scholarly journals Estimation of Surface Air Specific Humidity and Air–Sea Latent Heat Flux Using FY-3C Microwave Observations

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qidong Gao ◽  
Sheng Wang ◽  
Xiaofeng Yang
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Microwave Radiometer ◽  
Sea Surface ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
In Situ Data

Latent heat flux (LHF) plays an important role in the global hydrological cycle and is therefore necessary to understand global climate variability. It has been reported that the near-surface specific humidity is a major source of error for satellite-derived LHF. Here, a new empirical model relating multichannel brightness temperatures ( T B ) obtained from the Fengyun-3 (FY-3C) microwave radiometer and sea surface air specific humidity ( Q a ) is proposed. It is based on the relationship between T B , Q a , sea surface temperature (SST), and water vapor scale height. Compared with in situ data, the new satellite-derived Q a and LHF both exhibit better statistical results than previous estimates. For Q a , the bias, root mean square difference (RMSD), and the correlation coefficient (R2) between satellite and buoy in the mid-latitude region are 0.08 g/kg, 1.76 g/kg, and 0.92, respectively. For LHF, the bias, RMSD, and R2 are 2.40 W/m2, 34.24 W/m2, and 0.87, respectively. The satellite-derived Q a are also compared with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) humidity datasets, with a bias, RMSD, and R2 of 0.02 g/kg, 1.02 g/kg, and 0.98, respectively. The proposed method can also be extended in the future to observations from other space-borne microwave radiometers.

scholarly journals The Role of Latent Heat Flux in Tropical Cyclogenesis over the Western North Pacific: Comparison of Developing versus Non-Developing Disturbances

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si Gao ◽  
Shengbin Jia ◽  
Yanyu Wan ◽  
Tim Li ◽  
Shunan Zhai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Heat Flux ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Western North Pacific ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Tangential Wind

The possible role of air–sea latent heat flux (LHF) in tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the western North Pacific (WNP) is investigated using state-of-the-art satellite and analysis datasets. The authors conducted composite analyses of several meteorological variables after identifying developing and non-developing tropical disturbances from June to October of the period 2000 to 2009. Compared to the non-developing disturbances, increased LHF underlying the developing disturbances enhances boundary–layer specific humidity. The secondary circulation then transports more boundary–layer moisture inward and upward and, thus, induces a stronger moist core in the middle troposphere. Accordingly, the air in the core region ascends following a warmer moist adiabat than that in the environment and results in a stronger upper-level warm core, which is associated with a stronger near-surface tangential wind based on the thermal wind balance. This enlarges the magnitude and negative radial gradient of LHF and, thereby, further increases boundary–layer specific humidity. A tropical depression forms when the near-surface tangential wind increases to a certain extent as a result of the continuing positive feedback between near-surface wind and LHF. The results suggest an important role of wind-driven LHF in TC genesis over the WNP.

On the Simulations of Global Oceanic Latent Heat Flux in the CMIP5 Multimodel Ensemble

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (17) ◽  
pp. 7111-7128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongwang Zhang ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Chunzai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Cmip5 Models ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Multimodel Ensemble ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Rate Of Increase

AbstractSimulations of the global oceanic latent heat flux (LHF) in the CMIP5 multimodel ensemble (MME) were evaluated in comparison with 11 LHF products. The results show that the mean state of LHF in the MME coincides well with that in the observations, except for a slight overestimation in the tropical regions. The reproduction of the seasonal cycle of LHF in the MME is in good agreement with that in the observations. However, biases are relatively obvious in the coastal regions. A prominent upward trend in global-mean LHF is confirmed with all of the LHF products during the period of 1979–2005. Despite the consistent increase of LHF in CMIP5 models, the rates of increase are much weaker than those in the observations, with an average of approximately one-ninth that in the observations. The findings show that the rate of increase of near-surface specific humidity qa in MME is nearly 6 times that in the observations, while the rate of increase of the near-surface wind speed U is less than one-half that in the observations. The faster increase of qa and the slower increase of U could both suppress evaporation, and thus latent heat released by the ocean, which may be one of the reasons that the upward trend of LHF in the MME is nearly one order of magnitude lower than that in the observations.

scholarly journals Comparison of Five Satellite-Derived Latent Heat Flux Products to Moored Buoy Data

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (24) ◽  
pp. 6291-6313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Bourras
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Flux ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Surface Data ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Buoy Data

Abstract Five satellite products of latent heat flux at the sea surface were compared to bulk fluxes calculated with data from 75 moored buoys, on almost 36 successive months from 1998 to 2000. The five products compared are the Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Dataset (HOAPS-2), the Japanese Ocean Flux Datasets with Use of Remote Sensing Observations (J-OFURO), the Jones dataset, the Goddard Satellite-Based Surface Turbulent Fluxes, version 2 (GSSTF-2), and the Bourras–Eymard–Liu dataset (BEL). The comparisons were performed under tropical and midlatitude environmental conditions, with three datasets based on 66 Tropical Atmosphere–Ocean array (TAO) buoys in the tropical Pacific, nine National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) buoys off the U.S. coasts, and four Met Office/Météo-France (UK–MF) moorings west of the United Kingdom and France, respectively. The satellite products did not all compare well to surface data. However, for each in situ dataset (TAO, NDBC, or UK–MF) at least one satellite product was found that had a good fit to surface data, that is, an rms deviation of 15–30 W m−2. It was found that HOAPS-2, J-OFURO, GSSTF-2, and BEL satellite products had moderate systematic errors with respect to surface data, from −13 to 26 W m−2, and small biases at midlatitudes (6–8 W m−2). Most of the satellite products were able to render the seasonal cycle of the latent heat flux calculated with surface data. The estimation of near-surface specific humidity was found to be problematic in most products, but it was best estimated in the HOAPS-2 product. GSSTF-2 and J-OFURO strongly overestimated the surface flux variations in time and space compared to surface data and to a flux climatology. With respect to TAO data, Jones fluxes yielded good results in terms of rms deviation (27 W m−2) but also presented a large systematic deviation. Overall, for application of the satellite fluxes to the world oceans, it was found that HOAPS-2 was the most appropriate product, whereas for application to the Tropics, BEL fluxes had the best performance in rms with respect to TAO data (24 W m−2).

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of extreme snow melt observed at the SIGMA-A site, northwest Greenland, during summer 2012

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 495-539
Author(s):  
M. Niwano ◽  
T. Aoki ◽  
S. Matoba ◽  
S. Yamaguchi ◽  
T. Tanikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Grain Size ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Snow Surface ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Surface Snow

Abstract. The surface energy balance (SEB) from 30 June to 14 July 2012 at site SIGMA (Snow Impurity and Glacial Microbe effects on abrupt warming in the Arctic)-A, (78°03' N, 67°38' W; 1490 m a.s.l.) on the northwest Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) was investigated by using in situ atmospheric and snow measurements, as well as numerical modeling with a one-dimensional, multi-layered, physical snowpack model called SMAP (Snow Metamorphism and Albedo Process). At SIGMA-A, remarkable near-surface snowmelt and continuous heavy rainfall (accumulated precipitation between 10 and 14 July was estimated to be 100 mm) were observed after 10 July 2012. Application of the SMAP model to the GrIS snowpack was evaluated based on the snow temperature profile, snow surface temperature, surface snow grain size, and shortwave albedo, all of which the model simulated reasonably well. However, comparison of the SMAP-calculated surface snow grain size with in situ measurements during the period when surface hoar with small grain size was observed on-site revealed that it was necessary to input air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed data from two heights to simulate the latent heat flux into the snow surface and subsequent surface hoar formation. The calculated latent heat flux was always directed away from the surface if data from only one height were input to the SMAP model, even if the value for roughness length of momentum was perturbed between the possible maximum and minimum values in numerical sensitivity tests. This result highlights the need to use two-level atmospheric profiles to obtain realistic latent heat flux. Using such profiles, we calculated the SEB at SIGMA-A from 30 June to 14 July 2012. Radiation-related fluxes were obtained from in situ measurements, whereas other fluxes were calculated with the SMAP model. By examining the components of the SEB, we determined that low-level clouds accompanied by a significant temperature increase played an important role in the melt event observed at SIGMA-A. These conditions induced a remarkable surface heating via cloud radiative forcing in the polar region.

scholarly journals Uncertainty Characterization of HOAPS-3.3 Latent Heat Flux Related Parameters

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Kinzel ◽  
Marc Schröder ◽  
Karsten Fennig ◽  
Axel Andersson ◽  
Rainer Hollmann
Keyword(s):  
Latent Heat ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Boreal Winter ◽  
Western Boundary ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
In Situ Data ◽  
Uncertainty Measures ◽  
Global Mean

Abstract. Latent heat fluxes (LHF) are one of the main contributors to the global energy budget. As the density of LHF measurements over the global oceans is generally poor, the potential of remotely sensed LHF for meteorological applications is enormous. However, to date none of the available satellite products include estimates of systematic, random retrieval, and sampling uncertainties, all of which are essential for assessing their quality. Here, this challenge is taken on by applying regionally independent multi-dimensional bias analyses to LHF-related parameters (wind speed U, near-surface specific humidity qa, and sea surface saturation specific humidity qs) of the Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite (HOAPS) climatology. In connection with multiple triple collocation analyses, it is demonstrated how both instantaneous (gridded) uncertainty measures may be assigned to each pixel (grid box). A high-quality in situ data archive including buoys and selected ships serves as the ground reference. Results show that systematic LHF uncertainties range between 15–50 W m-2 with a global mean of 25 W m-2. Local maxima are mainly found over the subtropical ocean basins as well as along the western boundary currents. Investigations indicate that contributions by qa (U) to the overall LHF uncertainty are in the order of 60 % (25 %). From an instantaneous point of view, random retrieval uncertainties are specifically large over the subtropics with a global average of 37 W m-2. In a climatological sense, their magnitudes become negligible, as do respective sampling uncertainties. Time series analyses show footprints of climate events, such as the strong El Niño during 1997/98. Regional and seasonal analyses suggest that largest total (i.e., systematic + instantaneous random) LHF uncertainties are seen over the Gulf Stream and the Indian monsoon region during boreal winter. In light of the uncertainty measures, the observed continuous global mean LHF increase up to 2009 needs to be treated with caution. First intercomparisons to other LHF climatologies (in situ, satellite) reveal overall resemblance with few, yet distinct exceptions.

The Moist Static Energy Budget of a Composite Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillation in a Climate Model

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. Maloney
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Intraseasonal Variability ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Horizontal Advection ◽  
Moisture Advection ◽  
Static Energy

Abstract The intraseasonal moist static energy (MSE) budget is analyzed in a climate model that produces realistic eastward-propagating tropical intraseasonal wind and precipitation variability. Consistent with the recharge–discharge paradigm for tropical intraseasonal variability, a buildup of column-integrated MSE occurs within low-level easterly anomalies in advance of intraseasonal precipitation, and a discharge of MSE occurs during and after precipitation when westerly anomalies occur. The strongest MSE anomalies peak in the lower troposphere and are, primarily, regulated by specific humidity anomalies. The leading terms in the column-integrated intraseasonal MSE budget are horizontal advection and surface latent heat flux, where latent heat flux is dominated by the wind-driven component. Horizontal advection causes recharge (discharge) of MSE within regions of anomalous equatorial lower-tropospheric easterly (westerly) anomalies, with the meridional component of the moisture advection dominating the MSE budget near 850 hPa. Latent heat flux anomalies oppose the MSE tendency due to horizontal advection, making the recharge and discharge of column MSE more gradual than if horizontal advection were acting alone. This relationship has consequences for the time scale of intraseasonal variability in the model. Eddies dominate intraseasonal meridional moisture advection in the model. During periods of low-level intraseasonal easterly anomalies, eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is anomalously low due to a suppression of tropical synoptic-scale disturbances and other variability on time scales shorter than 20 days. Anomalous moistening of the equatorial lower troposphere occurs during intraseasonal easterly periods through suppression of eddy moisture advection between the equator and poleward latitudes. During intraseasonal westerly periods, EKE is enhanced, leading to anomalous drying of the equatorial lower troposphere through meridional advection. Given the importance of meridional moisture advection and wind-induced latent heat flux to the intraseasonal MSE budget, these findings suggest that to simulate realistic intraseasonal variability, climate models must have realistic basic-state distributions of lower-tropospheric zonal wind and specific humidity.

How surface latent heat flux is related to lower-tropospheric stability in southern subtropica marine stratus and stratocumulus regions

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanping He
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Radiation Flux ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Surface Radiation ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Marine Stratus ◽  
Surface Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Lower Tropospheric Stability

AbstractThe relationship between surface latent heat flux and the lower-tropospheric stability (LTS) is examined using ERA-40 reanalysis, NCEP reanalysis and COADS (Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set) ship data in two southern subtropical marine stratus and stratocumulus regions. The change of surface latent heat flux with LTS is determined by a comparison of the correlation of LTS with surface wind speed and with near surface humidity difference. At intermediate LTS (10 K-15 K), both surface evaporation and downward surface radiation flux amplify small LTS perturbations due to the surface wind-LTS relationship and cloud-radiation feedback. At high LTS, surface latent heat flux exceeds its peak value and becomes a regulating mechanism to keep LTS at its commonly observed equilibrium value. Surface radiation flux is seen to decrease at a smaller rate with LTS than surface latent heat flux. By applying the regulating effect of LTS on near surface humidity differences, monthly surface latent heat flux can be better represented.

scholarly journals Evaluation of functional properties of various types of vegetation cover using remotely sensed data analysis

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (Special Issue 2) ◽  
pp. S49-S58 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Brom ◽  
J. Procházka ◽  
A. Rejšková
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Sensible Heat Flux ◽  
Sensible Heat ◽  
Remotely Sensed Data ◽  
Mean Values

The dissipation of solar energy and consequently the formation of the hydrological cycle are largely dependent on the structural and optical characteristics of the land surface. In our study, we selected seven units with different types of vegetation in the Mlýnský and Horský catchments (South-Eastern part of the Šumava Mountains, Czech Republic) for the assessment of the differences in their functioning expressed through the surface temperature, humidity, and energy dissipation. For our analyses, we used Landsat 5 TM satellite data from June 25<SUP>th</SUP>, 2008. The results showed that the microclimatic characteristics and energy fluxes varied in different units according to their vegetation characteristics. A cluster analysis of the mean values was used to divide the vegetation units into groups according to their functional characteristics. The mown meadows were characterised by the highest surface temperature and sensible heat flux and the lowest humidity and latent heat flux. On the contrary, the lowest surface temperature and sensible heat flux and the highest humidity and latent heat flux were found in the forest. Our results showed that the climatic and energetic features of the land surface are related to the type of vegetation. We state that the spatial distribution of different vegetation units and the amount of biomass are crucial variables influencing the functioning of the landscape.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document