Journal Description
Atmosphere
Atmosphere
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of scientific studies related to the atmosphere published monthly online by MDPI. The Italian Aerosol Society (IAS) and Working Group of Air Quality in European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) are affiliated with Atmosphere and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Environmental Science (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about the Atmosphere.
- Companion journal: Meteorology.
Impact Factor:
2.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Imaging and Interferometric Mapping Exploration for PIESAT-01: The World’s First Four-Satellite “Cartwheel” Formation Constellation
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060621 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The PIESAT-01 constellation is the world’s first multi-baseline distributed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation with a “Cartwheel” formation. The “Cartwheel” formation is a unique formation in which four satellites fly in companion orbits, ensuring that at any given moment, the main satellite remains
[...] Read more.
The PIESAT-01 constellation is the world’s first multi-baseline distributed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation with a “Cartwheel” formation. The “Cartwheel” formation is a unique formation in which four satellites fly in companion orbits, ensuring that at any given moment, the main satellite remains at the center, with three auxiliary satellites orbiting around it. Due to this unique configuration of the PIESAT-01 constellation, four images of the same region and six pairs of baselines can be obtained with each shot. So far, there has been no imaging and interference research based on four-satellite constellation measured data, and there is an urgent need to explore algorithms for the “Cartwheel” configuration imaging and digital surface model (DSM) production. This paper introduces an improved bistatic SAR imaging algorithm under the four-satellites interferometric mode, which solves the problem of multi-orbit nonparallelism in imaging while ensuring imaging coherence and focusing ability. Subsequently, it presents an interferometric processing method for the six pairs of baselines, weighted fusion based on elevation ambiguity from different baselines, to obtain a high-precision DSM. Finally, this paper selects the Dingxi region of China and other regions with diverse terrains for imaging and DSM production and compares the DSM results with ICESat-2 global geolocated photon data and TanDEM DSM data. The results indicate that the accuracy of PIESAT-01 DSM meets the standards of China’s 1:50,000 scale and HRTI-3, demonstrating a high level of precision. Moreover, PIESAT-01 data alleviate the reliance on simulated data for research on multi-baseline imaging and multi-baseline phase unwrapping algorithms and can provide more effective and realistic measured data.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Surface Processes: Modeling and Observation)
►
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Relations between High Anticyclonic Atmospheric Types and Summer Season Temperature in Bulgaria
by
Vulcho Pophristov, Nina Nikolova, Simeon Matev and Martin Gera
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060620 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The atmospheric circulation, not only near the surface but also at high altitudes, is probably the main factor determining the weather and climate of a given area, along with its latitude, altitude, the shape of the relief of the area and its surroundings,
[...] Read more.
The atmospheric circulation, not only near the surface but also at high altitudes, is probably the main factor determining the weather and climate of a given area, along with its latitude, altitude, the shape of the relief of the area and its surroundings, and the proximity of water basins of different sizes. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between anticyclonic circulation types in the middle troposphere at the 500 hPa level and the seasonal summer temperature over the region of the central Balkan Peninsula, particularly Bulgaria. A previously compiled classification of atmospheric circulation is used, and the frequencies of the circulation types are correlated with the mean seasonal (monthly) temperature, where the extreme seasons and months are defined as the 10th percentile for cold summer seasons and months and the 90th percentile for warm ones. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found for the anticyclones located southwest of Bulgaria and a negative one for those located southeast of it. A comparison between the last two 30-year climatological periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020) was also made, and an irrefutable decrease in the number of cold summer seasons from 257 to just 17 was found in the last 30 years, respectively, as well as a rapid increase in the number of extreme warm summer seasons from 26 to 263, encompassing all 15 meteorological stations studied.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Temperature and Precipitation and Relationship to Atmospheric Circulation)
Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Impacts of Mulching-Induced Warming Effects on Machine-Picked Cotton Zones
by
Yuanshuai Dai, Hui Zhang, Gang Li, Mingfeng Yang and Xin Lv
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060619 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The 20th century saw notable fluctuations in global temperatures, which significantly impacted agricultural climate zones across the Earth. Focusing on Xinjiang, China, a leading region in machine-picked cotton production, we identified several key thermal indicators influencing the yield, including the sum of active
[...] Read more.
The 20th century saw notable fluctuations in global temperatures, which significantly impacted agricultural climate zones across the Earth. Focusing on Xinjiang, China, a leading region in machine-picked cotton production, we identified several key thermal indicators influencing the yield, including the sum of active temperatures ≥ 10 °C, the mean temperature in July, the climatological growing season length, the April–May sum of active temperatures, the last frost day, and the defoliant spray time. Using meteorological data from 58 weather stations in Xinjiang, we examined the spatiotemporal trends of these indicators during the 1981–2020 period. Additionally, we attempted to determine the effects of plastic mulching on the sowing area and the zoning area of machine-picked cotton in different suitable zones based on these indicators. In conclusion, the overall thermal resources in Xinjiang are exhibiting an upward trend and show a distribution pattern of “more in the south of Xinjiang than in the north of Xinjiang, and more in the plains and basins than in the mountains”. Under the plastic-mulching mechanism, the zoning area of the suitable zone has increased by 15.7% (2.15 × 103 km2), suggesting that climate warming and the widespread application of mulching technology provide unexplored potential for the most suitable regions for machine-picked cotton in Xinjiang, while the 14.5% (0.26 × 103 km2) and 7.8% (0.17 × 103 km2) reductions in the unsuitable and less suitable zones, respectively, suggest that the planting areas of machine-picked cotton in both the less suitable and unsuitable zones, particularly with the existing regional planning, continue to demonstrate an irrational expansion. Therefore, to sustain Xinjiang’s cotton industry’s resilience and productivity, policymakers need to prioritize proactive land management and sustainable land allocation practices in response to changing climate patterns to optimize cotton production.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biometeorology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessEditorial
Air Pollution, Health Effects Indicators, the Exposome, and One Health
by
Daniele Contini and Francesca Costabile
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050618 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Ambient air pollution is the seventh highest risk factor for human health, being responsible for millions of premature deaths per year globally [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Air Pollution, Health Effects Indicators, Exposome, and One Health)
Open AccessArticle
Using HawkEye Level-2 Satellite Data for Remote Sensing Tasks in the Presence of Dust Aerosol
by
Anna Papkova, Darya Kalinskaya and Evgeny Shybanov
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050617 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This paper is the first to examine the operation of the HawkEye satellite in the presence of dust aerosol. The study region is the Black Sea. Dust transport dates were identified using visual inspection of satellite imagery, back-kinematic HYSPLIT trajectory analysis, CALIPSO aerosol
[...] Read more.
This paper is the first to examine the operation of the HawkEye satellite in the presence of dust aerosol. The study region is the Black Sea. Dust transport dates were identified using visual inspection of satellite imagery, back-kinematic HYSPLIT trajectory analysis, CALIPSO aerosol stratification and typing maps, and the global forecasting model SILAM. In a comparative analysis of in-situ and satellite measurements of the remote sensing reflectance, an error in the atmospheric correction of HawkEye measurements was found both for a clean atmosphere and in the presence of an absorbing aerosol. It is shown that, on average, the dependence of the atmospheric correction error on wavelength has the form of a power function of the form from λ−3 to λ−9. The largest errors are in the short-wavelength region of the spectrum (412–443 nm) for the dust and dusty marine aerosol domination dates. A comparative analysis of satellite and in situ measurements of the optical characteristics of the atmosphere, namely the AOD and the Ångström parameter, was carried out. It is shown that the aerosol model used by HawkEye underestimates the Angström parameter and, most likely, large errors and outliers in satellite measurements are associated with this.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Characteristics of Aerosol Pollution)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Meteorological Conditions on PM2.5 Pollution in Changchun and Associated Health Risks Analysis
by
Chunsheng Fang, Xinlong Li, Juan Li, Jiaqi Tian and Ju Wang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050616 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
The escalating concern regarding increasing air pollution and its impact on the health risks associated with PM2.5 in developing countries necessitates attention. Thus, this study utilizes the WRF-CMAQ model to simulate the effects of meteorological conditions on PM2.5 levels in Changchun,
[...] Read more.
The escalating concern regarding increasing air pollution and its impact on the health risks associated with PM2.5 in developing countries necessitates attention. Thus, this study utilizes the WRF-CMAQ model to simulate the effects of meteorological conditions on PM2.5 levels in Changchun, a typical city in China, during January 2017 and January 2020. Additionally, it introduces a novel health risk-based air quality index (NHAQI) to assess the influence of meteorological parameters and associated health risks. The findings indicate that in January 2020, the 2-m temperature (T2), 10-m wind speed (WS10), and planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) were lower compared to those in 2017, while air pressure exhibited a slight increase. These meteorological parameters, characterized by reduced wind speed, heightened air pressure, and lower boundary layer height—factors unfavorable for pollutant dispersion—collectively contribute to the accumulation of PM2.5 in the atmosphere. Moreover, the NHAQI proves to be more effective in evaluating health risks compared to the air quality index (AQI). The annual average decrease in NHAQI across six municipal districts from 2017 to 2020 amounts to 18.05%. Notably, the highest health risks are observed during the winter among the four seasons, particularly in densely populated areas. The pollutants contributing the most to the total excess risk (ERtotal) are PM2.5 (45.46%), PM10 (33.30%), and O3 (13.57%) in 2017, and PM2.5 (67.41%), PM10 (22.32%), and O3 (8.41%) in 2020. These results underscore the ongoing necessity for PM2.5 emission control measures while emphasizing the importance of considering meteorological parameters in the development of PM2.5 reduction strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air Quality and Human Health)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of the Multi-Dimensional Characteristics of City Weather Forecast Page Views and the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Meteorological Disaster Warnings in China
by
Fang Zhang, Jin Ding, Yu Chen, Tingzhao Yu, Xinxin Zhang, Jie Guo, Xiaodan Liu, Yan Wang, Qingyang Liu and Yingying Song
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050615 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
In order to provide insights into how various page views are influenced by public engagement with weather information and to shed light on the patterns of warning issuance across different seasons and regions, this study analyzes the multi-dimensional characteristics of city weather forecast
[...] Read more.
In order to provide insights into how various page views are influenced by public engagement with weather information and to shed light on the patterns of warning issuance across different seasons and regions, this study analyzes the multi-dimensional characteristics of city weather forecast page views and the spatiotemporal characteristics of early warning information in China, from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2023. This is achieved by utilizing the daily page views of city weather forecasts and meteorological warning data, comparing the public’s attention to weather during holidays versus regular days, assessing the public’s attention to weather under different meteorological warning levels, and performing statistical analysis of the spatiotemporal scale of meteorological disasters. Our analysis shows that compared to weekends and holidays, the public pays more attention to the weather on weekdays, and the difference between weekdays and national statutory holidays is more significant. Due to the widespread impact of heat waves, typhoons, severe convective weather, and geological disasters caused by heavy rainfall, public awareness and participation in flood season weather forecasting have significantly increased. Under red alerts, flash floods, typhoons, and geological risks are the primary concerns. Orange alerts predominantly feature flash floods, rainstorms, typhoons, snowstorms, and cold waves, while sandstorms attract the most attention during yellow alerts. Droughts, however, receive relatively less attention regardless of the warning level. Seasonal patterns in the issuance of meteorological warnings reveal a peak in summer, particularly with typhoons and rainstorms being the main concerns in July, followed by high temperatures and additional typhoon warnings in August. Heavy sea surface wind warnings exhibit a strong seasonal trend, with the majority issued during the winter months. Regionally, southern China experiences the highest frequency of severe convection weather warnings, with provinces such as Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Hunan being the most affected.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Climatology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Deadly Heat Stress and Extreme Cold Events in the Upper Midwestern United States
by
Manas Khan, Rabin Bhattarai and Liang Chen
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050614 - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding and addressing the implications of extreme temperature-related events are critical under climate change, as they directly impact public health and strain energy infrastructure. This study delved into the critical assessment of deadly heat stress and extreme cold events in the Upper Midwestern
[...] Read more.
Understanding and addressing the implications of extreme temperature-related events are critical under climate change, as they directly impact public health and strain energy infrastructure. This study delved into the critical assessment of deadly heat stress and extreme cold events in the Upper Midwestern United States (UMUS), from 1979 to 2021, recognizing the substantial and disparate impact these phenomena have on socially vulnerable communities. In the current study, the modified Mann–Kendall method was applied to understand the temporal trend of extreme heat stress, as well as extreme cold events, from 1979 to 2021 in the UMUS. The results showed that the average annual frequency of daytime extreme heat stress events was comparatively lower in the northern parts of the UMUS compared to the southern parts from 1979 to 2021. Furthermore, a significant increasing trend in daytime extreme heat stress was found in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin (around the lake region), Ohio, and lower parts of Indiana and Kentucky from 1979 to 2021. In contrast, a decreasing trend was noticed in western parts of the UMUS (parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri). A significant decreasing trend in extreme cold events was found throughout the UMUS from 1979 to 2021. However, an increasing trend was also noticed in Iowa and northern parts of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The results provide important insights for better understanding the unique risks posed by extreme temperature-related events, especially toward socially vulnerable communities in the UMUS, which is crucial for developing targeted interventions and fostering resilience in the face of escalating climate-related threats.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Climatology)
Open AccessArticle
Research on CC-SSBLS Model-Based Air Quality Index Prediction
by
Lin Wang, Yibing Wang, Jian Chen, Shuangqing Zhang and Lanhong Zhang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050613 - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Establishing reliable and effective prediction models is a major research priority for air quality parameter monitoring and prediction and is utilized extensively in numerous fields. The sample dataset of air quality metrics often established has missing data and outliers because of certain uncontrollable
[...] Read more.
Establishing reliable and effective prediction models is a major research priority for air quality parameter monitoring and prediction and is utilized extensively in numerous fields. The sample dataset of air quality metrics often established has missing data and outliers because of certain uncontrollable causes. A broad learning system based on a semi-supervised mechanism is built to address some of the dataset’s data-missing issues, hence reducing the air quality model prediction error. Several air parameter sample datasets in the experiment were discovered to have outlier issues, and the anomalous data directly impact the prediction model’s stability and accuracy. Furthermore, the correlation entropy criteria perform better when handling the sample data’s outliers. Therefore, the prediction model in this paper consists of a semi-supervised broad learning system based on the correlation entropy criterion (CC-SSBLS). This technique effectively solves the issue of unstable and inaccurate prediction results due to anomalies in the data by substituting the correlation entropy criterion for the mean square error criterion in the BLS algorithm. Experiments on the CC-SSBLS algorithm and comparative studies with models like Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (V-SVR), BLS, SSBLS, and Categorical and Regression Tree-based Broad Learning System (CART-BLS) were conducted using sample datasets of air parameters in various regions. In this paper, the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are used to judge the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed model. Through the experimental analysis, RMSE and MAPE reached 8.68 μg·m−3 and 0.24% in the Nanjing dataset. It is possible to conclude that the CC-SSBLS algorithm has superior stability and prediction accuracy based on the experimental results.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measurement, Evaluation and Modeling of Particulate Matter and Air Quality Index)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
About the Possible Solar Nature of the ~200 yr (de Vries/Suess) and ~2000–2500 yr (Hallstadt) Cycles and Their Influences on the Earth’s Climate: The Role of Solar-Triggered Tectonic Processes in General “Sun–Climate” Relationship
by
Boris Komitov
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050612 - 19 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Introduction: The subject of the present study concerns the analysis of the existence and long time evolution of the solar ~200 yr (de Vries/Suess) and ~2400 yr (Hallstadt) cycles during the recent part of the Wurm ice epoch and
[...] Read more.
(1) Introduction: The subject of the present study concerns the analysis of the existence and long time evolution of the solar ~200 yr (de Vries/Suess) and ~2400 yr (Hallstadt) cycles during the recent part of the Wurm ice epoch and the Holocene, as well as their forcing on the regional East European climate during the last two calendar millennia. The results obtained here are compared with those from our previous studies, as well as with the results obtained by other authors and with other types of data. A possible scenario of solar activity changes during the 21st century, as well as different possible mechanisms of solar–climatic relationships, is discussed. (2) Data and methods: Two types of indirect (historical) data series for solar activity were used: (a) the international radiocarbon tree ring series (INTCAL13) for the last 13,900 years; (b) the Schove series of the calendar years of minima and maxima and the magnitudes of 156 quasi 11 yr sunspot Schwabe–Wolf cycles since 296 AD and up to the sunspot cycle with number 24 (SC24) in the Zurich series; (c) manuscript messages about extreme meteorological and climatic events (Danube and Black Sea near-coast water freezing), extreme summer droughts, etc., in Bulgaria and adjacent territories since 296 and up to 1899 AD, when the Bulgarian meteorological dataset was started. A time series analysis and χ2-test were used. (3) Results and analysis: The amplitude modulation of the 200 yr solar cycle by the 2400 yr (Hallstadt) cycle was confirmed. Two groups of extremely cold winters (ECWs) during the last ~1700 years were established. Both groups without exclusion are concentrated near 11 yr sunspot cycle extremes. The number of ECWs near sunspot cycle minima is about 2 times greater than that of ECWs near sunspot cycle maxima. This result is in agreement with our earlier studies for the instrumental epoch since 1899 AD. The driest “spring-summer-early autumn” seasons in Bulgaria and adjacent territories occur near the initial and middle phases of the grand solar minima of the Oort–Dalton type, which relate to the downward phases and minima of the 200 yr Suess cycle. (4) Discussion: The above results confirm the effect of the Sun’s forcing on climate. However, it cannot be explained by the standard hypothesis for total solar irradiation (TSI) variations. That is why another hypothesis is suggested by the author. The mechanism considered by Svensmark for galactic cosmic ray (GCR) forcing on aerosol nuclei was taken into account. However, in the hypothesis suggested here, the forcing of solar X-ray flux changes (including solar flares) on the low ionosphere (the D-layer) and following interactions with the Earth’s lithosphere due to the terrestrial electric current systems play a key role for aerosol nuclei and cloud generation and dynamics during sunspot maxima epochs. The GCR flux maximum absorption layer at heights of 35–40 km replaces the ionosphere D-layer role during the sunspot minima epochs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Solar Cyclicity on the Earth’s Climate)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in Latvian Households
by
Jeļena Reste, Nadīna Rīmere, Andris Romans, Žanna Martinsone, Inese Mārtiņsone, Ivars Vanadziņš and Ilona Pavlovska
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050611 - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Exposure to radon gas in households presents serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of lung cancer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the change in individual habits has led to more time spent in indoor environments with remote activities; thus, the need to raise
[...] Read more.
Exposure to radon gas in households presents serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of lung cancer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the change in individual habits has led to more time spent in indoor environments with remote activities; thus, the need to raise the awareness of air quality in dwellings and to mitigate the exposure of inhabitants to radon has emerged. This study investigated radon gas concentrations in the air of Latvian dwellings. RadTrack2 passive detectors were deployed in a representative sample of households across 106 municipalities of Latvia (98% of the territory), yielding data from 487 households (973 detectors). The data revealed a median radon concentration of 52 Bq/m3 (Q1 and Q3 were 29 and 93 Bq/m3), with the majority of samples (95.6%) falling below the national reference limit of 200 Bq/m3. The building type and presence of a cellar significantly impacted radon levels, with structures lacking cellars and older buildings exhibiting higher concentrations. Mechanical ventilation proved to be more effective in reducing radon levels, compared to natural ventilation. These findings emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate indoor radon exposure and to ensure the well-being of occupants. Additionally, the dissemination of research data on radon exposure through open-access scientific publications is vital for raising awareness and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Air Quality Control)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
ECMWF Ensemble Forecasts of Six Tropical Cyclones That Formed during a Long-Lasting Rossby Wave Breaking Event in the Western North Pacific
by
Russell L. Elsberry, Hsiao-Chung Tsai, Wei-Chia Chin and Timothy P. Marchok
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050610 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
The ECMWF‘s ensemble (ECEPS) predictions are documented for the lifecycles of six tropical cyclones (TCs) that formed during a long-lasting Rossby wave breaking event in the western North Pacific. All six TC tracks started between 20° N and 25° N, and between 136°
[...] Read more.
The ECMWF‘s ensemble (ECEPS) predictions are documented for the lifecycles of six tropical cyclones (TCs) that formed during a long-lasting Rossby wave breaking event in the western North Pacific. All six TC tracks started between 20° N and 25° N, and between 136° E and 160° E. All five typhoons recurved north of 30° N, and the three typhoons that did not make landfall had long tracks to 50° N and beyond. The ECEPS weighted mean vector motion track forecasts from pre-formation onward are quite accurate, with track forecast spreads that are primarily related to initial position uncertainties. The ECEPS intensity forecasts have been validated relative to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) Working Best Track (WBT) intensities (when available). The key results for Tokage (11 W) were the ECEPS forecasts of the intensification to a peak intensity of 100 kt, and then a rapid decay as a cold-core cyclone. For Hinnamnor (12 W), the key result was the ECEPS intensity forecasts during the post-extratropical transition period when Hinnamnor was rapidly translating poleward through the Japan Sea. For Muifa (14 W), the key advantage of the ECEPS was that intensity guidance was provided for longer periods than the JTWC 5-day forecast. The most intriguing aspect of the ECEPS forecasts for post-Merbok (15 W) was its prediction of a transition to an intense, warm-core vortex after Merbok had moved beyond 50° N and was headed toward the Aleutian Islands. The most disappointing result was that the ECEPS over-predicted the slow intensification rate of Nanmadol (16 W) until the time-to-typhoon (T2TY), but then failed to predict the large rapid intensification (RI) following the T2TY. The tentative conclusion is that the ECEPS model‘s physics are not capable of predicting the inner-core spin-up rates when a small inner-core vortex is undergoing large RI.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Typhoon/Hurricane Dynamics and Prediction (2nd Edition))
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Investigation of the Historical Trends and Variability of Rainfall Patterns during the March–May Season in Rwanda
by
Constance Uwizewe, Li Jianping, Théogène Habumugisha and Ahmad Abdullahi Bello
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050609 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the spatiotemporal variability and determinants of rainfall patterns during the March to May (MAM) season in Rwanda, incorporating an analysis of teleconnections with oceanic–atmospheric indices over the period 1983–2021. Utilizing the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) dataset,
[...] Read more.
This study explores the spatiotemporal variability and determinants of rainfall patterns during the March to May (MAM) season in Rwanda, incorporating an analysis of teleconnections with oceanic–atmospheric indices over the period 1983–2021. Utilizing the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) dataset, the study employs a set of statistical tools including standardized anomalies, empirical orthogonal functions (EOF), Pearson correlation, the Mann–Kendall (MK) trend test, and Sen’s slope estimator to dissect the intricacies of rainfall variability, trends, and their association with large-scale climatic drivers. The findings reveal a distinct southwest to northwest rainfall gradient across Rwanda, with the MK test signaling a decline in annual precipitation, particularly in the southwest. The analysis for the MAM season reveals a general downtrend in rainfall, attributed in part to teleconnections with the Indian Ocean Sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Notably, the leading EOF mode for MAM rainfall demonstrates a unimodal pattern, explaining a significant 51.19% of total variance, and underscoring the pivotal role of atmospheric dynamics and moisture conveyance in shaping seasonal rainfall. The spatial correlation analysis suggests a modest linkage between MAM rainfall and the Indian Ocean Dipole, indicating that negative (positive) phases are likely to result in anomalously wet (dry) conditions in Rwanda. This comprehensive assessment highlights the intricate interplay between local rainfall patterns and global climatic phenomena, offering valuable insights into the meteorological underpinnings of rainfall variability during Rwanda’s critical MAM season.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Resonant Forcing by Solar Declination of Rossby Waves at the Tropopause and Implications in Extreme Events, Precipitation, and Heat Waves—Part 1: Theory
by
Jean-Louis Pinault
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050608 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this first article is to provide a physical basis for atmospheric Rossby waves at the tropopause to clarify their properties and improve our knowledge of their role in the genesis of extreme precipitation and heat waves. By analogy with the
[...] Read more.
The purpose of this first article is to provide a physical basis for atmospheric Rossby waves at the tropopause to clarify their properties and improve our knowledge of their role in the genesis of extreme precipitation and heat waves. By analogy with the oceanic Rossby waves, the role played by the pycnocline in ocean Rossby waves is replaced here by the interface between the polar jet and the ascending air column at the meeting of the polar and Ferrel cell circulation or between the subtropical jet and the descending air column at the meeting of the Ferrel and Hadley cell circulation. In both cases, the Rossby waves are suitable for being resonantly forced in harmonic modes by tuning their natural period to the forcing period. Here, the forcing period is one year as a result of the variation in insolation due to solar declination. A search for cause-and-effect relationships is performed from the joint representation of the amplitude and phase of (1) the velocity of the cold or warm modulated airflows at 250 mb resulting from Rossby waves, (2) the geopotential height at 500 mb, and (3) the precipitation rate or ground air temperature. This is for the dominant harmonic mode whose period can be 1/16, 1/32, or 1/64 year, which reflects the intra-seasonal variations in the rising and falling air columns at the meeting of the polar, Ferrel, and Hadley cell circulation. Harmonics determine the duration of blocking. Two case studies referring to extreme cold and heat waves are presented. Dual cyclone–anticyclone systems seem to favor extreme events. They are formed by two joint vortices of opposite signs reversing over a period, concomitantly with the involved modulated airflows at the tropopause. A second article will be oriented toward (1) the examination of different case studies in order to ascertain the common characteristics of Rossby wave patterns leading to extreme events and (2) a map of the globe revealing future trends in the occurrence of extreme events.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prediction and Modeling of Extreme Weather Events)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Elucidating the Effects of COVID-19 Lockdowns in the UK on the O3-NOx-VOC Relationship
by
Rayne Holland, Katya Seifert, Eric Saboya, M. Anwar H. Khan, Richard G. Derwent and Dudley E. Shallcross
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050607 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
The unprecedented reductions in anthropogenic emissions over the COVID-19 lockdowns were utilised to investigate the response of ozone (O3) concentrations to changes in its precursors across various UK sites. Ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx (NO+NO2) data
[...] Read more.
The unprecedented reductions in anthropogenic emissions over the COVID-19 lockdowns were utilised to investigate the response of ozone (O3) concentrations to changes in its precursors across various UK sites. Ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx (NO+NO2) data were obtained for a 3-year period encompassing the pandemic period (January 2019–December 2021), as well as a pre-pandemic year (2017), to better understand the contribution of precursor emissions to O3 fluctuations. Compared with pre-lockdown levels, NO and NO2 declined by up to 63% and 42%, respectively, over the lockdown periods, with the most significant changes in pollutant concentrations recorded across the urban traffic sites. O3 levels correspondingly increased by up to 30%, consistent with decreases in the [NO]/[NO2] ratio for O3 concentration response. Analysis of the response of O3 concentrations to the NOx reductions suggested that urban traffic, suburban background and suburban industrial sites operate under VOC-limited regimes, while urban background, urban industrial and rural background sites are NOx-limited. This was in agreement with the [VOC]/[NOx] ratios determined for the London Marylebone Road (LMR; urban traffic) site and the Chilbolton Observatory (CO; rural background) site, which produced values below and above 8, respectively. Conversely, [VOC]/[NOx] ratios for the London Eltham (LE; suburban background) site indicated NOx-sensitivity, which may suggest the [VOC]/[NOx] ratio for O3 concentration response may have had a slight NOx-sensitive bias. Furthermore, O3 concentration response with [NO]/[NO2] and [VOC]/[NOx] were also investigated to determine their relevance and accuracy in identifying O3-NOx-VOC relationships across UK sites. While the results obtained via utilisation of these metrics would suggest a shift in photochemical regime, it is likely that variation in O3 during this period was primarily driven by shifts in oxidant (OX; NO2 + O3) equilibrium as a result of decreasing NO2, with increased O3 transported from Europe likely having some influence.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Urban Ozone Pollution)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Impacts of Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies for Rainfed Barley Production in the Almería Province, Spain
by
Francesco Saretto, Bishwajit Roy, Ricardo Encarnação Coelho, Alfredo Reder, Giusy Fedele, Robert Oakes, Luigia Brandimarte and Tiago Capela Lourenço
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050606 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
Mediterranean water-stressed areas face significant challenges from higher temperatures and increasingly severe droughts. We assess the effect of climate change on rainfed barley production in the aridity-prone province of Almería, Spain, using the FAO AquaCrop model. We focus on rainfed barley growth by
[...] Read more.
Mediterranean water-stressed areas face significant challenges from higher temperatures and increasingly severe droughts. We assess the effect of climate change on rainfed barley production in the aridity-prone province of Almería, Spain, using the FAO AquaCrop model. We focus on rainfed barley growth by the mid-century (2041–2070) and end-century (2071–2100) time periods, using three Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP)-based scenarios: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5. Using the paired t-test, Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficient, Root Mean Squared Error, and relative Root Mean Squared Error, we verified AquaCrop’s ability to capture local multi-year trends (9 or more years) using standard barley crop parameters, without local recalibration. Starting with a reference Initial Soil Water Content (ISWC), different soil water contents within barley rooting depth were modelled to account for decreases in soil water availability. We then evaluated the efficiency of different climate adaptation strategies: irrigation, mulching, and changing sowing dates. We show average yield changes of +14% to −44.8% (mid-century) and +12% to −55.1% (end-century), with ISWC being the main factor determining yields. Irrigation increases yields by 21.1%, utilizing just 3% of Almería’s superficial water resources. Mulches improve irrigated yield performances by 6.9% while reducing irrigation needs by 40%. Changing sowing dates does not consistently improve yields. We demonstrate that regardless of the scenario used, climate adaptation of field barley production in Almería should prioritize limiting soil water loss by combining irrigation with mulching. This would enable farmers in Almería’s northern communities to maintain their livelihoods, reducing the province’s reliance on horticulture while continuing to contribute to food security goals.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrometeorology, Agricultural Water Management and Impacts of Extreme Events (2nd Edition))
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Hierarchical Predictions of Fine-to-Coarse Time Span and Atmospheric Field Reconstruction for Typhoon Track Prediction
by
Shengye Yan, Zhendong Zhang and Wei Zheng
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050605 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
The prediction of typhoon tracks in the Northwest Pacific is key to reducing human casualties and property damage. Traditional numerical forecasting models often require substantial computational resources, are high-cost, and have significant limitations in prediction speed. This research is dedicated to using deep
[...] Read more.
The prediction of typhoon tracks in the Northwest Pacific is key to reducing human casualties and property damage. Traditional numerical forecasting models often require substantial computational resources, are high-cost, and have significant limitations in prediction speed. This research is dedicated to using deep learning methods to address the shortcomings of traditional methods. Our method (AFR-SimVP) is based on a large-kernel convolutional spatio-temporal prediction network combined with multi-feature fusion for forecasting typhoon tracks in the Northwest Pacific. In order to more effectively suppress the effect of noise in the dataset to enhance the generalization ability of the model, we use a multi-branch structure, incorporate an atmospheric reconstruction subtask, and propose a second-order smoothing loss to further improve the prediction ability of the model. More importantly, we innovatively propose a multi-time-step typhoon prediction network (HTAFR-SimVP) that does not use the traditional recurrent neural network family of models at all. Instead, through fine-to-coarse hierarchical temporal feature extraction and dynamic self-distillation, multi-time-step prediction is achieved using only a single regression network. In addition, combined with atmospheric field reconstruction, the network achieves integrated prediction for multiple tasks, which greatly enhances the model’s range of applications. Experiments show that our proposed network achieves optimal performance in the 24 h typhoon track prediction task. Our regression network outperforms previous recurrent network-based typhoon prediction models in the multi-time-step prediction task and also performs well in multiple integration tasks.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning Algorithms for Weather Forecasting and Climate Prediction)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Experimental Study on Evaporation and Micro-Explosion Characteristics of Ethanol and Diesel Blended Droplets
by
Yixuan Zhang, Kesheng Meng, Lin Bao, Qizhao Lin and Svitlana Pavlova
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050604 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, the constant temperature control system of a heating plate was established, ethanol–diesel fuel with different proportions was prepared, and a series of experiments were carried out. The experimental system was used to observe, summarize, and analyze four evaporation and crushing
[...] Read more.
In this study, the constant temperature control system of a heating plate was established, ethanol–diesel fuel with different proportions was prepared, and a series of experiments were carried out. The experimental system was used to observe, summarize, and analyze four evaporation and crushing modes of mixed droplets, which were explosion, liquid filament stretching, exocytosis, and ejection mode. The evaporation process of four kinds of mixed droplets in their life cycle was analyzed by normalizing the diameter square. It was proposed that the evaporation process of droplets could be divided into the following three stages: a heating stage, a fluctuating evaporation stage, and an equilibrium evaporation stage. It was also pointed out that the expansion, ejection, and micro-explosion of droplets were the causes of fluctuating evaporation. The concept of expansion and crushing intensity was put forward and the expansion and crushing intensity of ethanol/diesel mixed droplets with different proportions were calculated. The reasons why expansion and crushing intensity first increased and decreased with the increase in ethanol blending ratio were analyzed. Finally, the time proportion of ethanol–diesel mixed droplets in each evaporation stage was calculated, which explained that the time proportion of the instantaneous heating stage showed a parabolic law with the increase in ethanol content.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engine Emissions: Assessment and Control)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Phenomenology of the Composition of PM2.5 at an Urban Site in Northern France
by
Yamina Allouche, Marc Fadel, Amélie Ferté, Anthony Verdin, Frédéric Ledoux and Dominique Courcot
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050603 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
In this work, PM2.5 was sampled at Dunkerque, a medium-sized city located in northern France. The mean concentration of PM2.5 during the sampling period was 12.6 ± 9.5 μg·m−3. Samples were analyzed for elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC), water-soluble
[...] Read more.
In this work, PM2.5 was sampled at Dunkerque, a medium-sized city located in northern France. The mean concentration of PM2.5 during the sampling period was 12.6 ± 9.5 μg·m−3. Samples were analyzed for elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), humic-like substances (HULIS-C), water-soluble inorganic ions, and major and trace elements. The origin and the variations of species concentrations were examined using elemental enrichment factors, bivariate polar plot representations, and diagnostic concentration ratios. Secondary inorganic ions were the most abundant species (36% of PM2.5), followed by OC (12.5% of PM2.5). Secondary organic carbon (SOC) concentrations were estimated to account for 52% of OC. A good correlation between SOC and WSOC indicated that secondary formation processes significantly contribute to the WSOC concentrations. HULIS-C also represents almost 50% of WSOC. The determination of diagnostic ratios revealed the influence of anthropogenic emission sources such as integrated steelworks and fuel oil combustion. The clustering of 72 h air masses backward trajectories data evidenced that higher concentrations of PM2.5, OC, and secondary inorganic aerosols were recorded when air masses came from north-eastern Europe and the French continental sector, showing the considerable impact of long-range transport on the air quality in northern France.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Source Apportionment of Urban Air Pollution)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Numerical Simulation of the Plant Shelterbelt Configuration Based on Porous Media Model
by
Yuhao Zhao, Ning Huang, Jialiang Sun, Kejie Zhan, Xuanmin Li, Bin Han and Jie Zhang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050602 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Low-coverage line-belt-pattern protective forests offer significant advantages in terms of wind and sand control measures. It is important to study the windbreak effectiveness of sand-fixing forests with different spacing for the construction and optimization of plant shelterbelt configurations. The effect of plant spacing
[...] Read more.
Low-coverage line-belt-pattern protective forests offer significant advantages in terms of wind and sand control measures. It is important to study the windbreak effectiveness of sand-fixing forests with different spacing for the construction and optimization of plant shelterbelt configurations. The effect of plant spacing on the flow field around a row of trees was investigated using the k-ε turbulence model coupled with the porous media model. In order to accurately simplify the complex and stochastic plant constitutive features, we simplify the plant canopy to a circular platform geometry, which introduces a porous media model, and the plant trunk is simulated as a solid cylinder. The simulation results show that windbreaks only affect wind profiles up to 1.25-times the height of the tree; on the leeward side of the canopy, large-spaced shelterbelts provide greater protection in the near-wake zone, while small-spaced shelterbelts are more effective at reducing velocity in the re-equilibration zone. The flow field recovery properties of the trunk and canopy indicate that the canopy wake zone is longer. In this study, we also quantitatively analyze the relationship between average wind protection effectiveness as a function of plant spacing and streamwise distance from the leeward side of the canopy, and the given parameterized scheme shows a power exponential relationship between wind protection effectiveness and plant spacing and a logarithmic relationship with streamwise distance. This scheme can provide a predictive assessment of the effects during the implementation of the plant shelterbelt.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosphere/Hydrosphere/Land–Atmosphere Interactions)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Atmosphere Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Atmosphere, Climate, Remote Sensing, Sensors, Water
Applications of Geodesy in Meteorological, Hydrological and Climatic Environments
Topic Editors: Peng Yuan, Vagner Ferreira, Balaji Devaraju, Liangke HuangDeadline: 31 May 2024
Topic in
Atmosphere, Energies, JMSE, Sustainability, Wind
Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy Technologies in China
Topic Editors: Wei Shi, Qihu Sheng, Fengmei Jing, Dahai Zhang, Puyang ZhangDeadline: 31 July 2024
Topic in
Atmosphere, Buildings, Materials, Remote Sensing, Sensors
Condition Perception and Performance Evaluation of Engineering Structures
Topic Editors: Jingzhou Xin, Hong Zhang, Yan Jiang, Simon X. YangDeadline: 31 August 2024
Topic in
Atmosphere, Climate, Environments, Remote Sensing, Sustainability
Atmospheric Chemistry, Aging, and Dynamics
Topic Editors: Zechen Yu, Myoseon Jang, Zhonghua ZhengDeadline: 30 September 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Atmosphere
Tropical Cyclones: Observations and Prediction
Guest Editors: Shumin Chen, Weibiao Li, Yilun Chen, Aoqi Zhang, Mingsen ZhouDeadline: 24 May 2024
Special Issue in
Atmosphere
Carbon Emission and Carbon Neutrality in China
Guest Editors: Ji Zheng, Yu Li, Yingjie HuDeadline: 2 June 2024
Special Issue in
Atmosphere
Urban and Regional Nitrogen Cycle and Risk Management
Guest Editors: Chaofan Xian, Yu-Sheng Shen, Cheng GongDeadline: 14 June 2024
Special Issue in
Atmosphere
Numerical Weather Prediction Models and Ensemble Prediction Systems
Guest Editor: Petroula LoukaDeadline: 1 July 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Atmosphere
Measurement of Exposure to Air Pollution
Collection Editor: Luca Stabile
Topical Collection in
Atmosphere
Livestock Odor Issues and Air Quality
Collection Editor: Jacek Koziel
Topical Collection in
Atmosphere
Indoor Air Quality: From Sampling to Risk Assessment in the Light of New Legislations
Collection Editors: Pasquale Avino, Gaetano Settimo