scholarly journals Identifying optical turbulence profiles for realistic tomographic error in adaptive optics

2019 ◽  
Vol 488 (1) ◽  
pp. 213-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
O J D Farley ◽  
J Osborn ◽  
T Morris ◽  
T Fusco ◽  
B Neichel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Adaptive Optics ◽  
Compute Tomographic ◽  
Distribution Profile ◽  
Statistical Sample ◽  
Large Telescopes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Vertical Distribution ◽  
Performance Estimates

ABSTRACT For extremely large telescopes, adaptive optics will be required to correct the Earth’s turbulent atmosphere. The performance of tomographic adaptive optics is strongly dependent on the vertical distribution (profile) of this turbulence. An important way in which this manifests is the tomographic error, arising from imperfect measurement and reconstruction of the turbulent phase at altitude. Conventionally, a small number of reference profiles are used to obtain this error in simulation; however these profiles are not constructed to be representative in terms of tomographic error. It is therefore unknown whether these simulations are providing realistic performance estimates. Here, we employ analytical adaptive optics simulation that drastically reduces computation times to compute tomographic error for 10 691 measurements of the turbulence profile gathered by the Stereo-SCIDAR instrument at ESO Paranal. We assess for the first time the impact of the profile on tomographic error in a statistical manner. We find, in agreement with previous work, that the tomographic error is most directly linked with the distribution of turbulence into discrete, stratified layers. Reference profiles are found to provide mostly higher tomographic error than expected, which we attribute to the fact that these profiles are primarily composed of averages of many measurements resulting in unrealistic, continuous distributions of turbulence. We propose that a representative profile should be defined with respect to a particular system, and that as such simulations with a large statistical sample of profiles must be an important step in the design process.

scholarly journals Multi-model study of mercury dispersion in the atmosphere: Vertical distribution of mercury species

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Bieser ◽  
Franz Slemr ◽  
Jesse Ambrose ◽  
Carl Brenninkmeijer ◽  
Steve Brooks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Elemental Mercury ◽  
Mercury Species ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Model Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Abstract. Atmospheric chemistry and transport of mercury play a key role in the global mercury cycle. However, there are still considerable knowledge gaps concerning the fate of mercury in the atmosphere. This is the second part of a model inter-comparison study investigating the impact of atmospheric chemistry and emissions on mercury in the atmosphere. While the first study focused on ground based observations of mercury concentration and deposition, here we investigate the vertical distribution and speciation of mercury from the planetary boundary layer to the lower stratosphere. So far, there have been few model studies investigating the vertical distribution of mercury, mostly focusing on single aircraft campaigns. Here, we present a first comprehensive analysis based on various aircraft observations in Europe, North America, and on inter-continental flights. The investigated models proved to be able to reproduce the distribution of total and elemental mercury concentrations in the troposphere including inter-hemispheric trends. One key aspect of the study is the investigation of mercury oxidation in the troposphere. We found that different chemistry schemes were better at reproducing observed oxidized mercury (RM) patterns depending on altitude. High RM concentrations in the upper troposphere could be reproduced with oxidation by bromine while elevated concentrations in the lower troposphere were better reproduced by OH and ozone chemistry. However, the results were not always conclusive as the physical and chemical parametrizations in the chemistry transport models also proved to have a substantial impact on model results.

scholarly journals Vertical Distribution of Particulates within the Near-Surface Layer of Dry Bulk Port and Influence Mechanism: A Case Study in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinxing Shen ◽  
Xuejun Feng ◽  
Kai Zhuang ◽  
Tong Lin ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Dust Suppression ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Cargo Handling ◽  
Port Operation ◽  
Pm10 And Pm2.5 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Vertical Distribution ◽  
Porous Fence

Knowing the vertical distribution of ambient particulate matter (PM) will help port authorities choose the optimal dust-suppression measures to reduce PM concentrations. In this study, we used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to assess the vertical distribution (0–120 m altitude) of PM in a dry bulk port along the Yangtze River, China. Total suspended particulates (TSP), PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations at different altitudes were measured at seven sites representing different cargo-handling sites and a background site. Variations in results across sites make it not suitable to characterize the vertical distribution of PM concentration at this port using simple representative distributions. Bulk cargo particle size, fog cannon use, and porous fence all affected the vertical distribution of TSP concentrations but had only minor impacts on PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. Optimizing porous fence layout according to weather conditions and cargo demand at port have the most potential for mitigating PM pollution related to port operation. As ground-based stations cannot fully measure vertical PM distributions, our methods and results represent an advance in assessing the impact of port activities on air quality and can be used to determine optimal dust-suppression measures for dry bulk ports.

The vertical distribution of flying mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) near an area of irrigated rice-fields in the Gambia

1979 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Snow
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Common Species ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Rice Fields ◽  
Distribution Profile ◽  
Irrigated Rice ◽  
Suction Traps ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae Giles ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

AbstractThe vertical distribution of flying mosquitoes beside an area of dry-season irrigated rice-fields was investigated at Bansang in the Gambia. Suction traps were set up at seven levels (0·1, 0·25, 0·5, 1·0, 2·1, 3·9 and 7·9 m) over a dry open field. Vertical distribution profiles were of two types. In the first, mosquito density decreased progressively with height and 80% or more of the total were taken below 1 m. Mosquitoes token included Anopheles gambiae Giles s. l., A. pharoensis Theo., Culex antennatus (Becker), C. ethiopicus Edw., C. neavei Theo. and Mansonia spp. Although the largest catches of A. rufipes (Gough) were taken in the lowest traps, this species Showed a tendency to a bimodal vertical distribution profile during. the early part of the night. In the second type, in which mosquitoes were frequent at all heights, C. poicilipes (Theo.) was the sole example. For the more common species at least, flight altitude declined with increasing wind speed. For a few categories of mosquitoes, flight levels decreased as the night progressed, but the presence of moonlight, or its absence, had no demonstrable effect.

scholarly journals Seasonal cycle of desert aerosols in western Africa: analysis of the coastal transition with passive and active sensors

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 8395-8410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habib Senghor ◽  
Éric Machu ◽  
Frédéric Hourdin ◽  
Amadou Thierno Gaye
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
Boreal Summer ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Aerosol Layer ◽  
Good Representation ◽  
Mineral Aerosols ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Abstract. The impact of desert aerosols on climate, atmospheric processes, and the environment is still debated in the scientific community. The extent of their influence remains to be determined and particularly requires a better understanding of the variability of their distribution. In this work, we studied the variability of these aerosols in western Africa using different types of satellite observations. SeaWiFS (Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor) and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) data have been used to characterize the spatial distribution of mineral aerosols from their optical and physical properties over the period 2005–2010. In particular, we focused on the variability of the transition between continental western African and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Data provided by the lidar scrolling CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) onboard the satellite CALIPSO (Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) for the period 2007–2013 were then used to assess the seasonal variability of the vertical distribution of desert aerosols. We first obtained a good representation of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and single-scattering albedo (SSA) from the satellites SeaWiFS and OMI, respectively, in comparison with AERONET estimates, both above the continent and the ocean. Dust occurrence frequency is higher in spring and boreal summer. In spring, the highest occurrences are located between the surface and 3 km above sea level, while in summer the highest occurrences are between 2 and 5 km altitude. The vertical distribution given by CALIOP also highlights an abrupt change at the coast from spring to fall with a layer of desert aerosols confined in an atmospheric layer uplifted from the surface of the ocean. This uplift of the aerosol layer above the ocean contrasts with the winter season during which mineral aerosols are confined in the atmospheric boundary layer. Radiosondes at Dakar Weather Station (17.5° W, 14.74° N) provide basic thermodynamic variables which partially give a causal relationship between the layering of the atmospheric circulation over western Africa and their aerosol contents throughout the year. A SSA increase is observed in winter and spring at the transition between the continent and the ocean. The analysis of mean NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction) winds at 925 hPa between 2000 and 2012 suggest a significant contribution of coastal sand sources from Mauritania in winter which would increase SSA over the ocean.

scholarly journals New insights into the stratospheric and mesosphere-lower thermospheric ozone response to the abrupt changes in solar forcing

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1093-1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
K. V. Subrahmanyam ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Solar Eclipse ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Forcing ◽  
Abrupt Changes ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Vertical Distribution ◽  
Annular Solar Eclipse

Abstract. Using a unique set of satellite based observations of the vertical distribution of ozone during the recent annular solar eclipse of 15 January 2010, we demonstrate for the first time, a complete picture of the response of stratospheric ozone to abrupt changes in solar forcing. The stratospheric ozone decreased after the maximum obscuration of the Sun and then gradually increased with time. A dramatic increase in stratospheric ozone of up to 4 ppmv is observed 3 h after the maximum obscuration of the Sun. The present study also reports for the first time the mesosphere-lower thermospheric ozone response to solar eclipse. Thus it is envisaged that the present results will have important implications in understanding the ozone response to abrupt changes in solar forcing and time-scales involved in such response.

scholarly journals Flight periodicity and the vertical distribution of high-altitude moth migration over southern Britain

2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 525-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.R. Wood ◽  
D.R. Reynolds ◽  
P.M. Wells ◽  
J.F. Barlow ◽  
I.P. Woiwod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Autographa Gamma ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

AbstractThe continuous operation of insect-monitoring radars in the UK has permitted, for the first time, the characterization of various phenomena associated with high-altitude migration of large insects over this part of northern Europe. Previous studies have taken a case-study approach, concentrating on a small number of nights of particular interest. Here, combining data from two radars, and from an extensive suction- and light-trapping network, we have undertaken a more systematic, longer-term study of diel flight periodicity and vertical distribution of macro-insects in the atmosphere. Firstly, we identify general features of insect abundance and stratification, occurring during the 24-hour cycle, which emerge from four years' aggregated radar data for the summer months in southern Britain. These features include mass emigrations at dusk and, to a lesser extent, at dawn and daytime concentrations associated with thermal convection. We then focus our attention on the well-defined layers of large nocturnal migrants that form in the early evening, usually at heights of 200–500 m above ground. We present evidence from both radar and trap data that these nocturnal layers are composed mainly of noctuid moths, with species such as Noctua pronuba, Autographa gamma, Agrotis exclamationis, A. segetum, Xestia c-nigrum and Phlogophora meticulosa predominating.

scholarly journals Nesting Substrate Characteristics of Partamona seridoensis Pedro & Camargo (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Areas of Dry Forest in Brazil

Sociobiology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Rivero Moura Fernandes ◽  
Alerson Brito Almeida ◽  
Marco Antonio Del Lama ◽  
Celso F Martins
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Nest Entrance ◽  
Parental Relationship ◽  
Nesting Substrate ◽  
First Time ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

For the first time the association between Partamona seridoensis and Constrictotermes cyphergaster is described. Partamona seridoensis occurs in xeric areas of Northeastern Brazil, and it is a termitophile species as its nests are built in active and inactive arboreal termite nests of the species C. cyphergaster. This study aimed to verify the characteristics of the nesting substrate used by P. seridoensis in two areas of dry forest (caatinga) in Cariri region, Paraíba state. It has been found that the vertical distribution of termites that contained colonies of P. seridoensis varied from 10 cm to 3.60 m, while the height of the nest entrance varied from 20 cm to 3.70 m. Commiphora leptophloeos, popularly known as imburana, was the support tree of 22 (43.1%) from 51 observed termite nests that harbored bee colonies. Most (44; 86.2%) of the host termites colonies were active. Most of the colonies showed the nest entrances not directed to the east/southeast. All colonies located were housed in large termite nests, whose volumes exceed 30 liters. In the two areas surveyed, frequently the entrances of the nests were directed to other nearby colonies, suggesting a parental relationship that should be further investigated.

scholarly journals Shrub type dominates the vertical distribution of leaf C : N : P stoichiometry across an extensive altitudinal gradient

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenqiang Zhao ◽  
Peter B. Reich ◽  
Qiannan Yu ◽  
Ning Zhao ◽  
Chunying Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Longitudinal Gradients ◽  
Leaf Stoichiometry ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Vertical Distribution ◽  
Leaf N

Abstract. Understanding the leaf stoichiometric patterns is crucial for improving predictions on plant responses to environmental changes. Leaf stoichiometry of terrestrial ecosystems has been widely investigated along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients. Still, very little is known on the vertical distribution of leaf C : N : P and the relative effects of environmental parameters, especially for shrubs. Here, we analyzed the shrub leaf C, N and P patterns in 125 mountainous sites over an extensive altitudinal gradient (523–4685 m) on the Tibetan Plateau. Results showed that the shrub leaf C and C : N were 7.3 %–47.5 % higher than those of other regional and global flora, whereas the leaf N and N : P were 10.2 %–75.8 % lower. Leaf C increased with rising altitude and decreasing temperature, supporting the physiological acclimation mechanism that high leaf C (e.g., alpine or evergreen shrub) could balance the cell osmotic pressure and resist freezing. The largest leaf N and high leaf P occurred in valley region (altitude 1500 m), likely due to the large nutrient leaching from higher elevations, faster litter decomposition and nutrient resorption ability of deciduous broadleaf shrub. Leaf N : P ratio further indicated increasing N limitation at higher altitudes. Interestingly, the drought severity was the only climatic factor positively correlated with leaf N and P, which was more appropriate for evaluating the impact of water status than precipitation. Among the shrub ecosystem and functional types (alpine, subalpine, montane, valley, evergreen, deciduous, broadleaf, and conifer), their leaf element contents and responses to environments were remarkably different. Shrub type was the largest contributor to the total variations in leaf stoichiometry, while climate indirectly affected the leaf C : N : P via its interactive effects on shrub type or soil. Collectively, the large heterogeneity in shrub type was the most important factor explaining the overall leaf C : N : P variations, despite the broad climate gradient on the plateau. Temperature- and drought-induced shift of shrub type distribution will influence the nutrient accumulation in mountainous shrubs.

scholarly journals Theoretical Model of Suspended Sediment Concentration in a Flow with Submerged Vegetation

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da Li ◽  
Zhonghua Yang ◽  
Zhaohua Sun ◽  
Wenxin Huai ◽  
Jianhua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Suspended Sediment ◽  
Schmidt Number ◽  
Suspended Sediment Concentration ◽  
Sediment Concentration ◽  
Submerged Vegetation ◽  
Distribution Profile ◽  
Turbulent Schmidt Number ◽  
Rouse Number ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Vegetation in natural river interacts with river flow and sediment transport. This paper proposes a two-layer theoretical model based on diffusion theory for predicting the vertical distribution of suspended sediment concentration in a flow with submerged vegetation. The suspended sediment concentration distribution formula is derived based on the sediment and momentum diffusion coefficients through the inverse of turbulent Schmidt number ( S c t ) or the parameter η which is defined by the ratio of sediment diffusion coefficient to momentum diffusion coefficient. The predicted profile of suspended sediment concentration moderately agrees with the experimental data. Sensitivity analyses are performed to elucidate how the vertical distribution profile responds to different canopy densities, hydraulic conditions and turbulent Schmidt number. Dense vegetation renders the vertical distribution profile uneven and captures sediment particles into the vegetation layer. For a given canopy density, the vertical distribution profile is affected by the Rouse number, which determines the uniformity of the sediment on the vertical line. A high Rouse number corresponds to an uneven vertical distribution profile.

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