Next Issue
Volume 10, October
Previous Issue
Volume 10, August
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.9
2.3
Journals
Atmosphere
Volume 10
Issue 9
share announcement

Atmosphere, Volume 10, Issue 9 (September 2019) – 84 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Motor vehicle emissions are gaining increasing interest due to impacts on human health and the environment, and its associated economic costs. Accurate measurement of vehicle emissions in real-world conditions is therefore essential. This paper is one in a series of papers that use remote sensing to measure on-road vehicle emissions but is innovative in the sense that it includes a range of additional measurement devices to verify and augment the data. The paper examines the relevance of cold start conditions on high emitting vehicles using a thermal camera. It also identifies poor real-world emissions performance for Euro 4/5 diesel cars, which may potentially lead to air quality issues in Australia. View this paper.
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
54 pages, 21822 KiB  
Review
On Evolution of Young Wind Waves in Time and Space
by Lev Shemer
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090562 - 19 Sep 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5122
Abstract
The mechanisms governing the evolution of the wind-wave field in time and in space are not yet fully understood. Various theoretical approaches have been offered to model wind-wave generation. To examine their validity, detailed and accurate experiments under controlled conditions have to be [...] Read more.
The mechanisms governing the evolution of the wind-wave field in time and in space are not yet fully understood. Various theoretical approaches have been offered to model wind-wave generation. To examine their validity, detailed and accurate experiments under controlled conditions have to be carried out. Since it is next to impossible to get the required control of the governing parameters and to accumulate detailed data in field experiments, laboratory studies are needed. Extensive previously unavailable results on the spatial and temporal variation of wind waves accumulated in our laboratory under a variety of wind-forcing conditions and using diverse measuring techniques are reviewed. The spatial characteristics of the wind-wave field were determined using stereo video imaging. The turbulent airflow above wind waves was investigated using an X-hot film. The wave field under steady wind forcing as well as evolving from rest under impulsive loading was studied. An extensive discussion of the various aspects of wind waves is presented from a single consistent viewpoint. The advantages of the stochastic approach suggested by Phillips over the deterministic theory of wind-wave generation introduced by Miles are demonstrated. Essential differences between the spatial and the temporal analyses of wind waves’ evolution are discussed, leading to examination of the applicability of possible approaches to wind-wave modeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind-Wave Interaction)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 694 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Turbulence in the Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability in the Terrestrial Magnetopause
by Francesca Di Mare, Luca Sorriso-Valvo, Alessandro Retinò, Francesco Malara and Hiroshi Hasegawa
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090561 - 18 Sep 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3833
Abstract
The dynamics occurring at the terrestrial magnetopause are investigated by using Geotail and THEMIS spacecraft data of magnetopause crossings during ongoing Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Properties of plasma turbulence and intermittency are presented, with the aim of understanding the evolution of the turbulence as a [...] Read more.
The dynamics occurring at the terrestrial magnetopause are investigated by using Geotail and THEMIS spacecraft data of magnetopause crossings during ongoing Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Properties of plasma turbulence and intermittency are presented, with the aim of understanding the evolution of the turbulence as a result of the development of Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. The data have been tested against standard diagnostics for intermittent turbulence, such as the autocorrelation function, the spectral analysis and the scale-dependent statistics of the magnetic field increments. A quasi-periodic modulation of different scaling exponents may exist along the direction of propagation of the Kelvin–Helmholtz waves along the Geocentric Solar Magnetosphere coordinate system (GSM), and it is visible as a quasi-periodic modulation of the scaling exponents we have studied. The wave period associated with such oscillation was estimated to be approximately 6.4 Earth Radii ( R E ). Furthermore, the amplitude of such modulation seems to decrease as the measurements are taken further away from the Earth along the magnetopause, in particular after X ( G S M ) ≲ − 15 R E . The observed modulation seems to persist for most of the parameters considered in this analysis. This suggests that a kind of signature related to the development of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities could be present in the statistical properties of the magnetic turbulence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Turbulence, Waves and Transport in Stratified, Rotating Fluid and Plasma Flows)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3367 KiB  
Article
Deep Random Subspace Learning: A Spatial-Temporal Modeling Approach for Air Quality Prediction
by Xiaotong Sun and Wei Xu
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090560 - 18 Sep 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3638
Abstract
Decrease in air quality is one of the most crucial threats to human health. There is an imperative and necessary need for more accurate air quality prediction. To meet this need, we propose a novel long short-term memory-based deep random subspace learning (LSTM-DRSL) [...] Read more.
Decrease in air quality is one of the most crucial threats to human health. There is an imperative and necessary need for more accurate air quality prediction. To meet this need, we propose a novel long short-term memory-based deep random subspace learning (LSTM-DRSL) framework for air quality forecasting. Specifically, we incorporate real-time pollutant emission data into the model input. We also design a spatial-temporal analysis approach to make good use of these data. The prediction model is developed by combining random subspace learning with a deep learning algorithm in order to improve the prediction accuracy. Empirical analyses based on multiple datasets over China from January 2015 to September 2017 are performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework for hourly pollutant concentration prediction at an urban-agglomeration scale. The empirical results indicate that our framework is a viable method for air quality prediction. With consideration of the regional scale, the LSTM-DRSL framework performs better at a relatively large regional scale (around 200–300 km). In addition, the quality of predictions is higher in industrial areas. From a temporal point of view, the LSTM-DRSL framework is more suitable for hourly predictions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Control and Planning)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 10386 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Different WRF Parametrizations over the Region of Iași with Remote Sensing Techniques
by Iulian-Alin Roșu, Silvia Ferrarese, Irina Radinschi, Vasilica Ciocan and Marius-Mihai Cazacu
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090559 - 18 Sep 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3758
Abstract
This article aims to present an evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with multiple instruments when applied to a humid continental region, in this case, the region around the city of Iași, Romania. A series of output parameters are compared [...] Read more.
This article aims to present an evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with multiple instruments when applied to a humid continental region, in this case, the region around the city of Iași, Romania. A series of output parameters are compared with observed data, obtained on-site, with a focus on the Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) and on PBLH-related parametrizations used by the WRF model. The impact of each different parametrization on physical quantities is highlighted during the two chosen measurement intervals, both of them in the warm season of 2016 and 2017, respectively. The instruments used to obtain real data to compare to the WRF simulations are: a lidar platform, a photometer, and ground-level (GL) meteorological instrumentation for the measurement of temperature, average wind speed, and pressure. Maps of PBLH and 2   m above ground-level (AGL) atmospheric temperature are also presented, compared to a topological and relief map of the inner nest of the WRF simulation. Finally, a comprehensive simulation performance evaluation of PBLH, temperature, wind speed, and pressure at the surface and total precipitable water vapor is performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Composition and Cloud Cover Observations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3081 KiB  
Article
Climate Change Influences of Temporal and Spatial Drought Variation in the Andean High Mountain Basin
by Dario Zhiña, Martín Montenegro, Lisseth Montalván, Daniel Mendoza, Juan Contreras, Lenin Campozano and Alex Avilés
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090558 - 18 Sep 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4923
Abstract
Climate change threatens the hydrological equilibrium with severe consequences for living beings. In that respect, considerable differences in drought features are expected, especially for mountain-Andean regions, which seem to be prone to climate change. Therefore, an urgent need for evaluation of such climate [...] Read more.
Climate change threatens the hydrological equilibrium with severe consequences for living beings. In that respect, considerable differences in drought features are expected, especially for mountain-Andean regions, which seem to be prone to climate change. Therefore, an urgent need for evaluation of such climate conditions arises; especially the effects at catchment scales, due to its implications over the hydrological services. However, to study future climate impacts at the catchment scale, the use of dynamically downscaled data in developing countries is a luxury due to the computational constraints. This study performed spatiotemporal future long-term projections of droughts in the upper part of the Paute River basin, located in the southern Andes of Ecuador. Using 10 km dynamically downscaled data from four global climate models, the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index (SPEI) index was used for drought characterization in the base period (1981–2005) and future period (2011–2070) for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 of CMIP5 project. Fitting a generalized-extreme-value (GEV) distribution, the change ratio of the magnitude, duration, and severity between the future and present was evaluated for return periods 10, 50, and 100 years. The results show that magnitude and duration dramatically decrease in the near future for the climate scenarios under analysis; these features presented a declining effect from the near to the far future. Additionally, the severity shows a general increment with respect to the base period, which is intensified with longer return periods; however, the severity shows a decrement for specific areas in the far future of RCP 4.5 and near future of RCP 8.5. This research adds knowledge to the evaluation of droughts in complex terrain in tropical regions, where the representation of convection is the main limitation of global climate models (GCMs). The results provide useful information for decision-makers supporting mitigating measures in future decades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meteorological and Hydrological Droughts)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 9920 KiB  
Article
Air Quality Impacts of Smoke from Hazard Reduction Burns and Domestic Wood Heating in Western Sydney
by Maximilien Desservettaz, Frances Phillips, Travis Naylor, Owen Price, Stephanie Samson, John Kirkwood and Clare Paton-Walsh
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090557 - 17 Sep 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7035
Abstract
Air quality was measured in Auburn, a western suburb of Sydney, Australia, for approximately eighteen months during 2016 and 2017. A long open-path infrared spectrometer sampled path-averaged concentrations of several gaseous species, while other pollutants such as PM 2.5 and PM 10 were [...] Read more.
Air quality was measured in Auburn, a western suburb of Sydney, Australia, for approximately eighteen months during 2016 and 2017. A long open-path infrared spectrometer sampled path-averaged concentrations of several gaseous species, while other pollutants such as PM 2.5 and PM 10 were sampled by a mobile air quality station. The measurement site was impacted by a number of indoor wood-heating smoke events during cold winter nights as well as some major smoke events from hazard reduction burning in the spring of 2017. In this paper we compare the atmospheric composition during these different smoke pollution events and assess the relative overall impact on air quality from domestic wood-heaters and prescribed forest fires during the campaign. No significant differences in the composition of smoke from these two sources were identified in this study. Despite the hazard reduction burning events causing worse peak pollution levels, we find that the overall exposure to air toxins was greater from domestic wood-heaters due to their higher frequency and total duration. Our results suggest that policy-makers should place a greater focus on reducing wood-smoke pollution in Sydney and on communicating the issue to the public. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality in New South Wales, Australia)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2188 KiB  
Article
Brake Wear Particle Emissions of a Passenger Car Measured on a Chassis Dynamometer
by Marcel Mathissen, Theodoros Grigoratos, Tero Lahde and Rainer Vogt
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090556 - 17 Sep 2019
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 7546
Abstract
Brake wear emissions with a special focus on particle number (PN) concentrations were investigated during a chassis dynamometer measurement campaign. A recently developed, well-characterized, measurement approach was applied to measure brake particles in a semi-closed vehicle setup. Implementation of multiple particle measurement devices [...] Read more.
Brake wear emissions with a special focus on particle number (PN) concentrations were investigated during a chassis dynamometer measurement campaign. A recently developed, well-characterized, measurement approach was applied to measure brake particles in a semi-closed vehicle setup. Implementation of multiple particle measurement devices allowed for simultaneous measurement of volatile and solid particles. Estimated PN emission factors for volatile and solid particles differed by up to three orders of magnitude with an estimated average solid particle emission factor of 3∙109 # km−1 brake−1 over a representative on-road brake cycle. Unrealistic high brake temperatures may occur and need to be ruled out by comparison with on-road temperature measurements. PN emissions are strongly temperature dependent and this may lead to its overestimation. A high variability for PN emissions was found when volatile particles were not removed. Volatiles were observed under high temperature conditions only which are not representative of normal driving conditions. The coefficient of variation for PN emissions was 1.3 without catalytic stripper and 0.11 with catalytic stripper. Investigation of non-braking sections confirmed that particles may be generated at the brake even if no brakes are applied. These “off-brake-event” emissions contribute up to about 30% to the total brake PM10 emission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air Quality)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4902 KiB  
Article
Generative Adversarial Networks Capabilities for Super-Resolution Reconstruction of Weather Radar Echo Images
by Hongguang Chen, Xing Zhang, Yintian Liu and Qiangyu Zeng
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090555 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5981
Abstract
Improving the resolution of degraded radar echo images of weather radar systems can aid severe weather forecasting and disaster prevention. Previous approaches to this problem include classical super-resolution (SR) algorithms such as iterative back-projection (IBP) and a recent nonlocal self-similarity sparse representation (NSSR) [...] Read more.
Improving the resolution of degraded radar echo images of weather radar systems can aid severe weather forecasting and disaster prevention. Previous approaches to this problem include classical super-resolution (SR) algorithms such as iterative back-projection (IBP) and a recent nonlocal self-similarity sparse representation (NSSR) that exploits the data redundancy of radar echo data, etc. However, since radar echoes tend to have rich edge information and contour textures, the textural detail in the reconstructed echoes of traditional approaches is typically absent. Inspired by the recent advances of faster and deeper neural networks, especially the generative adversarial networks (GAN), which are capable of pushing SR solutions to the natural image manifold, we propose using GAN to tackle the problem of weather radar echo super-resolution to achieve better reconstruction performance (measured in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM)). Using authentic weather radar echo data, we present the experimental results and compare its reconstruction performance with the above-mentioned methods. The experimental results showed that the GAN-based method is capable of generating perceptually superior solutions while achieving higher PSNR/SSIM results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2462 KiB  
Article
Atmospheric Monitoring of Methane in Beijing Using a Mobile Observatory
by Wanqi Sun, Liangchun Deng, Guoming Wu, Lin Wu, Pengfei Han, Yucong Miao and Bo Yao
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090554 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4768
Abstract
Cities have multiple fugitive emission sources of methane (CH4) and policies adopted by China on replacing coal with natural gas in recent years can cause fine spatial heterogeneities at the range of kilometers within a city and also contribute to the [...] Read more.
Cities have multiple fugitive emission sources of methane (CH4) and policies adopted by China on replacing coal with natural gas in recent years can cause fine spatial heterogeneities at the range of kilometers within a city and also contribute to the CH4 inventory. In this study, a mobile observatory was used to monitor the real-time CH4 concentrations at fine spatial and temporal resolutions in Beijing, the most important pilot city of energy transition. Results showed that: several point sources, such as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant which has not been included in the Chinese national greenhouse gas inventory yet, can be identified; the ratio “fingerprints” (CH4:CO2) for an LNG carrier, LNG filling station, and LNG power plant show a shape of “L”; for city observations, the distribution of CH4 concentration, in the range of 1940–2370 ppbv, had small variations while that in the rural area had a much higher concentration gradient; significant correlations between CO2 and CH4 concentrations were found in the rural area but in the urban area there were no such significant correlations; a shape of “L” of CH4:CO2 ratios is obtained in the urban area in wintertime and it is assigned to fugitive emissions from LNG sources. This mobile measurement methodology is capable of monitoring point and non-point CH4 sources in Beijing and the observation results could improve the CH4 inventory and inform relevant policy-making on emission reduction in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air Quality)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 8765 KiB  
Article
Anatomy of a Cyclonic Eddy in the Kuroshio Extension Based on High-Resolution Observations
by Yongchui Zhang, Xi Chen and Changming Dong
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090553 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4426
Abstract
Mesoscale eddies are common in the ocean and their surface characteristics have been well revealed based on altimetric observations. Comparatively, the knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of mesoscale eddies is scarce, especially in the open ocean. In the present study, high-resolution field [...] Read more.
Mesoscale eddies are common in the ocean and their surface characteristics have been well revealed based on altimetric observations. Comparatively, the knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of mesoscale eddies is scarce, especially in the open ocean. In the present study, high-resolution field observations of a cyclonic eddy in the Kuroshio Extension have been carried out and the anatomy of the observed eddy is conducted. The temperature anomaly exhibits a vertical monopole cone structure with a maximum of −7.3 °C located in the main thermocline. The salinity anomaly shows a vertical dipole structure with a fresh anomaly in the main thermocline and a saline anomaly in the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW). The cyclonic flow displays an equivalent barotropic structure. The mixed layer is deep in the center of the eddy and thin in the periphery. The seasonal thermocline is intensified and the permanent thermocline is upward domed by 350 m. The subtropical mode water (STMW) straddled between the seasonal and permanent thermoclines weakens and dissipates in the eddy center. The salinity of NPIW distributed along the isopycnals shows no significant difference inside and outside the eddy. The geostrophic relation is approximately set up in the eddy. The nonlinearity—defined as the ratio between the rotational speed to the translational speed—is 12.5 and decreases with depth. The eddy-wind interaction is examined by high resolution satellite observations. The results show that the cold eddy induces wind stress aloft with positive divergence and negative curl. The wind induced upwelling process is responsible for the formation of the horizontal monopole pattern of salinity, while the horizontal transport results in the horizontal dipole structure of temperature in the mixed layer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disentangling Atmosphere-Ocean Interactions, from Weather to Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 10020 KiB  
Article
The Green Infrastructure in Cities as A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Slovakian and Polish Experiences
by Ingrid Belčáková, Małgorzata Świąder and Małgorzata Bartyna-Zielińska
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090552 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8535
Abstract
Climate change could be seen as a 21st century phenomenon. This topic has been taken up equally by professionals as well as the general public. Adaptation and mitigation actions are needed, especially in cities where the concentration of population and an increased demand [...] Read more.
Climate change could be seen as a 21st century phenomenon. This topic has been taken up equally by professionals as well as the general public. Adaptation and mitigation actions are needed, especially in cities where the concentration of population and an increased demand for resources (e.g., water, food, land) are expected in the coming years. Already, 400 cities have been declared to be in a “climate emergency” state. There are no longer any doubts that current environmental state requires actions and solutions for both the alarming climate situation and urban quality life development. If such action is not going to be taken, the environmental state will deteriorate. One possible solution could be the use of green infrastructure. This research compares approaches to green areas and green infrastructure development in Bratislava (Slovakia) and Wrocław (Poland). A comparison was made for projects realized between 2013 and 2018—i.e., since the publication of the European Union (EU) Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change in 2013. The research presents an overview of delivered projects regarding land use. The overview, which is supported by a density map of implemented green projects, verifies whether the new greenery fits and fills in the existing natural areas. Secondly, the green projects were analyzed according to years and land use types using Tableau software. Moreover, the legislation of climate adaptation mechanisms and practical aspects of green infrastructure implementation are shown. Finally, actions concerning the greening of the cities were categorized into practical, educational, and participatory ones, and the potential of green infrastructure as a positive landscape, micro-climate, health, and aesthetic influence was examined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Urban Areas on Climate Change Conditions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 4830 KiB  
Article
North Sea Wave Database (NSWD) and the Need for Reliable Resource Data: A 38 Year Database for Metocean and Wave Energy Assessments
by George Lavidas and Henk Polinder
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090551 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6441
Abstract
The study presents a newly generated hindcast database of metocean conditions for the region of the North Sea by parametrising the newly introduced ST6 physics in a nearshore wave model. Exploring and assessing the intricacies in wave generation are vital to produce a [...] Read more.
The study presents a newly generated hindcast database of metocean conditions for the region of the North Sea by parametrising the newly introduced ST6 physics in a nearshore wave model. Exploring and assessing the intricacies in wave generation are vital to produce a reliable hindcast. The new parametrisations perform better, though they have a higher number of tuneable options. Parametrisation of the white capping coefficient within the ST6 package improved performance with significant differences ≈±20–30 cm. The configuration which was selected to build the database shows a good correlation ≈95 % for H m 0, has an overall minimal bias with the majority of locations being slightly over-estimated ±0.5–1 cm. The calibrated model was subsequently used to produce a database for 38 years, analysing and discussing the metocean condition. In terms of wave energy resource, the North Sea has not received attention due to its perceived “lower” resource. However, from analysing the long-term climatic data, it is evident that the level of metocean conditions, and subsequently wave power, can prove beneficial for development. The 95th percentile indicates that the majority of the time H m 0 should be expected at 3.4–5 m, and the wave energy period T e at 5–7 s. Wave power resource exceeds 15 kW/m at locations very close to the coast, and it is uniformly reduced as we move to the Southern parts, near the English Channel, with values there being ≈5 kW/m, with most energetic seas originating from the North East. Results by the analysis show that in the North Sea, conditions are moderate to high, and the wave energy resource, which has been previously overlooked, is high and easily accessible due to the low distance from coasts. The study developed a regional high-fidelity model, analysed metocean parameters and properly assessed the energy content. Although, the database and its results can have multiple usages and benefit other sectors that want to operate in the harsh waters of the North Sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waves and Wave Climate Analysis and Modeling)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5302 KiB  
Article
Atmospheric Characterization Based on Relative Humidity Control at Optical Turbulence Generator
by Jhonny Villamizar, Manuel Herreño, Omar Tíjaro and Yezid Torres
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090550 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3119
Abstract
In atmospheric turbulence, relative humidity has been almost a negligible variable due to its limited effect, compared with temperature and air velocity, among others. For studying the horizontal path, a laser beam was propagated in a laboratory room, and an Optical Turbulence Generator [...] Read more.
In atmospheric turbulence, relative humidity has been almost a negligible variable due to its limited effect, compared with temperature and air velocity, among others. For studying the horizontal path, a laser beam was propagated in a laboratory room, and an Optical Turbulence Generator (OTG) was built and placed along the optical axis. Additionally, there was controlled humidity inside the room and measuring of some physical variables inside the OTG device for determining its effects on the laser beam. The experimental results show the measurements of turbulence parameters C n 2 , l o , and σ I 2 from beam centroids fluctuations, where increases in humidity generated stronger turbulence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Turbulence Measurements and Calibration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 4518 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Wind Measurements with the Fibered Airborne Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar LIVE
by Beatrice Augere, Matthieu Valla, Anne Durécu, Agnès Dolfi-Bouteyre, Didier Goular, François Gustave, Christophe Planchat, Didier Fleury, Thierry Huet and Claudine Besson
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090549 - 16 Sep 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4603
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) wind profiling Lidar, based on the latest high power 1.5 µm fiber laser development at Onera, has been successfully flown on-board a SAFIRE (Service des Avions Français Instrumentés pour la Recherche en Environnement) ATR42 aircraft. The Lidar called LIVE (LIdar [...] Read more.
A three-dimensional (3D) wind profiling Lidar, based on the latest high power 1.5 µm fiber laser development at Onera, has been successfully flown on-board a SAFIRE (Service des Avions Français Instrumentés pour la Recherche en Environnement) ATR42 aircraft. The Lidar called LIVE (LIdar VEnt) is designed to measure wind profiles from the aircraft down to ground level, with a horizontal resolution of 3 km, a vertical resolution of 100 m and a designed accuracy on each three wind vector components better than 0.5 m.s−1. To achieve the required performance, LIVE Lidar emits 410 µJ laser pulses repeating at 14 KHz with a duration of 700 ns and uses a conical scanner of 30° total opening angle and a full scan time of 17 s. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Applications of Lidar)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2457 KiB  
Article
Validation and Accuracy Assessment of MODIS C6.1 Aerosol Products over the Heavy Aerosol Loading Area
by Xinpeng Tian and Zhiqiang Gao
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090548 - 14 Sep 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4005
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth (AOD) products over heavy aerosol loading areas. For this analysis, the Terra-MODIS Collection 6.1 (C6.1) Dark Target (DT), Deep Blue (DB) and the combined [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth (AOD) products over heavy aerosol loading areas. For this analysis, the Terra-MODIS Collection 6.1 (C6.1) Dark Target (DT), Deep Blue (DB) and the combined DT/DB AOD products for the years 2000–2016 are used. These products are validated using AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) data from twenty-three ground sites situated in high aerosol loading areas and with available measurements at least 500 days. The results show that the numbers of collections (N) of DB and DT/DB retrievals were much higher than that of DT, which was mainly caused by unavailable retrieval of DT in bright reflecting surface and heavy pollution conditions. The percentage falling within the expected error (PWE) of the DT retrievals (45.6%) is lower than that for the DB (53.4%) and DT/DB (53.1%) retrievals. The DB retrievals have 5.3% less average overestimation, and 25.7% higher match ratio than DT/DB retrievals. It is found that the current merged aerosol algorithm will miss some cases if it is determined only on the basis of normalized difference vegetation index. As the AOD increases, the value of PWE of the three products decreases significantly; the undervaluation is suppressed, and the overestimation is aggravated. The retrieval accuracy shows distinct seasonality: the PWE is largest in autumn or winter, and smallest in summer. The most severe overestimation and underestimation occurred in the summer. Moreover, the DT, DB and DT/DB products over different land cover types still exhibit obvious deviations. In urban areas, the PWE of DB product (52.6%) is higher than for the DT/DB (46.3%) and DT (25.2%) products. The DT retrievals perform poorly over the barren or sparsely vegetated area (N = 52). However, the performance of three products is similar over vegetated area. On the whole, the DB product performs better than the DT product over the heavy aerosol loading area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Atmospheric Aerosols: Sources, Analysis and Effects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 13025 KiB  
Article
Frontal Wind Field Retrieval Based on UHF Wind Profiler Radars and S-Band Radars Network
by Min-Seong Kim, Bernard Campistron and Byung Hyuk Kwon
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090547 - 14 Sep 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4847
Abstract
The three-dimensional wind field (WPR3D) and the multiple WPR3D (M-WPR3D) associated with the passage of a stationary front was derived from observations made by a network of eight wind profiler radars (WPR) being operated by the Korea Meteorological Administration during the summer “Jangma” [...] Read more.
The three-dimensional wind field (WPR3D) and the multiple WPR3D (M-WPR3D) associated with the passage of a stationary front was derived from observations made by a network of eight wind profiler radars (WPR) being operated by the Korea Meteorological Administration during the summer “Jangma” season. The effectiveness of the WPR3D was determined through numerical model analysis and wind profilers at three sites, and the accuracy of the M-WPR3D was validated by comparing the trajectory of the radiosonde. The discontinuity of the wind field near the frontal interface was clearly retrieved and the penetration of the air mass in the southern front was detected. Compared with either the wind vector of three single wind profiler or a local data assimilation and predication system, the WPR3D wind field showed a wind speed accuracy of approximately 70% at an altitude of 1.5 km and underestimated the wind speed by 0.5–1.5 m s−1. The M-WPR3D with three S-band Doppler radars successfully retrieved the backing wind field as well as the pre-Jangma-frontal jet. The results of this study showed that severe weather can be effectively analyzed using a three-dimensional wind field generated on the basis of a remote sensing network. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1018 KiB  
Article
Method for Determining Neutral Wind Velocity Vectors Using Measurements of Internal Gravity Wave Group and Phase Velocities
by Andrey V. Medvedev, Konstantin G. Ratovsky, Maxim V. Tolstikov, Roman V. Vasilyev and Maxim F. Artamonov
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090546 - 13 Sep 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3940
Abstract
This study presents a new method for determining a neutral wind velocity vector. The basis of the method is measurement of the group velocities of internal gravity waves. Using the case of the Boussinesq dispersion relation, we demonstrated the ability to measure a [...] Read more.
This study presents a new method for determining a neutral wind velocity vector. The basis of the method is measurement of the group velocities of internal gravity waves. Using the case of the Boussinesq dispersion relation, we demonstrated the ability to measure a neutral wind velocity vector using the group velocity and wave vector data. An algorithm for obtaining the group velocity vector from the wave vector spectrum is proposed. The new method was tested by comparing the obtained winter wind pattern with wind data from other sources. Testing the new method showed that it is in quantitative agreement with the Fabry–Pérot interferometer wind measurements for zonal and vertical wind velocities. The differences in meridional wind velocities are also discussed here. Of particular interest were the results related to the measurement of vertical wind velocities. We demonstrated that two independent methods gave the presence of vertical wind velocities with amplitude of ~20 m/s. Estimation of vertical wind contribution to plasma drift velocity indicated the importance of vertical wind measurements and the need to take them into account in physical and empirical models of the ionosphere and thermosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Acoustic-Gravity Waves)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2692 KiB  
Article
Precipitation Diurnal Cycle in Germany Linked to Large-Scale Weather Circulations
by Wael Ghada, Ye Yuan, Clemens Wastl, Nicole Estrella and Annette Menzel
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090545 - 13 Sep 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4291
Abstract
The precipitation diurnal cycle (PDC) varies with the season and location. Its link to large-scale weather circulations has been studied in different regions. However, comparable information is lacking for Central Europe. Two decades of hourly precipitation data were combined with records of objective [...] Read more.
The precipitation diurnal cycle (PDC) varies with the season and location. Its link to large-scale weather circulations has been studied in different regions. However, comparable information is lacking for Central Europe. Two decades of hourly precipitation data were combined with records of objective weather patterns over Germany, focusing on the general atmospheric wind directions (WD). The PDC is characterized by the frequency and the average amount of hourly precipitation. The precipitation frequency generally has two peaks: one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The morning peak of the precipitation amount is small compared to that of the afternoon peak. Remarkably, WD has a prominent influence on the PDC. Days with southwesterly WD have a high afternoon peak and a lower morning peak, while days with northwesterly WD have a high morning peak and a lower afternoon peak. Furthermore, the seasonal variations of PDC are dominated by the seasonal frequency of WD classes. This study presents a general overview of the PDC in Germany with regard to its variation with seasonality, geographical location, elevation, and WD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2756 KiB  
Article
Differences in Model Performance and Source Sensitivities for Sulfate Aerosol Resulting from Updates of the Aqueous- and Gas-Phase Oxidation Pathways for a Winter Pollution Episode in Tokyo, Japan
by Syuichi Itahashi, Kazuyo Yamaji, Satoru Chatani and Hiroshi Hayami
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090544 - 12 Sep 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3926
Abstract
During the Japanese intercomparison study, Japan’s Study for Reference Air Quality Modeling (J-STREAM), it was found that wintertime SO42– concentrations were underestimated over Japan with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. Previously, following two development phases, model performance was [...] Read more.
During the Japanese intercomparison study, Japan’s Study for Reference Air Quality Modeling (J-STREAM), it was found that wintertime SO42– concentrations were underestimated over Japan with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. Previously, following two development phases, model performance was improved by refining the Fe- and Mn-catalyzed oxidation pathways and by including an additional aqueous-phase pathway via NO2 oxidation. In a third phase, we examined a winter haze period in December 2016, involving a gas-phase oxidation pathway whereby three stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCI) were incorporated into the model. We also included options for a kinetic mass transfer aqueous-phase calculation. According to statistical analysis, simulations compared well with hourly SO42– observations in Tokyo. Source sensitivities for four domestic emission sources (transportation, stationary combustion, fugitive VOC, and agricultural NH3) were investigated. During the haze period, contributions from other sources (overseas and volcanic emissions) dominated, while domestic sources, including transportation and fuel combustion, played a role in enhancing SO42– concentrations around Tokyo Bay. Updating the aqueous phase metal catalyzed and NO2 oxidation pathways lead to increase contribution from other sources, and the additional gas phase SCI chemistry provided a link between fugitive VOC emission and SO42– concentration via changes in O3 concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Modelling: Local-, Regional-, and Global-Scale Application)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 8025 KiB  
Article
Inverting the East Asian Dust Emission Fluxes Using the Ensemble Kalman Smoother and Himawari-8 AODs: A Case Study with WRF-Chem v3.5.1
by Tie Dai, Yueming Cheng, Daisuke Goto, Nick A. J. Schutgens, Maki Kikuchi, Mayumi Yoshida, Guangyu Shi and Teruyuki Nakajima
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090543 - 12 Sep 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4354
Abstract
We present the inversions (back-calculations or optimizations) of dust emissions for a severe winter dust event over East Asia in November 2016. The inversion system based on a fixed-lag ensemble Kalman smoother is newly implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting model and [...] Read more.
We present the inversions (back-calculations or optimizations) of dust emissions for a severe winter dust event over East Asia in November 2016. The inversion system based on a fixed-lag ensemble Kalman smoother is newly implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting model and is coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). The assimilated observations are the hourly aerosol optical depths (AODs) from the next-generation geostationary satellite Himawari-8. The posterior total dust emissions (2.59 Tg) for this event are 3.8 times higher than the priori total dust emissions (0.68 Tg) during 25–27 November 2016. The net result is that the simulated aerosol horizontal and vertical distributions are both in better agreement with the assimilated Himawari-8 observations and independent observations from the ground-based AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET), the satellite-based Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO). The developed emission inversion approach, combined with the geostationary satellite observations, can be very helpful for properly estimating the Asian dust emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil/Mineral Dust Aerosols in the Earth System)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4880 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Variations of Meteorological Droughts and the Assessments of Agricultural Drought Risk in a Typical Agricultural Province of China
by Mengjing Guo, Jing Li, Yongsheng Wang, Qiubo Long and Peng Bai
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090542 - 12 Sep 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3809
Abstract
Drought is one of the most common natural disasters on a global scale and has a wide range of socioeconomic impacts. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of meteorological drought in a typical agricultural province of China (i.e., Shaanxi Province) based [...] Read more.
Drought is one of the most common natural disasters on a global scale and has a wide range of socioeconomic impacts. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of meteorological drought in a typical agricultural province of China (i.e., Shaanxi Province) based on the Standard Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). We also investigated the response of winter wheat and summer maize yields to drought by a correlation analysis between the detrended SPEI and the time series of yield anomaly during the crop growing season. Moreover, agricultural drought risks were assessed across the province using a conceptual risk assessment model that emphasizes the combined role of drought hazard and vulnerability. The results indicated that droughts have become more severe and frequent in the study area after 1995. The four typical timescales of SPEI showed a consistent decreasing trend during the period 1960–2016; the central plains of the province showed the most significant decreasing trend, where is the main producing area of the province’s grain. Furthermore, the frequency and intensity of drought increased significantly after 1995; the most severe drought episodes occurred in 2015–2016. Our results also showed that the sensitivity of crop yield to drought varies with the timescales of droughts. Droughts at six-month timescales that occurred in March can explain the yield losses for winter wheat to the greatest extent, while the yield losses of summer maize are more sensitive to droughts at three-month timescales that occurred in August. The assessment agricultural drought risk showed that some areas in the north of the province are exposed to a higher risk of drought and other regions are dominated by low risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 8316 KiB  
Article
Developing Spatially Accurate Rainfall Predictions for the San Francisco Bay Area through Case Studies of Atmospheric River and other Synoptic Events
by Alison F.C. Bridger, Dung Nguyen and Sen Chiao
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090541 - 12 Sep 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3236
Abstract
Rainfall patterns in the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) are highly influenced by local topography. It has been a forecasting challenge for the main US forecast models. This study investigates the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to improve upon [...] Read more.
Rainfall patterns in the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) are highly influenced by local topography. It has been a forecasting challenge for the main US forecast models. This study investigates the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to improve upon forecasts, with particular emphasis on the rain shadow common to the southern end of the SFBA. Three rain events were evaluated: a mid-season atmospheric river (AR) event with copious rains; a typical non-AR frontal passage rain event; and an area-wide rain event in which zero rain was recorded in the southern SFBA. The results show that, with suitable choices of parameterizations, the WRF model with a resolution around 1 km can forecast the observed rainfall patterns with good accuracy, and would be suitable for operational use, especially to water and emergency managers. Additionally, the three synoptic situations were investigated for further insight into the common ingredients for either flooding rains or strong rain shadow events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 886 KiB  
Article
Optical Energy Variability Induced by Speckle: The Cases of MERLIN and CHARM-F IPDA Lidar
by Vincent Cassé, Fabien Gibert, Dimitri Edouart, Olivier Chomette and Cyril Crevoisier
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090540 - 11 Sep 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4021
Abstract
In the context of the FrenchGerman space lidar mission MERLIN (MEthane Remote LIdar missioN) dedicated to the determination of the atmospheric methane content, an end-to-end mission simulator is being developed. In order to check whether the instrument design meets the performance requirements, simulations [...] Read more.
In the context of the FrenchGerman space lidar mission MERLIN (MEthane Remote LIdar missioN) dedicated to the determination of the atmospheric methane content, an end-to-end mission simulator is being developed. In order to check whether the instrument design meets the performance requirements, simulations have to count all the sources of noise on the measurements like the optical energy variability induced by speckle. Speckle is due to interference as the lidar beam is quasi monochromatic. Speckle contribution to the error budget has to be estimated but also simulated. In this paper, the speckle theory is revisited and applied to MERLIN lidar and also to the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt) demonstrator lidar CHARM-F. Results show: on the signal path, speckle noise depends mainly on the size of the illuminated area on ground; on the solar flux, speckle is fully negligible both because of the pixel size and the optical filter spectral width; on the energy monitoring path a decorrelation mechanism is needed to reduce speckle noise on averaged data. Speckle noises for MERLIN and CHARM-F can be simulated by Gaussian noises with only one random draw by shot separately for energy monitoring and signal paths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Applications of Lidar)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7961 KiB  
Article
Use of Low-Cost Ambient Particulate Sensors in Nablus, Palestine with Application to the Assessment of Regional Dust Storms
by Abdelhaleem Khader and Randal S. Martin
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090539 - 11 Sep 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4772
Abstract
Few air pollutant studies within the Palestinian territories have been reported in the literature. In March–April and May–June of 2018, three low-cost, locally calibrated particulate monitors (AirU’s) were deployed at different elevations and source areas throughout the city of Nablus in Northern West [...] Read more.
Few air pollutant studies within the Palestinian territories have been reported in the literature. In March–April and May–June of 2018, three low-cost, locally calibrated particulate monitors (AirU’s) were deployed at different elevations and source areas throughout the city of Nablus in Northern West Bank, Palestine. During each of the three-week periods, high but site-to-site similar particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and less than 10 µm (PM10) concentrations were observed. The PM2.5 concentrations at the three sampling locations and during both sampling periods averaged 38.2 ± 3.6 µg/m3, well above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 24 h guidelines. Likewise, the PM10 concentrations exceeded or were just below the WHO’s 24 h guidelines, averaging 48.5 ± 4.3 µg/m3. During both periods, short episodes were identified in which the particulate levels at all three sites increased substantially (≈2×) above the regional baseline. Air mass back trajectory analyses using U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model suggested that, during these peak episodes, the arriving air masses spent recent days over desert areas (e.g., the Saharan Desert in North Africa). On days with regionally low PM2.5 concentrations (≈20 µg/m3), back trajectory analysis showed that air masses were directed in from the Mediterranean Sea area. Further, the lower elevation (downtown) site often recorded markedly higher particulate levels than the valley wall sites. This would suggest locally derived particulate sources are significant and may be beneficial in the identification of potential remediation options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Aerosol Measurements in Different Environments)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2418 KiB  
Article
Air/Surface Exchange of Gaseous Elemental Mercury at Different Landscapes in Mississippi, USA
by James V. Cizdziel, Yi Jiang, Divya Nallamothu, J. Stephen Brewer and Zhiqiang Gao
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090538 - 11 Sep 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3771 | Correction
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant with human health and ecological impacts. Gas exchange between terrestrial surfaces and the atmosphere is an important route for Hg to enter and exit ecosystems. Here, we used a dynamic flux chamber to measure gaseous elemental Hg [...] Read more.
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant with human health and ecological impacts. Gas exchange between terrestrial surfaces and the atmosphere is an important route for Hg to enter and exit ecosystems. Here, we used a dynamic flux chamber to measure gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) exchange over different landscapes in Mississippi, including in situ measurements for a wetland (soil and water), forest floor, pond, mowed field and grass-covered lawn, as well as mesocosm experiments for three different agricultural soils. Fluxes were measured during both the summer and winter. Mean ambient levels of GEM ranged between 0.93–1.57 ng m−3. GEM emission fluxes varied diurnally with higher daytime fluxes, driven primarily by solar radiation, and lower and more stable nighttime fluxes, dependent mostly on temperature. GEM fluxes (ng m−2 h−1) were seasonally dependent with net emission during the summer (mean 2.15, range 0.32 to 4.92) and net deposition during the winter (−0.12, range −0.32 to 0.12). Total Hg concentrations in the soil ranged from 17.1 ng g−1 to 127 ng g−1 but were not a good predictor of GEM emissions. GEM flux and soil temperature were correlated over the forest floor, and the corresponding activation energy for Hg emission was ~31 kcal mol−1 using the Arrhenius equation. There were significant differences in GEM fluxes between the habitats with emissions for grass > wetland soil > mowed field > pond > wetland water ≈ forest ≈ agriculture soils. Overall, we demonstrate that these diverse landscapes serve as both sources and sinks for airborne Hg depending on the season and meteorological factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Mercury: Sources, Sinks, and Transformations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7824 KiB  
Article
Added Value of Atmosphere-Ocean Coupling in a Century-Long Regional Climate Simulation
by Fanni Dóra Kelemen, Cristina Primo, Hendrik Feldmann and Bodo Ahrens
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090537 - 11 Sep 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5104
Abstract
A twentieth century-long coupled atmosphere-ocean regional climate simulation with COSMO-CLM (Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling, Climate Limited-area Model) and NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean) is studied here to evaluate the added value of coupled marginal seas over continental regions. The interactive [...] Read more.
A twentieth century-long coupled atmosphere-ocean regional climate simulation with COSMO-CLM (Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling, Climate Limited-area Model) and NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean) is studied here to evaluate the added value of coupled marginal seas over continental regions. The interactive coupling of the marginal seas, namely the Mediterranean, the North and the Baltic Seas, to the atmosphere in the European region gives a comprehensive modelling system. It is expected to be able to describe the climatological features of this geographically complex area even more precisely than an atmosphere-only climate model. The investigated variables are precipitation and 2 m temperature. Sensitivity studies are used to assess the impact of SST (sea surface temperature) changes over land areas. The different SST values affect the continental precipitation more than the 2 m temperature. The simulated variables are compared to the CRU (Climatic Research Unit) observational data, and also to the HOAPS/GPCC (Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data, Global Precipitation Climatology Centre) data. In the coupled simulation, added skill is found primarily during winter over the eastern part of Europe. Our analysis shows that, over this region, the coupled system is dryer than the uncoupled system, both in terms of precipitation and soil moisture, which means a decrease in the bias of the system. Thus, the coupling improves the simulation of precipitation over the eastern part of Europe, due to cooler SST values and in consequence, drier soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Climate Modeling: Ocean–Atmosphere Coupling)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Carbonaceous Particulate Matter Emitted from a Pellet-Fired Biomass Boiler
by Michael D. Hays, John Kinsey, Ingrid George, William Preston, Carl Singer and Bakul Patel
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090536 - 11 Sep 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7826
Abstract
Biomass pellets are a source of renewable energy; although, the air pollution and exposure risks posed by the emissions from burning pellets in biomass boilers (BBs) are uncertain. The present study examines the organic species in fine particle matter (PM) emissions from an [...] Read more.
Biomass pellets are a source of renewable energy; although, the air pollution and exposure risks posed by the emissions from burning pellets in biomass boilers (BBs) are uncertain. The present study examines the organic species in fine particle matter (PM) emissions from an BB firing switchgrass (SwG) and hardwood (HW) biomass pellets using different test cycles. The organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC) content and select semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in filter-collected PM were identified and quantified using thermal-optical analysis and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), respectively. Fine PM emissions from the BB ranged from 0.4 g/kg to 2.91 g/kg of pellets burned of which 40% ± 17% w/w was carbon. The sum of GC–MS quantified SVOCs in the PM emissions varied from 0.13 to 0.41 g/g OC. Relatively high levels of oxygenated compounds were observed in the PM emissions, and the most predominant individual SVOC constituent was levoglucosan (12.5–320 mg/g OC). The effect of boiler test cycle on emissions was generally greater than the effect due to pellet fuel type. Organic matter emissions increased at lower loads, owing to less than optimal combustion performance. Compared with other types of residential wood combustion studies, pellet burning in the current BB lowered PM emissions by nearly an order of magnitude. PM emitted from burning pellets in boilers tested across multiple studies also contains comparatively less carbon; however, the toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the PM tested across these pellet-burning studies varied substantially, and produced 2–10 times more benzo[k]fluoranthene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene on average. These results suggest that further toxicological evaluation of biomass pellet burning emissions is required to properly understand the risks posed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real World Air Pollutant Emissions from Combustion Sources)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6610 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Real-World Pollutant Emissions and Fuel Consumption of Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks with Latest Emissions Control
by Christos Keramydas, Leonidas Ntziachristos, Christos Tziourtzioumis, Georgios Papadopoulos, Ting-Shek Lo, Kwok-Lam Ng, Hok-Lai Anson Wong and Carol Ka-Lok Wong
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090535 - 10 Sep 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4958
Abstract
Heavy-duty diesel trucks (HDDTs) comprise a key source of road transport emissions and energy consumption worldwide mainly due to the growth of road freight traffic during the last two decades. Addressing their air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions is therefore required, while accurate [...] Read more.
Heavy-duty diesel trucks (HDDTs) comprise a key source of road transport emissions and energy consumption worldwide mainly due to the growth of road freight traffic during the last two decades. Addressing their air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions is therefore required, while accurate emission factors are needed to logistically optimize their operation. This study characterizes real-world emissions and fuel consumption (FC) of HDDTs and investigates the factors that affect their performance. Twenty-two diesel-fueled, Euro IV to Euro VI, HDDTs of six different manufacturers were measured in the road network of the Hong Kong metropolitan area, using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS). The testing routes included urban, highway and mixed urban/highway driving. The data collected corresponds to a wide range of driving, operating, and ambient conditions. Real-world distance- and energy-based emission levels are presented in a comparative manner to capture the effect of after-treatment technologies and the role of the evolution of Euro standards on emissions performance. The emission factors’ uncertainty is analyzed. The impact of speed, road grade and vehicle weight loading on FC and emissions is investigated. An analysis of diesel particulate filter (DPF) regenerations and ammonia (NH3) slip events are presented along with the study of Nitrous oxide (N2O) formation. The results reveal deviations of real-world HDDTs emissions from emission limits, as well as the significant impact of different operating and driving factors on their performance. The occasional high levels of N2O emissions from selective catalytic reduction equipped HDDTs is also revealed, an issue that has not been thoroughly considered so far. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transport Emissions and the Atmosphere)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2475 KiB  
Article
The Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Socioeconomic Factors of SO2 Emissions in China: A Dynamic Spatial Econometric Design
by Zhimin Zhou
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090534 - 10 Sep 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3523
Abstract
With the great strides of China’s economic development, air pollution has become the norm that is a cause of broad adverse influence in society. The spatiotemporal patterns of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are a prerequisite and an inherent characteristic for SO [...] Read more.
With the great strides of China’s economic development, air pollution has become the norm that is a cause of broad adverse influence in society. The spatiotemporal patterns of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are a prerequisite and an inherent characteristic for SO2 emissions to peak in China. By exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and econometric approaches, this study explores the spatiotemporal characteristics of SO2 emissions and reveals how the socioeconomic determinants influence the emissions in China’s 30 provinces from 1995 to 2015. The study first identifies the overall space- and time-trend of regional SO2 emissions and then visualizes the spatiotemporal nexus between SO2 emissions and socioeconomic determinants through the ESDA method. The determinants’ impacts on the space–time variation of emissions are also confirmed and quantified through the dynamic spatial panel data model that controls for both spatial and temporal dependence, thus enabling the analysis to distinguish between the determinants’ long- and short-term spatial effects and leading to richer and novel empirical findings. The study emphasizes close spatiotemporal relationships between SO2 emissions and the socioeconomic determinants. China’s SO2 emissions variation is the multifaceted result of urbanization, foreign direct investment, industrial structure change, technological progress, and population in the short run, and it is highlighted that, in the long run, the emissions are profoundly affected by industrial structure and technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air Quality)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 4228 KiB  
Article
The Hydrometeorology Testbed–West Legacy Observing Network: Supporting Research to Applications for Atmospheric Rivers and Beyond
by Andrea J. Ray and Allen B. White
Atmosphere 2019, 10(9), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090533 - 10 Sep 2019
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3728
Abstract
An observing network has been established along the United States west coast that provides up to 20 years of observations to support early warning, preparedness and studies of atmospheric rivers (ARs). The Hydrometeorology Testbed–West Legacy Observing Network, a suite of upper air and [...] Read more.
An observing network has been established along the United States west coast that provides up to 20 years of observations to support early warning, preparedness and studies of atmospheric rivers (ARs). The Hydrometeorology Testbed–West Legacy Observing Network, a suite of upper air and surface observing instruments, is now an official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) observing system with real-time data access provided via publicly available websites. This regional network of wind profiling radars and co-located instruments also provides observations of boundary layer processes such as complex-terrain flows that are not well depicted in the current operational rawindsonde and radar networks, satellites, or in high-resolution models. Furthermore, wind profiling radars have been deployed ephemerally for projects or campaigns in other areas, some with long records of observations. Current research uses of the observing system data are described as well as experimental products and services being transitioned from research to operations and applications. We then explore other ways in which this network and data library provide valuable resources for the community beyond ARs, including evaluation of high-resolution numerical weather prediction models and diagnosis of systematic model errors. Other applications include studies of gap flows and other terrain-influenced processes, snow level, air quality, winds for renewable energy and the predictability of cloudiness for solar energy industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Rivers)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-84
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop