scholarly journals Validation of the High-Altitude Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler during the Tampa Bay Rain Experiment

Climate ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Jonathan Coto ◽  
W. Linwood Jones ◽  
Gerald M. Heymsfield
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Rain Rate ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
European Space Agency ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Squall Line ◽  
Wind Vector ◽  
The North ◽  
Rain Rates

This paper deals with the validation of rain rate and wind speed measurements from the High-Altitude Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP), which occurred in September 2013 when the NASA Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle passed over an ocean rain squall line in the Gulf of Mexico near the North Florida coast. The three-dimensional atmospheric rain distribution and the associated ocean surface wind vector field were simultaneously measured by two independent remote sensing and two in situ systems, namely the ground-based National Weather Service Next-Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD); the European Space Agency satellite Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT), and two instrumented weather buoys. These independent measurements provided the necessary data to calibrate the HIWRAP radar using the measured ocean radar backscatter and to validate the HIWRAP rain and wind vector retrievals against NEXRAD, ASCAT and ocean buoys observations. In addition, this paper presents data processing procedures for the HIWRAP instrument, including the development of a geometric model to collocate time-morphed rain rates from the NEXRAD radar with HIWRAP atmospheric rain profiles. Results of the rain rate intercomparison are presented, and they demonstrate excellent agreement with the NEXRAD time-interpolated rain volume scans. In our analysis, we find that HIWRAP produces wind and rain rates that are consistent with the supporting ground and satellite estimates, thereby providing validation of the geolocation, the calibration, and the geophysical retrieval algorithms for the HIWRAP instrument.

Precipitation and Cloud Structure in Midlatitude Cyclones

2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Field ◽  
Robert Wood
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Rain Rate ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Surface Wind Speed ◽  
Conveyor Belt ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
The North ◽  
Mean Fields ◽  
Midlatitude Cyclones

Abstract Composite mean fields and probability distribution functions (PDFs) of rain rate, cloud type and cover, cloud-top temperature, surface wind velocity, and water vapor path (WVP) are constructed using satellite observations of midlatitude cyclones from four oceanic regions (i.e., the North Pacific, South Pacific, North Atlantic, and South Atlantic). Reanalysis surface pressure fields are used to ascertain the locations of the cyclone centers, onto which the satellite fields are interpolated to give a database of ∼1500 cyclones from a two-year period (2003–04). Cyclones are categorized by their strength, defined here using surface wind speed, and by their WVP, and it is found that these two measures can explain a considerable amount of the intercyclone variability of other key variables. Composite cyclones from each of the four ocean basins exhibit similar spatial structure for a given strength and WVP. A set of nine composites is constructed from the database using three strength and three WVP ranges and is used to demonstrate that the mean column relative humidity of these systems varies only slightly (0.58–0.62) for a doubling in WVP (or equivalently a 7-K rise in sea surface temperature) and a 50% increase in cyclone strength. However, cyclone-mean rain rate increases markedly with both cyclone strength and WVP, behavior that is explained with a simple warm conveyor belt model. Systemwide high cloud fraction (tops above 440 hPa) increases from 0.23 to 0.31 as cyclone strength increases by 50%, but does not vary systematically with WVP. It is suggested that the composite fields constitute useful diagnostics for evaluating the behavior of large-scale numerical models, and may provide insight into how precipitation and clouds in midlatitude cyclones respond under a changed climate.

Precipitation nowcasting using spatiotemporal models and volumetric radar data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seppo Pulkkinen ◽  
Chandrasekaran Venkatachalam ◽  
Annakaisa von Lerber
Keyword(s):  
Parameter Estimation ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Rain Rate ◽  
Temporal Evolution ◽  
Gaussian Function ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Melting Layer ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Rain Rates

<p>Nowcasts (short-range forecasts) of rainfall can be used for providing early warning of flash floods. Thus, they are of high societal importance especially in densely populated urban areas. Weather radars are ideally suited for this purpose due to their good spatial coverage and high spatial and temporal resolution (e.g. 1 km and 5 minutes).</p><p>A novel approach to radar-based rainfall nowcasting is proposed. The forecast model consists of two components: horizontal advection and temporal evolution of rainfall intensities. The advection velocities are estimated from radar-measured rain rate fields using a pattern matching method. A smooth advection field is obtained by interpolating the motion to areas with no precipitation. The extrapolation is done using a semi-Lagrangian scheme.</p><p>The temporal evolution of rainfall intensities is described in Lagrangian coordinates by using a spatiotemporal process model. Such models are ubiquitous in environmental and physical sciences. This study presents the first attempt to apply such a model to three-dimensional rainfall measurements to capture the vertical structure of rainfall processes. This is done by using a linear integro-differential equation with the Markovian assumption (i.e. the next time step depends conditionally on the previous one). Spatial dependencies are modeled via a convolution kernel. To reduce the dimensionality of the parameter estimation, the kernel is parametrized by a trivariate Gaussian function, and the model is formulated and implemented in the Fourier domain. Finally, the parameter estimation is done in the Bayesian framework by applying a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method with Gibbs sampling.</p><p>The operational feasibility of the proposed model is evaluated by using data from the NEXRAD WSR-88D radar deployed in Fort Worth, Texas. Measurements from 14 elevation angles are used by restricting the analyses to liquid precipitation below the melting layer. The data processing chain consists of 1) temporal interpolation within radar volumes, 2) clutter filtering, 3) attenuation correction, 4) melting layer detection, 5) polarimetric rain rate estimation based on reflectivity, specific differential phase and differential reflectivity and 6) interpolation to a three-dimensional grid.</p><p>The focus of the validation is on higher rain rates (> 5 mm/h) using 10 events during 2018-2019 with mixed convective and stratiform rainfall. Predicted rain rates from the nowcasting model are compared to observations from low-angle radar scans. Using standard verification scores (e.g. equitable threat score and mean absolute error), it is shown that for rainfall rates between 5-25 mm/h, the proposed method can yield up to 30% improvement compared to state of the art extrapolation nowcasting methods. This is attributed to using the spatiotemporal model and vertical profile information obtained from three-dimensional input data.</p>

scholarly journals Critical Assessment of Microphysical Assumptions within TRMM Radiometer Rain Profile Algorithm Using Satellite, Aircraft, and Surface Datasets from KWAJEX

2006 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 754-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven T. Fiorino ◽  
Eric A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Rain Rate ◽  
Cloud Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Mixed Phase ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Phase Layer ◽  
High Emission ◽  
Rain Rates

Abstract The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager precipitation profile retrieval algorithm (2a12) assumes cloud model–derived vertically distributed microphysics as part of the radiative transfer–controlled inversion process to generate rain-rate estimates. Although this algorithm has been extensively evaluated, none of the evaluation approaches has explicitly examined the underlying microphysical assumptions through a direct intercomparison of the assumed cloud-model microphysics with in situ, three-dimensional microphysical observations. The main scientific objective of this study is to identify and overcome the foremost model-generated microphysical weaknesses in the TRMM 2a12 algorithm through analysis of (a) in situ aircraft microphysical observations; (b) aircraft- and satellite-based passive microwave measurements; (c) ground-, aircraft-, and satellite-based radar measurements; (d) synthesized satellite brightness temperatures and radar reflectivities; (e) radiometer-only profile algorithm retrievals; and (f) radar-only profile or volume algorithm retrievals. Results indicate the assumed 2a12 microphysics differs most from aircraft-observed microphysics where either ground or aircraft radar–derived rain rates exhibit the greatest differences with 2a12-retrieved rain rates. An emission–scattering coordinate system highlights the 2a12 algorithm's tendency to match high-emission/high-scattering observed profiles to high-emission/low-scattering database profiles. This is due to a lack of mixed-phase-layer ice hydrometeor scatterers in the cloud model–generated profiles as compared with observed profiles. Direct comparisons between aircraft-measured and model-generated 2a12 microphysics suggest that, on average, the radiometer algorithm's microphysics database retrieves liquid and ice water contents that are approximately 1/3 the size of those observed at levels below 10 km. Also, the 2a12 rain-rate retrievals are shown to be strongly influenced by the 2a12's convective fraction specification. A proposed modification of this factor would improve 2a12 rain-rate retrievals; however, fundamental changes to the cloud radiation model's ice parameterization are necessary to overcome the algorithm's tendency to produce mixed-phase-layer ice hydrometeor deficits.

Dynamical significance of the Tanlu Fault Zone in the destruction of the North China Craton: The evidence provided by the three-dimensional Magnetotelluric array study

2021 ◽  
pp. 228910
Author(s):  
Gaofeng Ye ◽  
Cheng Liu ◽  
Xu Luo ◽  
Sheng Jin ◽  
Wenbo Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
North China Craton ◽  
North China ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
The North ◽  
Tanlu Fault Zone ◽  
Tanlu Fault

A New Geometric Model of Laid-in Weft-Knitted Fabrics

2021 ◽  
pp. 004051752199276
Author(s):  
Ki Wai Fong ◽  
Si Qing Li ◽  
Rong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Wearable Electronics ◽  
Material Consumption ◽  
Knitted Fabrics ◽  
Functional Textiles ◽  
Loop Pattern ◽  
Spatial Configurations ◽  
Consumption Prediction

Inlay yarn and laid-in structures are important technical knitting elements that have been increasingly applied in the structural design of functional textiles in industrial, medical, and wearable electronics fields. However, there is no currently established geometric model to numerically analyze their spatial morphologies and structural properties. This study presents a new geometric model and numerical analysis approach to characterize spatial configurations of inlay yarn and ground yarn in a three-dimensional scenario for laid-in weft-knitted fabrics. Loop lengths of the inlay and ground yarn materials were calculated and analyzed under different contact and deformation conditions to estimate material consumption in this complex interlooping layout. Series of laid-in weft-knitted fabrics made of different combinations of ground and inlay yarns were fabricated with the 1 × 1 laid-in loop pattern and tested for the model validation. The comparisons between the experimental and calculated results indicated that the newly developed geometric model favorably agreed with the experimental measurements regarding the ground loop lengths and inlay loop lengths applied in the laid-in weft-knitted structures. The results indicated the applicability of the developed geometric model of laid-in weft-knitted fabrics with similar structural patterns in practical use. The output of this study provides a theoretical and practical reference for structural and physical properties analysis, material consumption prediction, even cost estimation of laid-in weft-knitted fabrics.

scholarly journals Simulation and Analysis of Floodlighting Based on 3D Computer Graphics

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1042
Author(s):  
Rafał Krupiński
Keyword(s):  
Computer Graphics ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Luminance Level ◽  
Object Model ◽  
Geometric Mesh ◽  
Average Luminance ◽  
To Receive

The paper presents the opportunities to apply computer graphics in an object floodlighting design process and in an analysis of object illumination. The course of object floodlighting design has been defined based on a virtual three-dimensional geometric model. The problems related to carrying out the analysis of lighting, calculating the average illuminance, luminance levels and determining the illuminated object surface area are also described. These parameters are directly tied with the calculations of the Floodlighting Utilisation Factor, and therefore, with the energy efficiency of the design as well as the aspects of light pollution of the natural environment. The paper shows how high an impact of the geometric model of the object has on the accuracy of photometric calculations. Very often the model contains the components that should not be taken into account in the photometric calculations. The research on what influence the purity of the geometric mesh of the illuminated object has on the obtained results is presented. It shows that the errors can be significant, but it is possible to optimise the 3D object model appropriately in order to receive the precise results. For the example object presented in this paper, removing the planes that do not constitute its external surface has caused a two-fold increase in the average illuminance and average luminance. This is dangerous because a designer who wants to achieve a specific average luminance level in their design without optimizing the model will obtain the luminance values that will actually be much higher.

scholarly journals Three-dimensional deformation time series of glacier motion from multiple-aperture DInSAR observation

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (12) ◽  
pp. 2651-2660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Samsonov
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Surface Deformation ◽  
Ground Deformation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Ice Flow ◽  
The North ◽  
Glacier Ice ◽  
Deformation Component ◽  
3D Deformation

AbstractThe previously presented Multidimensional Small Baseline Subset (MSBAS-2D) technique computes two-dimensional (2D), east and vertical, ground deformation time series from two or more ascending and descending Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data sets by assuming that the contribution of the north deformation component is negligible. DInSAR data sets can be acquired with different temporal and spatial resolutions, viewing geometries and wavelengths. The MSBAS-2D technique has previously been used for mapping deformation due to mining, urban development, carbon sequestration, permafrost aggradation and pingo growth, and volcanic activities. In the case of glacier ice flow, the north deformation component is often too large to be negligible. Historically, the surface-parallel flow (SPF) constraint was used to compute the static three-dimensional (3D) velocity field at various glaciers. A novel MSBAS-3D technique has been developed for computing 3D deformation time series where the SPF constraint is utilized. This technique is used for mapping 3D deformation at the Barnes Ice Cap, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada, during January–March 2015, and the MSBAS-2D and MSBAS-3D solutions are compared. The MSBAS-3D technique can be used for studying glacier ice flow at other glaciers and other surface deformation processes with large north deformation component, such as landslides. The software implementation of MSBAS-3D technique can be downloaded from http://insar.ca/.

scholarly journals The effect of coastal upwelling on the sea-breeze circulation at Cabo Frio, Brazil: a numerical experiment

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 866-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Franchito ◽  
V. B. Rao ◽  
J. L. Stech ◽  
J. A. Lorenzzetti
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Upwelling ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Sea Breeze ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Ocean Model ◽  
Breeze Circulation ◽  
Mesoscale Meteorology ◽  
Forcing Function ◽  
Cabo Frio

Abstract. The effect of coastal upwelling on sea-breeze circulation in Cabo Frio (Brazil) and the feedback of sea-breeze on the upwelling signal in this region are investigated. In order to study the effect of coastal upwelling on sea-breeze a non-linear, three-dimensional, primitive equation atmospheric model is employed. The model considers only dry air and employs boundary layer formulation. The surface temperature is determined by a forcing function applied to the Earth's surface. In order to investigate the seasonal variations of the circulation, numerical experiments considering three-month means are conducted: January-February-March (JFM), April-May-June (AMJ), July-August-September (JAS) and October-November-December (OND). The model results show that the sea-breeze is most intense near the coast at all the seasons. The sea-breeze is stronger in OND and JFM, when the upwelling occurs, and weaker in AMJ and JAS, when there is no upwelling. Numerical simulations also show that when the upwelling occurs the sea-breeze develops and attains maximum intensity earlier than when it does not occur. Observations show a similar behavior. In order to verify the effect of the sea-breeze surface wind on the upwelling, a two-layer finite element ocean model is also implemented. The results of simulations using this model, forced by the wind generated in the sea-breeze model, show that the sea-breeze effectively enhances the upwelling signal.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (mesoscale meteorology; ocean-atmosphere interactions) · Oceanography (numerical modeling)

scholarly journals Estimating Rain Rates from Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauge Measurements

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianxin Wang ◽  
Brad L. Fisher ◽  
David B. Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Rain Rate ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Rain Gauge ◽  
Radar Reflectivity ◽  
Time Shift ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Rate Estimation ◽  
Reflectivity Data ◽  
Rain Rates ◽  
Event Definition

Abstract This paper describes the cubic spline–based operational system for the generation of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 1-min rain-rate product 2A-56 from tipping-bucket (TB) gauge measurements. A simulated TB gauge from a Joss–Waldvogel disdrometer is employed to evaluate the errors of the TB rain-rate estimation. These errors are very sensitive to the time scale of rain rates. One-minute rain rates suffer substantial errors, especially at low rain rates. When 1-min rain rates are averaged over 4–7-min intervals or longer, the errors dramatically reduce. Estimated lower rain rates are sensitive to the event definition whereas the higher rates are not. The median relative absolute errors are about 22% and 32% for 1-min rain rates higher and lower than 3 mm h−1, respectively. These errors decrease to 5% and 14% when rain rates are used at the 7-min scale. The radar reflectivity–rain-rate distributions drawn from the large amount of 7-min rain rates and radar reflectivity data are mostly insensitive to the event definition. The time shift due to inaccurate clocks can also cause rain-rate estimation errors, which increase with the shifted time length. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for possible improvements of rainfall measurements and rain-rate estimations.

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