Articles | Volume 17, issue 1
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 531–549, 2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-531-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 531–549, 2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-531-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article 11 Jan 2017
Research article | 11 Jan 2017
Diurnal variability of the atmospheric boundary layer height over a tropical station in the Indian monsoon region
Sanjay Kumar Mehta et al.
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Sanjay Kumar Mehta, Devendra Ojha, Shyam Mehta, Devarajan Anand, Daggumati Narayana Rao, Vanmathi Annamalai, Aravindhavel Ananthavel, and Saleem Ali
Ann. Geophys., 35, 1361–1379, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1361-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1361-2017, 2017
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The evolution of the convective boundary layer (CBL) directly affects the day-to-day activity of living things by controlling the transport of pollutants, anthropogenic emissions, and moisture. During summer monsoon season cloudiness prevails over the Indian region. We found that the CBL is shallower during cloudy days compared to clear-sky days, whereas cloud at the CBL elevates its height. Thus, occurrence of cloud plays an important role in the day-to-day variation in the CBL height.
Rohit Chakraborty, Arindam Chakraborty, Ghouse Basha, and Madineni Venkat Ratnam
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 11161–11177, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11161-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11161-2021, 2021
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In this study, urbanization-induced surface warming has been found to trigger prominent changes in upper-troposphere–lower-stratosphere regions leading to stronger and more frequent lightning extremes over India. Consequently, the implementation of this hypothesis in global climate models reveals that lightning frequency and intensity values across India will rise by ~10–25 % and 15–50 %, respectively, by 2100 at the current urbanization rate, which should be alarming for present policymakers.
Saginela Ravindra Babu, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, Ghouse Basha, Shantanu Kumar Pani, and Neng-Huei Lin
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 5533–5547, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5533-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-5533-2021, 2021
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The present study explores the detailed structure, dynamics, and trace gas variability in the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone (ASMA) in the extreme El Niño of 2015/16. The results find the structure of the ASMA shows strong spatial variability between July and August. A West Pacific mode of the anticyclone is noticed in August. A significant lowering of tropospheric tracers and strong increase in stratospheric tracers are found. The tropopause temperatures also exhibit a warming in the ASMA.
Kizhathur Narasimhan Uma, Siddarth Shankar Das, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, and Kuniyil Viswanathan Suneeth
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 2083–2103, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2083-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2083-2021, 2021
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Reanalysis data of vertical wind (w) are widely used by the atmospheric community to determine various calculations of atmospheric circulations, diabatic heating, convection, etc. There are no studies that assess the available reanalysis data with respect to observations. The present study assesses for the first time all the reanalysis w by comparing it with 20 years of radar data from Gadanki and Kototabang and shows that downdrafts and peaks in the updrafts are not produced in the reanalyses.
Ghouse Basha, M. Venkat Ratnam, and Pangaluru Kishore
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 6789–6801, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6789-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-6789-2020, 2020
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This study explores the variability of the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone (ASMA) spatial variability and trends using long-term observational and reanalysis data sets. The decadal variability of the anticyclone is very large at the edges compared with the core region. We propose that the transport process over the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian region is significant in active monsoon, strong monsoon and strong La Niña years. Thus, different phases of the monsoon are important in UTLS analyses.
Ghouse Basha, M. Venkat Ratnam, Pangaluru Kishore, S. Ravindrababu, and Isabella Velicogna
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2019-743, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2019-743, 2019
Preprint withdrawn
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The Asian Summer Monsoon Anticyclone (ASMA) plays an important role in confining the trace gases and aerosols for a longer period. This study explores the variability of tropopause parameters, trace gases and aerosols and its relation with ENSO and QBO in ASMA. Further, the influence of the Indian summer monsoon activity on the ASMA trace gases and aerosols is studied with respect to active and break spells of monsoon, strong and weak monsoon years and strong La Niña, El Niño years.
Rohit Chakraborty, Bijay Kumar Guha, Shamitaksha Talukdar, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, and Animesh Maitra
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 12325–12341, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12325-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-12325-2019, 2019
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The present study investigates the plausible aspects which influence the probability of drought occurrences over three Indian regions during the southwest Asian mid-monsoon period. The investigation reveals that an increasing tendency of dry day frequency (DDF) over urbanized regions in the last few decades has significant association with the abundance of anthropogenic aerosols. Additionally, future projections of DDF indicate a five-fold rise which can be a crucial concern for policy makers.
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.
Nelli Narendra Reddy, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, Ghouse Basha, and Varaha Ravikiran
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11709–11727, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11709-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11709-2018, 2018
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Cloud vertical structure affects large-scale atmosphere circulation by altering gradients in total diabatic heating and cooling and latent heat release. Detailed cloud vertical structure in all seasons, including diurnal variation over the Indian region, is made for the first time. The detected cloud layers are verified with independent observations using cloud particle sensor sonde. Heating and cooling in the troposphere and lower stratosphere due to these cloud layers are also investigated.
Maria Emmanuel, Sukumarapillai V. Sunilkumar, Muhsin Muhammed, Buduru Suneel Kumar, Nagendra Neerudu, Geetha Ramkumar, Kunjukrishnapillai Rajeev, and Krishnasamyiyer Parameswaran
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2018-630, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2018-630, 2018
Revised manuscript not accepted
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Annual variation of lower stratospheric water vapour over two tropical stations Trivandrum (South west Peninsular India) and Hyderabad (South central India) in Indian Peninsula is studied using Cryogenic Frost point Hygrometer observations during the period 2015–2016. Though the mean annual cycle in lower stratospheric water vapour is determined by the annual cycle in the CPT temperature and large scale dynamics, local processes also modulates it in the altitude region just above the tropopause.
Sivan Thankamani Akhil Raj, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, Daggumati Narayana Rao, and Boddam Venkata Krishna Murthy
Ann. Geophys., 36, 149–165, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-149-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-149-2018, 2018
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Ozone and water vapor are two potent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They influence the temperature structure greatly, particularly in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. We have investigated the long-term trends in these trace gases over the Indian region using long-term data (1993–2015) constructed from multi-satellite observations. A decreasing trend in ozone associated with NOx chemistry in the tropical middle stratosphere and a good correlation between N2O and O3 is found.
Sanjay Kumar Mehta, Devendra Ojha, Shyam Mehta, Devarajan Anand, Daggumati Narayana Rao, Vanmathi Annamalai, Aravindhavel Ananthavel, and Saleem Ali
Ann. Geophys., 35, 1361–1379, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1361-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1361-2017, 2017
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The evolution of the convective boundary layer (CBL) directly affects the day-to-day activity of living things by controlling the transport of pollutants, anthropogenic emissions, and moisture. During summer monsoon season cloudiness prevails over the Indian region. We found that the CBL is shallower during cloudy days compared to clear-sky days, whereas cloud at the CBL elevates its height. Thus, occurrence of cloud plays an important role in the day-to-day variation in the CBL height.
Madineni Venkat Ratnam, Alladi Hemanth Kumar, and Achuthan Jayaraman
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 5735–5745, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5735-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5735-2016, 2016
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Launch of INSAT-3D carrying a multi-spectral imager by the ISRO made it possible to obtain profiles of temperature and water vapour over India with higher temporal and vertical resolutions. Initial validation is made with the radiosonde, other satellites and reanalysis data sets. Good correlation between INSAT-3D and in situ measurements is noticed with a few cautions. Temperature data from INSAT-3D are of high quality and can be directly assimilated for better forecasts over India.
M. Venkat Ratnam, S. Ravindra Babu, S. S. Das, G. Basha, B. V. Krishnamurthy, and B. Venkateswararao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8581–8591, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8581-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8581-2016, 2016
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The impact of cyclones that occurred over the north Indian Ocean during 2007–2013 on the STE process is quantified using satellite observations. It is shown that cyclones have a significant impact on the tropopause structure, ozone and water vapour budget, and consequentially STE in the UTLS region. The cross-tropopause mass flux from the stratosphere to the troposphere for cyclonic storms is found to be 0.05 ± 0.29 × 10−3 kg m−2, and for very severe cyclonic storms it is 0.5 ± 1.07 × 10−3 kg m−2.
K. K. Shukla, K. Niranjan Kumar, D. V. Phanikumar, R. K. Newsom, V. R. Kotamarthi, T. B. M. J. Ouarda, and M. V. Ratnam
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-162, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-162, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
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Estimation of Cloud base height was carried out by using various ground based instruments (Doppler Lidar and Ceilometer) and satellite datasets (MODIS) over central Himalayan region for the first time. The present study demonstrates the potential of Doppler Lidar in precise estimation of cloud base height and updraft velocities. More such deployments will be invaluable inputs for regional weather prediction models over complex Himalayan terrains.
Siddarth Shankar Das, Madineni Venkat Ratnam, Kizhathur Narasimhan Uma, Kandula Venkata Subrahmanyam, Imran Asatar Girach, Amit Kumar Patra, Sundaresan Aneesh, Kuniyil Viswanathan Suneeth, Karanam Kishore Kumar, Amit Parashuram Kesarkar, Sivarajan Sijikumar, and Geetha Ramkumar
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 4837–4847, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4837-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4837-2016, 2016
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The present study examines the role of tropical cyclones in the enhancement of tropospheric ozone. The most significant and new observation reported is the increase in the upper-tropospheric ozone by 20–50 ppbv, which has extended down to the middle and lower troposphere. The descent rate of enhanced ozone layer during the passage of tropical cyclone is 0.8–1 km day−1. Enhancement of surface ozone concentration by ~ 10 ppbv in the daytime and 10–15 ppbv at night-time is observed.
Sanjeev Dwivedi, M. S. Narayanan, M. Venkat Ratnam, and D. Narayana Rao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 4497–4509, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4497-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4497-2016, 2016
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Monsoon inversion (MI) over the Arabian Sea is one of the important characteristics associated with the monsoon activity over Indian region. The initiation and dissipation times of MI, their percentage of occurrence, strength etc., has been examined. We suggest MI could also be included as one of the semi-permanent features of southwest monsoon.
A. K. Pandit, H. S. Gadhavi, M. Venkat Ratnam, K. Raghunath, S. V. B. Rao, and A. Jayaraman
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 13833–13848, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-13833-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-13833-2015, 2015
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We present the longest (1998 to 2013) cirrus cloud climatology over a tropical station using a ground-based lidar. A statistically significant increase is found in the altitude of sub-visible cirrus clouds. Also a systematic shift from thin to sub-visible cirrus cloud type is observed. Ground-based lidar is found to detect more number of sub-visible cirrus clouds than space-based lidar. These findings have implications to global warming and stratosphere-troposphere water vapour exchange studies.
S. Ravindra Babu, M. Venkat Ratnam, G. Basha, B. V. Krishnamurthy, and B. Venkateswararao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 10239–10249, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-10239-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-10239-2015, 2015
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The effect of tropical cyclones (TCs) that occurred over the north Indian Ocean in the last decade on the tropical tropopause parameters has been quantified for the first time. The vertical structure of temperature and tropopause parameters within the 5º radius away from the cyclone centre during TC period is also presented. The water vapour variability in the vicinity of TC is investigated.
It is demonstrated that the TCs can significantly affect the tropical tropopause and thus STE processes.
M. Pramitha, M. Venkat Ratnam, A. Taori, B. V. Krishna Murthy, D. Pallamraju, and S. Vijaya Bhaskar Rao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 2709–2721, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2709-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2709-2015, 2015
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Sources and propagation characteristics of high-frequency gravity waves observed in the mesosphere using airglow emissions from Gadanki and Hyderabad, India, are investigated using reverse ray tracing. Wave amplitudes are also traced back, including both radiative and diffusive damping. Interestingly, large vertical shears in the horizontal wind are noticed near the ray terminal points (at 10-12km altitude) and are thus identified to be the source for generating the observed gravity waves.
K. Ramesh, A. P. Kesarkar, J. Bhate, M. Venkat Ratnam, and A. Jayaraman
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 369–384, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-369-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-369-2015, 2015
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The study of atmospheric convection is important for the understanding of evolution of diurnal cycles of rainfall. High-resolution observations of vertical profiles of temperature and relative humidity are very useful for understanding the behaviour of these convections. Microwave radiometers are becoming useful tools for it. In this paper, we propose a new method to retrieve these profiles based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface systems and find that this method has a better skill of retrieval.
M. Venkat Ratnam, N. Pravallika, S. Ravindra Babu, G. Basha, M. Pramitha, and B. V. Krishna Murthy
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 7, 1011–1025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1011-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1011-2014, 2014
P. Kishore, M. Venkat Ratnam, I. Velicogna, V. Sivakumar, H. Bencherif, B. R. Clemesha, D. M. Simonich, P. P. Batista, and G. Beig
Ann. Geophys., 32, 301–317, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-301-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-301-2014, 2014
D. V. Phanikumar, K. Niranjan Kumar, K. K. Shukla, H. Joshi, M. Venkat Ratnam, M. Naja, and K. Reddy
Ann. Geophys., 32, 175–180, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-175-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-175-2014, 2014
Related subject area
Subject: Dynamics | Research Activity: Field Measurements | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Physics (physical properties and processes)
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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.
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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.
Qianqian Huang, Xuhui Cai, Jian Wang, Yu Song, and Tong Zhu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7573–7593, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7573-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7573-2018, 2018
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Air stagnation index is a vital meteorological measure of the atmosphere's ability to dilute air pollutants. We propose a Boundary-layer air Stagnation Index (BSI) based on daily maximal ventilation, real latent instability and precipitation. The BSI is positively correlated with API during 2000–2012, tracks the day-by-day variation of PM2.5 concentration during January 2013 in Beijing well, and successfully represents the improved air quality during November and December in 2017.
Zhiheng Liao, Jiaren Sun, Jialin Yao, Li Liu, Haowen Li, Jian Liu, Jielan Xie, Dui Wu, and Shaojia Fan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 6771–6783, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-6771-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-6771-2018, 2018
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This paper investigates the modulation effect of ABL meteorology on Beijing’s surface air quality based on self-organizing maps. The self-organized ABL types correspond to significantly distinct pollutant loadings and diurnal evolution, particularly in winter. Anomalous stable ABL conditions are estimated to contribute 58.3 %, 46.4 % and 73.3 % of the elevated PM2.5 concentrations in January 2013, December 2015 and December 2016.
Zhicong Yin and Huijun Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 4753–4763, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4753-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-4753-2018, 2018
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In China, the haze pollution in December has become increasingly serious over recent decades. The relationship between the snow cover and the December haze days was analyzed. This relationship significantly strengthened after the mid-1990s, which is attributed to the effective connections between the snow cover and the Eurasian atmospheric circulations.
Ju Li, Jielun Sun, Mingyu Zhou, Zhigang Cheng, Qingchun Li, Xiaoyan Cao, and Jingjiang Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 3919–3935, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3919-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3919-2018, 2018
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A rapid increase in the PM2.5 concentration in Beijing, China, on 30 November 2015 was found to be transported from south of Beijing by both turbulent mixing and advection processes. The nighttime relatively clean air was from the downslope flow northwest of Beijing; the rapid increase in the PM2.5 concentration in the morning resulted from the downward convective turbulent transfer of the polluted air that was rapidly advected over the nighttime stable boundary layer.
William Neff, Jim Crawford, Marty Buhr, John Nicovich, Gao Chen, and Douglas Davis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 3755–3778, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3755-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3755-2018, 2018
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Our study examined the effect of the seasonal cycle in meteorology from November through December and the role of stratospheric ozone depletion in the photochemical production of nitrogen oxide (NO) from nitrate in the snow at the South Pole. We found that ozone depletion which now extends into late November–early December coincides with optimum meteorological conditions (clear skies, a stable shallow boundary layer, and light winds) for high concentrations of NO to accumulate at the surface.
Romy Heller, Christiane Voigt, Stuart Beaton, Andreas Dörnbrack, Andreas Giez, Stefan Kaufmann, Christian Mallaun, Hans Schlager, Johannes Wagner, Kate Young, and Markus Rapp
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14853–14869, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14853-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14853-2017, 2017
Gopa Dutta, Palla Vinay Kumar, and Salauddin Mohammad
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14811–14819, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14811-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14811-2017, 2017
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Gravity wave stress is crucial for weather prediction purposes. It is found that proper filtering of the data is essential to reduce uncertainties in the popular hodograph method to delineate low-frequency gravity wave parameters. Our research helped in improving the estimates of gravity wave stress by reducing errors.
Florian Berkes, Patrick Neis, Martin G. Schultz, Ulrich Bundke, Susanne Rohs, Herman G. J. Smit, Andreas Wahner, Paul Konopka, Damien Boulanger, Philippe Nédélec, Valerie Thouret, and Andreas Petzold
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 12495–12508, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12495-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12495-2017, 2017
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This study highlights the importance of independent global measurements with high and long-term accuracy to quantify long-term changes, especially in the UTLS region, and to help identify inconsistencies between different data sets of observations and models. Here we investigated temperature trends over different regions within a climate-sensitive area of the atmosphere and demonstrated the value of the IAGOS temperature observations as an anchor point for the evaluation of reanalyses.
Peter Knippertz, Andreas H. Fink, Adrien Deroubaix, Eleanor Morris, Flore Tocquer, Mat J. Evans, Cyrille Flamant, Marco Gaetani, Christophe Lavaysse, Celine Mari, John H. Marsham, Rémi Meynadier, Abalo Affo-Dogo, Titike Bahaga, Fabien Brosse, Konrad Deetz, Ridha Guebsi, Issaou Latifou, Marlon Maranan, Philip D. Rosenberg, and Andreas Schlueter
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 10893–10918, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10893-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10893-2017, 2017
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In June–July 2016 DACCIWA (Dynamics–Aerosol–Chemistry–Cloud Interactions in West Africa), a large, EU-funded European–African project, organised an international field campaign in densely populated southern West Africa, including measurements from ground sites, research aircraft, weather balloons and urban sites. This paper gives an overview of the atmospheric evolution during this period focusing on meteorological (precipitation, cloudiness, winds) and composition (gases, particles) aspects.
Andrea Mues, Maheswar Rupakheti, Christoph Münkel, Axel Lauer, Heiko Bozem, Peter Hoor, Tim Butler, and Mark G. Lawrence
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8157–8176, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8157-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8157-2017, 2017
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Ceilometer measurements taken in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, were used to study the temporal and spatial evolution of the mixing layer height in the valley. This provides important information on the vertical structure of the atmosphere and can thus also help to understand the mixing of air pollutants (e.g. black carbon) in the valley. The seasonal and diurnal cycles of the mixing layer were found to be highly dependent on meteorology and mainly anticorrelated to black carbon concentrations.
Qianqian Huang, Xuhui Cai, Yu Song, and Tong Zhu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 7793–7805, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7793-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-7793-2017, 2017
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Air stagnation is an important meteorological measure of unfavorable air conditions, and previous studies have found that stagnation events are usually related to air pollution episodes. China is currently experiencing heavy air pollution, but to our knowledge, little is known about air stagnation in the country. In this paper, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of air stagnation climatology in China based on sounding and surface observations across the country.
Jennie Bukowski, Derek J. Posselt, Jeffrey S. Reid, and Samuel A. Atwood
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4611–4626, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4611-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4611-2017, 2017
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The Maritime Continent (MC) exhibits tremendous meteorological variability. In this study, multiple years of atmospheric soundings over the MC are analyzed to identify key sources of variability in the region's temperature, water vapor, and wind structure. Coherent vertical structures are found among profiles sampled from different geographic locations. The results indicate that the complex meteorology of the region can be described using a few simple structure functions.
Manisha Ganeshan and Dong L. Wu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 13173–13184, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-13173-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-13173-2016, 2016
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The amplified Arctic warming has seen a rapid decline in sea ice with serious implications for global climate. The loss of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere is considered important for the recovery of the diminishing sea ice. Yet there is little observational evidence regarding the efficiency of this process. In our study, we explore and quantify the ability of the open ocean to lose heat through sensible heat fluxes. It is found to depend on the prevailing cloud and wind regime.
Tjarda J. Roberts, Marina Dütsch, Lars R. Hole, and Paul B. Voss
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12383–12396, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12383-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12383-2016, 2016
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We present Controlled Meteorological (CMET) balloon flights in the Arctic. CMETs are a novel balloon that can be controlled (by satellite link) to change altitude during the flight and remain in the troposphere up to several days. We performed automated repeated soundings in the Arctic boundary layer during the flight and compared the observations (temperature, humidity, wind) to output from two atmospheric models. CMETs are a valuable tool for probing the lower atmosphere in remote regions.
Narendra Singh, Raman Solanki, Narendra Ojha, Ruud H. H. Janssen, Andrea Pozzer, and Surendra K. Dhaka
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 10559–10572, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10559-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-10559-2016, 2016
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Our study presents measurements and model simulations of boundary layer evolution over a mountain peak in the central Himalayas. The observations were made as a part of the Ganges Valley Aerosol Experiment. The implications of biases in model simulated boundary layer towards simulations of trace species is investigated.
Joan Cuxart, Burkhard Wrenger, Daniel Martínez-Villagrasa, Joachim Reuder, Marius O. Jonassen, Maria A. Jiménez, Marie Lothon, Fabienne Lohou, Oscar Hartogensis, Jens Dünnermann, Laura Conangla, and Anirban Garai
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 9489–9504, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9489-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-9489-2016, 2016
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Estimations of the effect of thermal advection in the surface energy budget are provided. Data from the experimental campaign BLLAST, held in Southern France in summer 2011, are used, including airborne data by drones and surface-based instrumentation. Model data outputs and satellite information are also inspected. Surface heterogeneities of the order of the kilometer or larger seem to have little effect on the budget, whereas hectometer-scale structures may contribute significantly to it.
Erik Nilsson, Fabienne Lohou, Marie Lothon, Eric Pardyjak, Larry Mahrt, and Clara Darbieu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8849–8872, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8849-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8849-2016, 2016
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The evolution of near-surface turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) and its budget in the afternoon transition has been studied based on field measurements. The study shows that TKE transport is an important budget term that needs to be taken into account in modeling of TKE. A non-local parametrization of dissipation using a TKE–length scale model which takes into account of boundary layer depth also gave improved results compared to a local parametrization.
Thomas Trickl, Hannes Vogelmann, Andreas Fix, Andreas Schäfler, Martin Wirth, Bertrand Calpini, Gilbert Levrat, Gonzague Romanens, Arnoud Apituley, Keith M. Wilson, Robert Begbie, Jens Reichardt, Holger Vömel, and Michael Sprenger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8791–8815, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8791-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8791-2016, 2016
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A rather homogeneous deep stratospheric intrusion event was mapped by vertical sounding over central Europe and by model calculations along the transport path. The very low minimum H2O mixing ratios demonstrate almost negligible mixing with tropospheric air during the downward transport. The vertical distributions of O3 and aerosol were transferred from the source region to Europe without major change. A rather shallow outflow from the stratosphere was found.
Thomas M. Freismuth, Blake Rutherford, Mark A. Boothe, and Michael T. Montgomery
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8511–8519, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8511-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8511-2016, 2016
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Numerical model analyses are used to investigate the role of dry, environmental air in the failed redevelopment of a tropical cyclone (ex-Gaston, 2010). As early as 12:00 UTC 2 September 2010, a dry layer at and above 600 hPa results in a decrease in the vertical mass flux and vertical, relative vorticity. The intrusion of dry air led to a reduction in vorticity and a compromised pouch at these middle levels. This study supports work looking at the role of dry air in moist convection.
Astrid Lampert, Falk Pätzold, Maria Antonia Jiménez, Lennart Lobitz, Sabrina Martin, Gerald Lohmann, Guylaine Canut, Dominique Legain, Jens Bange, Dani Martínez-Villagrasa, and Joan Cuxart
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8009–8021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8009-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8009-2016, 2016
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For a large field experiment in summer 2011 in southern France (BLLAST campaign), the development of turbulence in the atmosphere was analysed during the afternoon and evening. Besides ground-based remote sensing and in situ observations, turbulence parameters were measured with an unmanned aerial vehicle and analysed by numerical simulation. Turbulence decreased during the afternoon, but increased after sunset due to local wind systems. Turbulent eddies lost symmetry during the transition.
Fernando Chouza, Oliver Reitebuch, Michael Jähn, Stephan Rahm, and Bernadett Weinzierl
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 4675–4692, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4675-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-4675-2016, 2016
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This study presents the analysis of island induced gravity waves observed by an airborne Doppler wind lidar (DWL). First, the instrumental corrections required for the retrieval vertical wind measurements from an airborne DWL are presented. Then, the method is applied to two case studies to determine, in combination with numerical models and in situ measurements, the main characteristics of the observed waves.
A. D. Elvidge, I. A. Renfrew, A. I. Weiss, I. M. Brooks, T. A. Lachlan-Cope, and J. C. King
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 1545–1563, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1545-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-1545-2016, 2016
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Rare aircraft observations of surface momentum flux over the Arctic marginal ice zone provide the best means yet to constrain model representation of MIZ surface roughness. The sensitivity of surface roughness to ice concentration over the Arctic MIZ is presented; these results do not support the values used in many models. However, a leading parameterization scheme (that of Lüpkes et al., 2012) is found to provide a good representation of form drag, after some parameter alterations.
Cited articles
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Short summary
Study of the diurnal variation of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height is important for the knowledge of pollutant dispersion, crucial for all living beings. The most difficult part in the study of the diurnal variation is in identification of the stable boundary layer which occurs ~ 50% of times only and mostly during nighttime winter. Surface temperature and clouds directly affect the diurnal pattern of the ABL. Thus, stronger (weaker) diurnal variation found during pre-monsoon (winter).
Study of the diurnal variation of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height is important for...
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