes along the mean axis of the MT. The supplementary program will consist of two more meteorological towers at coastal stations over peninsular India. The pilot experiment conducted at the instrument tower during 1–7 July 1989 has shown the indigenous capability to design instruments with fast-measuring meteorological parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and wind vectors, through an on-site PC-based data-retrieval system. Similar tower-based instrumentation at three other sites—along with sodar, minisonde, tethered sonde, INSAT, radar and other observations—during the Monsoon 1990 experiment, will provide the requisite data for simulation and validatio...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the functions of regional climate centers and identify their benefits and beneficiaries, as well as the potential for focused, applied research to enhance the services provided by the regional centers.
Abstract: In response to the need to improve climate services at the local, state, and regional levels, a national network of regional climate centers has developed. This paper provides the background to this development, and outlines the functions of the centers and identifies their benefits and beneficiaries. The centers are a source of climate expertise and maintain multifaceted interfaces with the public and private sectors. Each center a) performs services, including the management of the basic data for its region and the delivery of specialized products; b) conducts applied climate studies, including the monitoring of anomalous conditions and the promoting of regional research; and c) acquires and maintains specialized regional datasets. Examples are given for each function. The paper concludes by elaborating on the potential for focused, applied research to enhance the services provided by the regional centers. This includes reference to the current irrigation scheduling information service operated by the H...
TL;DR: In this article, an improved global climate monitoring and reporting capability is urgently needed in order to ensure that interpretation of climate trends and comparison with model projections are based on the complete and accurate datasets available.
Abstract: Recent record high temperatures and drought conditions in many regions of the United States have prompted heightened concern about whether these are early manifestations of the global green house warming projected by the major climate models. An improved global climate monitoring and reporting capability is urgently needed in order to ensure that interpretation of climate trends and comparison with model projections are based on the mast complete and accurate datasets available. Priority should be placed on identifying those key variables for which data are already being collected, and then integrating these quality controlled datasets into one consolidated climate monitoring report that would be issued at regular intervals. Quality control is essential in order to avoid errors in the datasets that lead to misleading interpretations that further confound the identification of an anthropogenic climate change “signal” against the background of natural climate variability. Data on several key variab...
TL;DR: The authors summarizes recent studies of a variety of atmospheric phenomena in different parts of the world using the Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model, including explosive cyclogenesis over the North Pacific and North Atlantic swans, cyclogenesis in Europe and associated ozone transport during the ALPEX experiment, heavy rainfall and flash flood events over Pennsylvania and China, “Plateau” and “Southwest” vortices over China, severe storms over the United States, mesoscales convective complexes, elevated mixed layers and "lids,” an Australian Souther
Abstract: This paper summarizes recent studies of a variety of atmospheric phenomena in different parts of the world using the Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model. These phenomena include explosive cyclogenesis over the North Pacific and North Atlantic swans, cyclogenesis over Europe and associated ozone transport during the ALPEX experiment, heavy rainfall and flash flood events over Pennsylvania and China, “Plateau” and “Southwest” vortices over China, severe storms over the United States, mesoscale convective complexes, elevated mixed layers and “lids,” an Australian Southerly Busier, low-level damming of cold air to the cast of the United States Appalachian Mountains in winter, urban heat Island effects, and regional acid deposition. This paper also reviews Observing System Simulation experiment (OSSEs), several sensitivity studies, the nesting of the mesoscale model in a global climate model for regional climate studies, and some recent real-time forecasting studies conducted by The Pennsylvania State Uni...
TL;DR: The Ground-based Atmospheric Profiling Experiment (GAPEX) was conducted at Denver Stapleton International Airport during the week 29 October-4 November 1988 as mentioned in this paper to acquire and analyze atomspheric-temperature and moisture-profile data from state-of-the-art remote sensors.
Abstract: During the week 29 October–4 November 1988, a Ground-based Atmospheric Profiling Experiment (GAPEX) was conducted at Denver Stapleton International Airport. The objective of GAPEX was to acquire and analyze atomspheric-temperature and moisture-profile data from state-of-the-art remote sensors. The sensors included a six-spectral-channel, passive Microwave Profiler (MWP), a passive, infrared High-Resolution Interferometer Sounder (HIS) that provides more than 1500 spectral channels, and an active Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS). A Cross-Chain Loran Atmospheric Sounding System (CLASS) was used to provide research-quality in situ thermodynamic observations to verify the accuracy and resolution characteristics of each of the three remote sensors. The first results of the project are presented here to inform the meteorological community of the progress achieved during the GAPEX field phase. These results also serve to demonstrate the excellent prospects for an accurate, continuous thermodynamic ...
TL;DR: In this paper, empirical and numerical models have been used to forecast seasonal rainfall anomalies for India, Java, Kenya, Sahel, and Northeast Brazil, and the results showed that about half of the interannual rainfall variability can be predicted from antecedent departures in the large-scale circulation.
Abstract: Climate-prediction research in the 1980s has shown particular promise for methods based on (a) general circulation and statistics, and (b) numerical modeling. Empirically based methods of predicting seasonal rainfall anomalies have been presented for India, Java, Kenya, Sahel, and Northeast Brazil. For some of these regions, about half of the interannual rainfall variability can be predicted from antecedent departures in the large-scale circulation. River discharge in northern South America, as well as atlantic tropical storm activity have proven highly predictable on empirical grounds. Numerical modeling has been used to advantage for the prediction of El Nino. Numerical modeling efforts are underway, directed to the forecasting of Sahel rainfall anomalies. Remarkable progress has been made towards the empirical prediction of food- grain production. A sound diagnostic understanding is crucial for the development of both empirical and numerical prediction methods. Among the most important tasks p...
TL;DR: The Midwestern Climate Information System (MICIS) as discussed by the authors is a near real-time system which provides access to a wide variety of climate information products, including current temperature and precipitation data for several hundred midwestern United States stations, historical temperature, and precipitation for about 1500 stations, climate summaries, long-range predictions, regional soil moisture estimates, and crop yield risk assessments.
Abstract: The Midwestern Climate Information System (MICIS) is a near real-time system which provides access to a wide variety of climate information products. These include current temperature and precipitation data for several hundred midwestern United States stations, historical temperature, and precipitation for about 1500 stations, climate summaries, long-range predictions, regional soil moisture estimates, and crop yield risk assessments. The region covered includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Because agriculture is a major sector of the Midwestern economy and is sensitive to climate fluctuations, some products have been oriented to the needs of agriculture. However, many other products have generalj applicability. Users of this system include agri-businesses and researchers. MICIS has several unique features: a) regional coverage provides climatic information for a major part of the United States corn and soybean belt: b) daily...
TL;DR: The American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) made a number of recommendations to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) regarding possible changes to publications of climatic statistics as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The members of the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC)1 work daily at the interface between the meteorological/climatological profession and the many climate-sensitive aspects of our society. As a result, we are keenly aware of the limitations of standard climatic information in truly addressing societal needs. Blind use of such information may be misleading for certain applications. For example, utility rates are based in part on assumptions about climatic conditions in the near future. The 30-yr normals are usually used as the best predictor of the future climate when research in fact suggests that they are not optimum predictors. Analysis of the situation by the applied climatologist will usually avoid such misuse. However, it is also useful to review periodically the suitability of standard climatic information for general use. Many general uses are for planning purposes in which long-term averages are in fact used as predictors of future climate. For example, rain insurance rates for fairs, tournaments, and concerts are based on the most recent climatic \"normals.\" Therefore, the AASC recently conducted a review of work concerning the applicability of climatic averages. As a result of this review, the AASC made a number of recommendations to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) regarding possible changes to publications of climatic statistics. These recommendations
TL;DR: The Atmosphere-Surface Turbulent Exchange Research (ASTER) facility developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will support observational research on the structure of the atmospheric surface layer.
Abstract: The Atmosphere-Surface Turbulent Exchange Research (ASTER) facility developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will support observational research on the structure of the atmospheric surface layer. ASTER will provide state-of-the-art measurements of surface fluxes of momentum, sensible heat, and water vapor, and support measurements of surface fluxes of trace chemical species. The facility will be available to the scientific community in the spring of 1990. The motivation for the development of ASTER and the elements that constitute this new national facility are briefly discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical and modeling framework was established in which the observations taken during the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and during the Earth Observing System Experiment (Eos) may be utilized and understood.
Abstract: Given the importance of a quantitative understanding of the way in which water and energy are moved from place to place and from component to component of the earth's climate system, it is necessary to obtain reliable estimates of the hydrologic and energy cycles in the global atmosphere. While a number of observing platforms designed to address this problem are anticipated in the coming decade, the theoretical and modeling concepts required to interpret the observations have not yet been well formulated. Therefore, it will be necessary to lay the groundwork for making a reasonable estimate of the global hydrologic and energy cycles on time scales of 1 month to several years. A theoretical and modeling framework must be established in which the observations taken during the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and during the Earth Observing System Experiment (Eos) may be utilized and understood. The major thrust of such a framework will...