Articles | Volume 15, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11513-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11513-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
20 Oct 2015
Research article |
| 20 Oct 2015
Cold Smoke: smoke-induced density currents cause unexpected smoke transport near large wildfires
N. P. Lareau
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Fire Weather Research Laboratory, San José State University, San José, CA, USA
C. B. Clements
Fire Weather Research Laboratory, San José State University, San José, CA, USA
Related authors
Neil P. Lareau and Craig B. Clements
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 4005–4022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4005-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4005-2016, 2016
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Lidar, radar, and radiosonde observations obtained during large wildfires shed new light on the initiation and development of pyrocumulus and pyrocumulonimbus clouds. Lidar data show, for example, that the condensation level in these towering convective plumes can be significantly higher than the condensation level in the ambient environment. Above the condensation level the subsequent cloud development is shown to be sensitive to wind shear and dry air entrainment, which limit vertical growth.
Neil P. Lareau and Craig B. Clements
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 4005–4022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4005-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4005-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Lidar, radar, and radiosonde observations obtained during large wildfires shed new light on the initiation and development of pyrocumulus and pyrocumulonimbus clouds. Lidar data show, for example, that the condensation level in these towering convective plumes can be significantly higher than the condensation level in the ambient environment. Above the condensation level the subsequent cloud development is shown to be sensitive to wind shear and dry air entrainment, which limit vertical growth.
A. Virkkula, J. Levula, T. Pohja, P. P. Aalto, P. Keronen, S. Schobesberger, C. B. Clements, L. Pirjola, A.-J. Kieloaho, L. Kulmala, H. Aaltonen, J. Patokoski, J. Pumpanen, J. Rinne, T. Ruuskanen, M. Pihlatie, H. E. Manninen, V. Aaltonen, H. Junninen, T. Petäjä, J. Backman, M. Dal Maso, T. Nieminen, T. Olsson, T. Grönholm, J. Aalto, T. H. Virtanen, M. Kajos, V.-M. Kerminen, D. M. Schultz, J. Kukkonen, M. Sofiev, G. De Leeuw, J. Bäck, P. Hari, and M. Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 4473–4502, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-4473-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-4473-2014, 2014
A. K. Kochanski, M. A. Jenkins, J. Mandel, J. D. Beezley, C. B. Clements, and S. Krueger
Geosci. Model Dev., 6, 1109–1126, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-6-1109-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-6-1109-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Dynamics | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Physics (physical properties and processes)
Estimating scalar turbulent fluxes with slow-response sensors in the stable atmospheric boundary layer
Overview: quasi-Lagrangian observations of Arctic air mass transformations – introduction and initial results of the HALO–(𝒜 𝒞)3 aircraft campaign
Contrasting extremely warm and long-lasting cold air anomalies in the North Atlantic sector of the Arctic during the HALO-(𝒜 𝒞)3 campaign
Air–sea interactions in stable atmospheric conditions: lessons from the desert semi-enclosed Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba)
Measurement report: The promotion of low-level jet and thermal-effect on development of deep convective boundary layer at the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert
An overview of the vertical structure of the atmospheric boundary layer in the central Arctic during MOSAiC
Evaluation of methods to determine the surface mixing layer height of the atmospheric boundary layer in the central Arctic during polar night and transition to polar day in cloudless and cloudy conditions
The role of a low-level jet for stirring the stable atmospheric surface layer in the Arctic
Detection of dilution due to turbulent mixing vs. precipitation scavenging effects on biomass burning aerosol concentrations using stable water isotope ratios during ORACLES
Modulation of the intraseasonal variability in early summer precipitation in eastern China by the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Thermodynamic and kinematic drivers of atmospheric boundary layer stability in the central Arctic during the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC)
Occurrence frequency of subcritical Richardson numbers assessed by global high-resolution radiosonde and ERA5 reanalysis
The characteristics of atmospheric boundary layer height over the Arctic Ocean during MOSAiC
Turbulent structure of the Arctic boundary layer in early summer driven by stability, wind shear and cloud-top radiative cooling: ACLOUD airborne observations
Dependency of vertical velocity variance on meteorological conditions in the convective boundary layer
Triggering effects of large topography and boundary layer turbulence on convection over the Tibetan Plateau
A change in the relation between the Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole and the South Atlantic Ocean Dipole indices in the past four decades
Characterising the dynamic movement of thunderstorms using very low- and low-frequency (VLF/LF) total lightning data over the Pearl River Delta region
Evolution of turbulent kinetic energy during the entire sandstorm process
Seasonal updraft speeds change cloud droplet number concentrations in low-level clouds over the western North Atlantic
The effect of ice supersaturation and thin cirrus on lapse rates in the upper troposphere
Momentum fluxes from airborne wind measurements in three cumulus cases over land
Orographically induced spontaneous imbalance within the jet causing a large-scale gravity wave event
Exploring the elevated water vapor signal associated with the free tropospheric biomass burning plume over the southeast Atlantic Ocean
Opinion: Gigacity – a source of problems or the new way to sustainable development
The thermodynamic structures of the planetary boundary layer dominated by synoptic circulations and the regular effect on air pollution in Beijing
Turbulent and boundary layer characteristics during VOCALS-REx
A foehn-induced haze front in Beijing: observations and implications
Airborne measurements and large-eddy simulations of small-scale gravity waves at the tropopause inversion layer over Scandinavia
Observational analysis of the daily cycle of the planetary boundary layer in the central Amazon during a non-El Niño year and El Niño year (GoAmazon project 2014/5)
Planetary boundary layer evolution over the Amazon rainforest in episodes of deep moist convection at the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory
Dominant patterns of summer ozone pollution in eastern China and associated atmospheric circulations
What controls the formation of nocturnal low-level stratus clouds over southern West Africa during the monsoon season?
Recent trends in climate variability at the local scale using 40 years of observations: the case of the Paris region of France
Nocturnal boundary layer turbulence regimes analysis during the BLLAST campaign
Low-level stratiform clouds and dynamical features observed within the southern West African monsoon
Residual layer ozone, mixing, and the nocturnal jet in California's San Joaquin Valley
From weak to intense downslope winds: origin, interaction with boundary-layer turbulence and impact on CO2 variability
On the fine vertical structure of the low troposphere over the coastal margins of East Antarctica
Spatial and temporal variability of turbulence dissipation rate in complex terrain
Characterizing wind gusts in complex terrain
Long-term trends of instability and associated parameters over the Indian region obtained using a radiosonde network
Implication of tropical lower stratospheric cooling in recent trends in tropical circulation and deep convective activity
The observed diurnal cycle of low-level stratus clouds over southern West Africa: a case study
Nocturnal low-level clouds in the atmospheric boundary layer over southern West Africa: an observation-based analysis of conditions and processes
Characteristics and evolution of diurnal foehn events in the Dead Sea valley
High tropospheric ozone in Lhasa within the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone in 2013: influence of convective transport and stratospheric intrusions
Anthropogenic and natural drivers of a strong winter urban heat island in a typical Arctic city
A comparison of plume rise algorithms to stack plume measurements in the Athabasca oil sands
Upscaling surface energy fluxes over the North Slope of Alaska using airborne eddy-covariance measurements and environmental response functions
Mohammad Allouche, Vladislav I. Sevostianov, Einara Zahn, Mark A. Zondlo, Nelson Luís Dias, Gabriel G. Katul, Jose D. Fuentes, and Elie Bou-Zeid
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9697–9711, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9697-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9697-2024, 2024
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The significance of surface–atmosphere exchanges of aerosol species to atmospheric composition is underscored by their rising concentrations that are modulating the Earth's climate and having detrimental consequences for human health and the environment. Estimating these exchanges, using field measurements, and offering alternative models are the aims here. Limitations in measuring some species misrepresent their actual exchanges, so our proposed models serve to better quantify them.
Manfred Wendisch, Susanne Crewell, André Ehrlich, Andreas Herber, Benjamin Kirbus, Christof Lüpkes, Mario Mech, Steven J. Abel, Elisa F. Akansu, Felix Ament, Clémantyne Aubry, Sebastian Becker, Stephan Borrmann, Heiko Bozem, Marlen Brückner, Hans-Christian Clemen, Sandro Dahlke, Georgios Dekoutsidis, Julien Delanoë, Elena De La Torre Castro, Henning Dorff, Regis Dupuy, Oliver Eppers, Florian Ewald, Geet George, Irina V. Gorodetskaya, Sarah Grawe, Silke Groß, Jörg Hartmann, Silvia Henning, Lutz Hirsch, Evelyn Jäkel, Philipp Joppe, Olivier Jourdan, Zsofia Jurányi, Michail Karalis, Mona Kellermann, Marcus Klingebiel, Michael Lonardi, Johannes Lucke, Anna E. Luebke, Maximilian Maahn, Nina Maherndl, Marion Maturilli, Bernhard Mayer, Johanna Mayer, Stephan Mertes, Janosch Michaelis, Michel Michalkov, Guillaume Mioche, Manuel Moser, Hanno Müller, Roel Neggers, Davide Ori, Daria Paul, Fiona M. Paulus, Christian Pilz, Felix Pithan, Mira Pöhlker, Veronika Pörtge, Maximilian Ringel, Nils Risse, Gregory C. Roberts, Sophie Rosenburg, Johannes Röttenbacher, Janna Rückert, Michael Schäfer, Jonas Schaefer, Vera Schemann, Imke Schirmacher, Jörg Schmidt, Sebastian Schmidt, Johannes Schneider, Sabrina Schnitt, Anja Schwarz, Holger Siebert, Harald Sodemann, Tim Sperzel, Gunnar Spreen, Bjorn Stevens, Frank Stratmann, Gunilla Svensson, Christian Tatzelt, Thomas Tuch, Timo Vihma, Christiane Voigt, Lea Volkmer, Andreas Walbröl, Anna Weber, Birgit Wehner, Bruno Wetzel, Martin Wirth, and Tobias Zinner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8865–8892, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8865-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8865-2024, 2024
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The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the globe. Warm-air intrusions (WAIs) into the Arctic may play an important role in explaining this phenomenon. Cold-air outbreaks (CAOs) out of the Arctic may link the Arctic climate changes to mid-latitude weather. In our article, we describe how to observe air mass transformations during CAOs and WAIs using three research aircraft instrumented with state-of-the-art remote-sensing and in situ measurement devices.
Andreas Walbröl, Janosch Michaelis, Sebastian Becker, Henning Dorff, Kerstin Ebell, Irina Gorodetskaya, Bernd Heinold, Benjamin Kirbus, Melanie Lauer, Nina Maherndl, Marion Maturilli, Johanna Mayer, Hanno Müller, Roel A. J. Neggers, Fiona M. Paulus, Johannes Röttenbacher, Janna E. Rückert, Imke Schirmacher, Nils Slättberg, André Ehrlich, Manfred Wendisch, and Susanne Crewell
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8007–8029, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8007-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8007-2024, 2024
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To support the interpretation of the data collected during the HALO-(AC)3 campaign, which took place in the North Atlantic sector of the Arctic from 7 March to 12 April 2022, we analyze how unusual the weather and sea ice conditions were with respect to the long-term climatology. From observations and ERA5 reanalysis, we found record-breaking warm air intrusions and a large variety of marine cold air outbreaks. Sea ice concentration was mostly within the climatological interquartile range.
Shai Abir, Hamish A. McGowan, Yonatan Shaked, Hezi Gildor, Efrat Morin, and Nadav G. Lensky
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 6177–6195, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6177-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-6177-2024, 2024
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Understanding air–sea heat exchange is vital for studying ocean dynamics. Eddy covariance measurements over the Gulf of Eilat revealed a 3.22 m yr-1 evaporation rate, which is inconsistent with bulk formulae estimations in stable atmospheric conditions, requiring bulk formulae to be revisited in these environments. The surface fluxes have a net cooling effect on the gulf water on an annual mean (-79 W m-2), balanced by a strong exchange flux between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Eilat.
Lian Su, Chunsong Lu, Jinlong Yuan, Xiaofei Wang, Qing He, and Haiyun Xia
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1010, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1010, 2024
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The cold downhill airflow of the Tibet Plateau leading to low-level jet weakens the height and intensity of the inversion layer, which reduces the energy demand for the broken of the inversion layer. The low-level jet causes dust aerosols to accumulate near the ground. The material conditions for the development of the desert atmosphere boundary layer can be quickly transformed into thermal conditions.
Gina C. Jozef, John J. Cassano, Sandro Dahlke, Mckenzie Dice, Christopher J. Cox, and Gijs de Boer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1429–1450, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1429-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1429-2024, 2024
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Observations collected during MOSAiC were used to identify the range in vertical structure and stability of the central Arctic lower atmosphere through a self-organizing map analysis. Characteristics of wind features (such as low-level jets) and atmospheric moisture features (such as clouds) were analyzed in the context of the varying vertical structure and stability. Thus, the results of this paper give an overview of the thermodynamic and kinematic features of the central Arctic atmosphere.
Elisa F. Akansu, Sandro Dahlke, Holger Siebert, and Manfred Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15473–15489, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15473-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15473-2023, 2023
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The height of the mixing layer is an important measure of the surface-level distribution of energy or other substances. The experimental determination of this height is associated with large uncertainties, particularly under stable conditions that we often find during the polar night or in the presence of clouds. We present a reference method using turbulence measurements on a tethered balloon, which allows us to evaluate approaches based on radiosondes or surface observations.
Ulrike Egerer, Holger Siebert, Olaf Hellmuth, and Lise Lotte Sørensen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15365–15373, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15365-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15365-2023, 2023
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Low-level jets (LLJs) are strong winds near the surface and occur frequently in the Arctic in stable conditions. Using tethered-balloon profile measurements in Greenland, we analyze a multi-hour period with an LLJ that later weakens and finally collapses. Increased shear-induced turbulence at the LLJ bounds mostly does not reach the ground until the LLJ collapses. Our findings support the hypothesis that a passive tracer can be advected with an LLJ and mixed down when the LLJ collapses.
Dean Henze, David Noone, and Darin Toohey
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 15269–15288, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15269-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-15269-2023, 2023
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The interaction between biomass burning aerosols and clouds remains challenging to accurately determine from observations. This is in part because of difficulties distinguishing aerosol differences due to precipitation versus dilution processes from the observations. This study addresses the challenge by utilizing atmospheric heavy water isotope ratios to constrain mixing versus precipitation processes during a field campaign (ORACLES) and in turn explain observed aerosol concentrations.
Zefan Ju, Jian Rao, Yue Wang, Junfeng Yang, and Qian Lu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14903–14918, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14903-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14903-2023, 2023
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In the paper, we explored the impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) on East China summer rainfall variability. It is novel to find that the combined impact of MJO and QBO is not maximized when the QBO and MJO are in phase to enhance (or suppress) the tropical convection.
Gina C. Jozef, John J. Cassano, Sandro Dahlke, Mckenzie Dice, Christopher J. Cox, and Gijs de Boer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 13087–13106, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13087-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-13087-2023, 2023
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Observations from the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) were used to determine the frequency of occurrence of various central Arctic lower atmospheric stability regimes and how the stability regimes transition between each other. Wind and radiation observations were analyzed in the context of stability regime and season to reveal the relationships between Arctic atmospheric stability and mechanically and radiatively driven turbulent forcings.
Jia Shao, Jian Zhang, Wuke Wang, Shaodong Zhang, Tao Yu, and Wenjun Dong
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 12589–12607, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12589-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12589-2023, 2023
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Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) is indicated by the critical value of the Richardson (Ri) number, which is usually predicted to be 1/4. Compared to high-resolution radiosondes, the threshold value of Ri could be approximated as 1 rather than 1/4 when using ERA5-based Ri as a proxy for KHI. The occurrence frequency of subcritical Ri exhibits significant seasonal cycles over all climate zones and is closely associated with gravity waves and background flows.
Shijie Peng, Qinghua Yang, Matthew D. Shupe, Xingya Xi, Bo Han, Dake Chen, Sandro Dahlke, and Changwei Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 8683–8703, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8683-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-8683-2023, 2023
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Due to a lack of observations, the structure of the Arctic atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) remains to be further explored. By analyzing a year-round radiosonde dataset collected over the Arctic sea-ice surface, we found the annual cycle of the ABL height (ABLH) is primarily controlled by the evolution of ABL thermal structure, and the surface conditions also show a high correlation with ABLH variation. In addition, the Arctic ABLH is found to be decreased in summer compared with 20 years ago.
Dmitry G. Chechin, Christof Lüpkes, Jörg Hartmann, André Ehrlich, and Manfred Wendisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4685–4707, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4685-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4685-2023, 2023
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Clouds represent a very important component of the Arctic climate system, as they strongly reduce the amount of heat lost to space from the sea ice surface. Properties of clouds, as well as their persistence, strongly depend on the complex interaction of such small-scale properties as phase transitions, radiative transfer and turbulence. In this study we use airborne observations to learn more about the effect of clouds and radiative cooling on turbulence in comparison with other factors.
Noviana Dewani, Mirjana Sakradzija, Linda Schlemmer, Ronny Leinweber, and Juerg Schmidli
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 4045–4058, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4045-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-4045-2023, 2023
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A high daily variability of the normalized vertical velocity variance profiles in the convective boundary layer is observed using Doppler lidar data during the FESSTVaL campaign 2020–2021. The dependency of the normalized vertical velocity variance on several meteorological parameters explains that the moisture processes in the boundary layer contribute to the remaining variability. The finding suggests that a new vertical velocity scale that takes moist processes into account has to be defined.
Xiangde Xu, Yi Tang, Yinjun Wang, Hongshen Zhang, Ruixia Liu, and Mingyu Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 3299–3309, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3299-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-3299-2023, 2023
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The vertical motion over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is associated with the anomalous convective activities. The diurnal variations and formation mechanisms of low clouds over the TP, Rocky Mountains and low-elevation regions are analyzed. We further discuss whether there exists a
high-efficiencytriggering mechanism for convection over the TP and whether there is an association among low air density and strong turbulence and ubiquitous popcorn-like cumulus clouds.
Lejiang Yu, Shiyuan Zhong, Timo Vihma, Cuijuan Sui, and Bo Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 345–353, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-345-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-345-2023, 2023
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Previous studies have noted a significant relationship between the Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole and the South Atlantic Ocean Dipole indices, but little is known about the stability of their relationship. We found a significant positive correlation between the two indices prior to the year 2000 but an insignificant correlation afterwards.
Si Cheng, Jianguo Wang, Li Cai, Mi Zhou, Rui Su, Yijun Huang, and Quanxin Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 10045–10059, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10045-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-10045-2022, 2022
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This paper helps to improve the recognition of severe thunderstorms in advance by giving a general understanding of how long the storm lasts, how fast the cluster moves and how much area the storm affects via information about the kinematic features of thunderstorms, which are the duration, valid area, the velocity, the direction and the farthest distance, and ideally to establish a foundation for future research that may contribute to the development of a new or improved prediction paradigm.
Hongyou Liu, Yanxiong Shi, and Xiaojing Zheng
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 8787–8803, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8787-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8787-2022, 2022
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The sandstorm, which is a common natural disaster, is mechanically characterized by a particle-laden flow experiencing wall turbulence. This work investigates a real sandstorm that was measured at the Qingtu Lake Observation Array through a lens of wall-turbulent flow dynamics. A non-stationary signal processing method is proposed based on the time-varying mean and adaptive segmented stationary method, and the evolution of turbulent kinetic energy during the entire sandstorm process is revealed.
Simon Kirschler, Christiane Voigt, Bruce Anderson, Ramon Campos Braga, Gao Chen, Andrea F. Corral, Ewan Crosbie, Hossein Dadashazar, Richard A. Ferrare, Valerian Hahn, Johannes Hendricks, Stefan Kaufmann, Richard Moore, Mira L. Pöhlker, Claire Robinson, Amy J. Scarino, Dominik Schollmayer, Michael A. Shook, K. Lee Thornhill, Edward Winstead, Luke D. Ziemba, and Armin Sorooshian
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 8299–8319, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8299-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8299-2022, 2022
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In this study we show that the vertical velocity dominantly impacts the cloud droplet number concentration (NC) of low-level clouds over the western North Atlantic in the winter and summer season, while the cloud condensation nuclei concentration, aerosol size distribution and chemical composition impact NC within a season. The observational data presented in this study can evaluate and improve the representation of aerosol–cloud interactions for a wide range of conditions.
Klaus Gierens, Lena Wilhelm, Sina Hofer, and Susanne Rohs
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7699–7712, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7699-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7699-2022, 2022
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We are interested in the prediction of condensation trails, in particular strong ones. For this we need a good forecast of temperature and humidity in the levels where aircraft cruise. Unfortunately, the humidity forecast is quite difficult for these levels, in particular the ice supersaturation, which is needed for long-lasting contrails. We are thus seeking proxy variables that help distinguish situations where strong contrails can form, for instance the lapse rate.
Ada Mariska Koning, Louise Nuijens, Christian Mallaun, Benjamin Witschas, and Christian Lemmerz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7373–7388, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7373-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7373-2022, 2022
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Wind measurements from the mixed layer to cloud tops are scarce, causing a lack of knowledge on wind mixing between and within these layers. We use airborne observations of wind profiles and local wind at high frequency to study wind transport in cloud fields. A case with thick clouds had its maximum transport in the cloud layer, caused by eddies > 700 m, which was not expected from turbulence theory. In other cases large eddies undid transport of smaller eddies resulting in no net transport.
Markus Geldenhuys, Peter Preusse, Isabell Krisch, Christoph Zülicke, Jörn Ungermann, Manfred Ern, Felix Friedl-Vallon, and Martin Riese
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 10393–10412, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10393-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10393-2021, 2021
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A large-scale gravity wave (GW) was observed spanning the whole of Greenland. The GWs proposed in this paper come from a new jet–topography mechanism. The topography compresses the flow and triggers a change in u- and
v-wind components. The jet becomes out of geostrophic balance and sheds energy in the form of GWs to restore the balance. This topography–jet interaction was not previously considered by the community, rendering the impact of the gravity waves largely unaccounted for.
Kristina Pistone, Paquita Zuidema, Robert Wood, Michael Diamond, Arlindo M. da Silva, Gonzalo Ferrada, Pablo E. Saide, Rei Ueyama, Ju-Mee Ryoo, Leonhard Pfister, James Podolske, David Noone, Ryan Bennett, Eric Stith, Gregory Carmichael, Jens Redemann, Connor Flynn, Samuel LeBlanc, Michal Segal-Rozenhaimer, and Yohei Shinozuka
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 9643–9668, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9643-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9643-2021, 2021
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Using aircraft-based measurements off the Atlantic coast of Africa, we found the springtime smoke plume was strongly correlated with the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere (more smoke indicated more humidity). We see the same general feature in satellite-assimilated and free-running models. Our analysis suggests this relationship is not caused by the burning but originates due to coincident continental meteorology plus fires. This air is transported over the ocean without further mixing.
Markku Kulmala, Tom V. Kokkonen, Juha Pekkanen, Sami Paatero, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Aijun Ding
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 8313–8322, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8313-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-8313-2021, 2021
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The eastern part of China as a whole is practically a gigacity with 650 million inhabitants. The gigacity, with its emissions, processes in the pollution cocktail and numerous feedbacks and interactions, has a crucial and big impact on regional air quality and on global climate. A large-scale research and innovation program is needed to meet the interlinked grand challenges in this gigacity and to serve as a platform for finding pathways for sustainable development of the globe.
Yunyan Jiang, Jinyuan Xin, Ying Wang, Guiqian Tang, Yuxin Zhao, Danjie Jia, Dandan Zhao, Meng Wang, Lindong Dai, Lili Wang, Tianxue Wen, and Fangkun Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 6111–6128, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6111-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6111-2021, 2021
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Multiscale-circulation coupling affects pollution by changing the planetary boundary layer (PBL) structure. The multilayer PBL under cyclonic circulation has no diurnal variation; the temperature inversion and zero-speed zone can reach 600–900 m with strong mountain winds. The monolayer PBL under southwestern circulation can reach 2000 m; the inversion is lower than nocturnal PBL (400 m) with strong ambient winds. The zonal winds' vertical shear produces the inversion under western circulation.
Dillon S. Dodson and Jennifer D. Small Griswold
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 1937–1961, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1937-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1937-2021, 2021
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The results here reinforce findings from previous in situ studies of the marine boundary layer. It is found that turbulence is maximized in the middle of the stratocumulus layer from latent heating effects. Precipitation acts to increase turbulence in the sub-cloud layer, while acting to stabilize the entire boundary layer after the evaporation of precipitation in the sub-cloud has stopped. A negative correlation is present between the boundary layer height and turbulence.
Ju Li, Zhaobin Sun, Donald H. Lenschow, Mingyu Zhou, Youjun Dou, Zhigang Cheng, Yaoting Wang, and Qingchun Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 15793–15809, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-15793-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-15793-2020, 2020
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We analyzed a haze front event involving warm–dry downslope flow in December 2015 in Beijing, China. The haze front was formed by the collision between a clean warm–dry air mass flowing from a nearby mountainous region and a polluted cold–wet air mass over an urban area. We found that the polluted air advanced toward the clean air, resulting in a severe air pollution event. Our study highlights the need to further investigate the warm–dry downslope and its impacts on air pollution.
Sonja Gisinger, Johannes Wagner, and Benjamin Witschas
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 10091–10109, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10091-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10091-2020, 2020
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Gravity waves are an important coupling mechanism in the atmosphere. Measurements by two research aircraft during a mountain wave event over Scandinavia in 2016 revealed changes of the horizontal scales in the vertical velocity field and of momentum fluxes in the vicinity of the tropopause inversion. Idealized simulations revealed the presence of interfacial waves. They are found downstream of the mountain peaks, meaning that they horizontally transport momentum/energy away from their source.
Rayonil G. Carneiro and Gilberto Fisch
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 5547–5558, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5547-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5547-2020, 2020
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The objective of this study was to conduct observational evaluations of the daily cycle of the height of the planetary boundary layer from data that were measured and/or estimated using instruments such as a radiosonde, sodar, ceilometer, wind profiler, lidar and microwave radiometer installed in the central Amazon during 2014 (considered a typical year) and 2015 during which an intense El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event predominated during the GoAmazon experiment.
Maurício I. Oliveira, Otávio C. Acevedo, Matthias Sörgel, Ernani L. Nascimento, Antonio O. Manzi, Pablo E. S. Oliveira, Daiane V. Brondani, Anywhere Tsokankunku, and Meinrat O. Andreae
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 15–27, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-15-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-15-2020, 2020
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In this study, data collected during four deep convection events at the 80 m tower from the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory are analyzed. It provides a unique view on how such events affect the local boundary layer and how it recovers after their passage. Quantities analyzed include mean wind speed, virtual potential temperature, turbulent kinetic energy, sensible, and latent heat fluxes. A conceptual model for boundary layer structure along the passage of deep convection events is proposed.
Zhicong Yin, Bufan Cao, and Huijun Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 13933–13943, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-13933-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-13933-2019, 2019
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Ozone occurs both in the stratosphere and at ground level. Surface ozone is a man-made air pollutant and has harmful effects on people and the environment. Two dominant patterns of summer ozone pollution were determined. The most dominant pattern in 2017 and 2018 was different from that in previous years. The findings of this study help us to understand the features of surface ozone pollution in eastern China and their relationships with large-scale atmospheric circulations.
Karmen Babić, Norbert Kalthoff, Bianca Adler, Julian F. Quinting, Fabienne Lohou, Cheikh Dione, and Marie Lothon
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 13489–13506, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-13489-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-13489-2019, 2019
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This study investigates differences in atmospheric conditions between nights with and without low-level stratus clouds (LLCs) over southern West Africa. We use high-quality observations collected during 2016 summer monsoon season and the ERA5 reanalysis data set. Our results show that the formation of LLCs depends on the interplay between the onset time and strength of the nocturnal low-level jet, horizontal cold-air advection, and the overall moisture level in the whole region.
Justine Ringard, Marjolaine Chiriaco, Sophie Bastin, and Florence Habets
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 13129–13155, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-13129-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-13129-2019, 2019
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This study characterizes the changes observed at Paris urban scale and attempts to identify the surface–atmosphere feedbacks likely to explain the trends observed as a function of the different configurations of large-scale dynamics. This article is interested in several atmospheric parameters and their possible retroactions. Finally, to study urban environments, the analysis at the local scale is essential because it is very poorly represented in the model.
Jesús Yus-Díez, Mireia Udina, Maria Rosa Soler, Marie Lothon, Erik Nilsson, Joan Bech, and Jielun Sun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 9495–9514, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-9495-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-9495-2019, 2019
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This study helps improve the understanding of the turbulence description and the interactions occurring in the lower part of the boundary layer. It is carried out at an orographically influenced site close to the Pyrenees to explore the hockey-stick transition (HOST) theory. HOST is seen to be strongly dependent on both the meteorological conditions and the orographic features. Examples of intermittent turbulence events that lead to transitions between the turbulence regimes are also identified.
Cheikh Dione, Fabienne Lohou, Marie Lothon, Bianca Adler, Karmen Babić, Norbert Kalthoff, Xabier Pedruzo-Bagazgoitia, Yannick Bezombes, and Omar Gabella
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 8979–8997, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8979-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-8979-2019, 2019
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Low atmospheric dynamics and low-level cloud (LLC) macrophysical properties are analyzed using in situ and remote sensing data collected from 20 June to 30 July at Savè, Benin, during the DACCIWA field campaign in 2016. We find that the low-level jet (LLJ), LLCs, monsoon flow, and maritime inflow reveal a day-to-day variability. LLCs form at the same level as the jet core height. The cloud base height is stationary at night and remains below the jet. The cloud top height is found above the jet.
Dani J. Caputi, Ian Faloona, Justin Trousdell, Jeanelle Smoot, Nicholas Falk, and Stephen Conley
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4721–4740, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4721-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4721-2019, 2019
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This paper covers the importance of understanding ozone pollution in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley from the perspective of meteorological conditions that occur overnight. Our main finding is that stronger winds aloft allow ozone to be depleted overnight, leading to less ozone the following day. This finding has the potential to greatly improve ozone forecasts in the San Joaquin Valley. This study is primarily conducted with aircraft observations.
Jon Ander Arrillaga, Carlos Yagüe, Carlos Román-Cascón, Mariano Sastre, Maria Antonia Jiménez, Gregorio Maqueda, and Jordi Vilà-Guerau de Arellano
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4615–4635, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4615-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4615-2019, 2019
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Thermally driven downslope winds develop in mountainous areas under a weak large-scale forcing and clear skies. In this work, we find that their onset time and intensity are closely connected with both the large-scale wind and soil moisture. We also show how the distinct downslope intensities shape the turbulent and thermal features of the nocturnal atmosphere. The analysis concludes that the downslope–turbulence interaction and the horizontal transport explain the important CO2 variability.
Étienne Vignon, Olivier Traullé, and Alexis Berne
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4659–4683, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4659-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4659-2019, 2019
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The future sea-level rise will depend on how much the Antarctic ice sheet gain – via precipitation – or loose mass. The simulation of precipitation by numerical models used for projections depends on the representation of the atmospheric circulation over and around Antarctica. Using daily measurements from balloon soundings at nine Antarctic stations, this study characterizes the structure of the atmosphere over the Antarctic coast and its representation in atmospheric simulations.
Nicola Bodini, Julie K. Lundquist, Raghavendra Krishnamurthy, Mikhail Pekour, Larry K. Berg, and Aditya Choukulkar
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4367–4382, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4367-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4367-2019, 2019
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To improve the parameterization of the turbulence dissipation rate (ε) in numerical weather prediction models, we have assessed its temporal and spatial variability at various scales in the Columbia River Gorge during the WFIP2 field experiment. The turbulence dissipation rate shows large spatial variability, even at the microscale, with larger values in sites located downwind of complex orographic structures or in wind farm wakes. Distinct diurnal and seasonal cycles in ε have also been found.
Frederick Letson, Rebecca J. Barthelmie, Weifei Hu, and Sara C. Pryor
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 3797–3819, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3797-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3797-2019, 2019
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Wind gusts are a key driver of aerodynamic loading, and common approximations used to describe wind gust behavior may not be appropriate in complex terrain at heights relevant to wind turbines and other structures. High-resolution observations from sonic anemometers and vertically pointing Doppler lidars collected in the Perdigão experiment are analyzed to provide a foundation for improved wind gust characterization in complex terrain.
Rohit Chakraborty, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, and Shaik Ghouse Basha
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 3687–3705, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3687-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-3687-2019, 2019
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Intense convective phenomena are a common climatic feature in the Indian tropical region which occur during the pre-monsoon to post-monsoon seasons (April–October) and are generally accompanied by intense thunderstorms, lightning, and wind gusts with heavy rainfall. Here we show long-term trends of the parameters related to convection and instability obtained from 27 radiosonde stations across six subdivisions over the Indian region during the period 1980–2016.
Kunihiko Kodera, Nawo Eguchi, Rei Ueyama, Yuhji Kuroda, Chiaki Kobayashi, Beatriz M. Funatsu, and Chantal Claud
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 2655–2669, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2655-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-2655-2019, 2019
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The recent cooling of the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean occurred in conjunction with enhanced cross-equatorial southerlies associated with a strengthening of the boreal summer Hadley circulation. A combination of land surface warming and reduced static stability in the tropical tropopause layer due to stratospheric cooling is suggested to have caused the increase in the deep ascending branch of the Hadley circulation and related recent decadal change in the tropical troposphere and ocean.
Karmen Babić, Bianca Adler, Norbert Kalthoff, Hendrik Andersen, Cheikh Dione, Fabienne Lohou, Marie Lothon, and Xabier Pedruzo-Bagazgoitia
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1281–1299, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1281-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1281-2019, 2019
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The first detailed observational analysis of the complete diurnal cycle of low-level clouds (LLC) and associated atmospheric processes over southern West Africa is performed using the data gathered within the DACCIWA (Dynamics-Aerosol-Chemistry-Cloud-Interactions in West Africa) ground-based campaign. We find cooling related to the horizontal advection, which occurs in connection with the inflow of cool maritime air mass and a prominent low-level jet, to have the dominant role in LLC formation.
Bianca Adler, Karmen Babić, Norbert Kalthoff, Fabienne Lohou, Marie Lothon, Cheikh Dione, Xabier Pedruzo-Bagazgoitia, and Hendrik Andersen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 663–681, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-663-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-663-2019, 2019
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This study deals with nocturnal stratiform low-level clouds that frequently form in the atmospheric boundary layer over southern West Africa. We use observational data from 11 nights to characterize the clouds and intranight variability of boundary layer conditions as well as to assess the physical processes relevant for cloud formation. We find that cooling is crucial to reach saturation and a large part of the cooling is related to horizontal advection of cool air from the Gulf of Guinea.
Jutta Vüllers, Georg J. Mayr, Ulrich Corsmeier, and Christoph Kottmeier
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 18169–18186, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-18169-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-18169-2018, 2018
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This paper investigates frequently occurring foehn at the Dead Sea, which strongly impacts the local climatic conditions, in particular temperature and humidity, as well as evaporation from the Dead Sea, the aerosol load, and visibility. A statistical classification exposes two types of foehn and first-time, high-resolution measurements reveal trigger mechanisms and relevant characteristics, such as wind velocities, affected air layers, and resulting phenomena such as hydraulic jumps and rotors.
Dan Li, Bärbel Vogel, Rolf Müller, Jianchun Bian, Gebhard Günther, Qian Li, Jinqiang Zhang, Zhixuan Bai, Holger Vömel, and Martin Riese
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17979–17994, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17979-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17979-2018, 2018
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Balloon-borne measurements performed over Lhasa in August 2013 are investigated using CLaMS trajectory calculations. Here, we focus on high ozone mixing ratios in the free troposphere. Our findings demonstrate that both stratospheric intrusions and convective transport of air pollution play a major role in enhancing middle and upper tropospheric ozone.
Mikhail Varentsov, Pavel Konstantinov, Alexander Baklanov, Igor Esau, Victoria Miles, and Richard Davy
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17573–17587, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17573-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17573-2018, 2018
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This study reports on the urban heat island (UHI) in a typical Arctic city in winter. Using in situ observations, remote sensing data and modeling, we show that the urban temperature anomaly reaches up to 11 K with a mean value of 1.9 K. At least 50 % of this anomaly is caused by the UHI effect, driven mostly by heating. The rest is created by natural microclimatic variability over the hilly terrain. This is a strong argument in support of energy efficiency measures in the Arctic cities.
Mark Gordon, Paul A. Makar, Ralf M. Staebler, Junhua Zhang, Ayodeji Akingunola, Wanmin Gong, and Shao-Meng Li
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 14695–14714, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14695-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14695-2018, 2018
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This work uses aircraft-based measurements of smokestack plumes carried out in northern Alberta in 2013. These measurements are used to test equations used to predict how high in the air smokestack plumes rise. It is important to predict plume rise height accurately as it tells us how far downwind pollutants are carried and what air quality can be expected at the surface. We found that the equations that are typically used significantly underestimate the plume rise at this location.
Andrei Serafimovich, Stefan Metzger, Jörg Hartmann, Katrin Kohnert, Donatella Zona, and Torsten Sachs
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10007–10023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10007-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10007-2018, 2018
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In order to support the evaluation of coupled atmospheric–land-surface models we investigated spatial patterns of energy fluxes in relation to land-surface properties and upscaled airborne flux measurements to high resolution flux maps. A machine learning technique allows us to estimate environmental response functions between spatially and temporally resolved flux observations and corresponding biophysical and meteorological drivers.
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Short summary
This paper presents first observations of smoke-induced density currents, which are a boundary-layer flow phenomenon resulting from radiative shading by wild fire smoke. Our analysis uses a mobile Doppler lidar to reveal the anatomy and evolution of one such density current in northern California. The results show that these density currents can flow counter to the ambient wind and spread over long distances (e.g. 25km), causing unexpected smoke impacts.
This paper presents first observations of smoke-induced density currents, which are a...
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