scholarly journals Radiative-dynamical Simulation of Jupiter’s Stratosphere and Upper Troposphere

2021 ◽  
Vol 921 (2) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Nicholas G. Zube ◽  
Xi Zhang ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Tianhao Le ◽  
Cheng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Meridional Circulation ◽  
Circulation Pattern ◽  
Frictional Drag ◽  
Transfer Scheme ◽  
Temperature Variations ◽  
Upper Troposphere ◽  
Cell Patterns ◽  
Mechanical Forcing ◽  
Pole Cells

Abstract We present a two-dimensional radiative-dynamical model of the combined stratosphere and upper troposphere of Jupiter to understand its temperature distribution and meridional circulation pattern. Our study highlights the importance of radiative and mechanical forcing for driving the middle atmospheric circulation on Jupiter. Our model adopts a state-of-the-art radiative transfer scheme with recent observations of Jovian gas abundances and haze distribution. Assuming local radiative equilibrium, latitudinal variation of hydrocarbon abundances is not able to explain the observed latitudinal temperature variations in the mid-latitudes. With mechanical forcing parameterized as a frictional drag on zonal wind, our model produces ∼2 K latitudinal temperature variations observed in low to mid-latitudes in the troposphere and lower stratosphere, but cannot reproduce the observed 5 K temperature variations in the middle stratosphere. In the high latitudes, temperature and meridional circulation depend strongly on polar haze radiation. The simulated residual mean circulation shows either two broad equator-to-pole cells or multi-cell patterns, depending on the frictional drag timescale and polar haze properties. A more realistic wave parameterization and a better observational characterization of haze distribution and optical properties are needed to better understand latitudinal temperature distributions and circulation patterns in the middle atmosphere of Jupiter.

scholarly journals Polar Middle Atmospheric Responses to Medium Energy Electron (MEE) Precipitation Using Numerical Model Simulations

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Ji-Hee Lee ◽  
Geonhwa Jee ◽  
Young-Sil Kwak ◽  
Heejin Hwang ◽  
Annika Seppälä ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Model ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Meridional Circulation ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Chemical Changes ◽  
Temperature Changes ◽  
Mesospheric Temperature ◽  
High Energy Electrons ◽  
Circulation Changes

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) is known to be an important source of chemical changes in the polar middle atmosphere in winter. Recent modeling studies further suggest that chemical changes induced by EPP can also cause dynamic changes in the middle atmosphere. In this study, we investigated the atmospheric responses to the precipitation of medium-to-high energy electrons (MEEs) over the period 2005–2013 using the Specific Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (SD-WACCM). Our results show that the MEE precipitation significantly increases the amounts of NOx and HOx, resulting in mesospheric and stratospheric ozone losses by up to 60% and 25% respectively during polar winter. The MEE-induced ozone loss generally increases the temperature in the lower mesosphere but decreases the temperature in the upper mesosphere with large year-to-year variability, not only by radiative effects but also by adiabatic effects. The adiabatic effects by meridional circulation changes may be dominant for the mesospheric temperature changes. In particular, the meridional circulation changes occasionally act in opposite ways to vary the temperature in terms of height variations, especially at around the solar minimum period with low geomagnetic activity, which cancels out the temperature changes to make the average small in the polar mesosphere for the 9-year period.

scholarly journals Net effect of the QBO in a chemistry climate model

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (21) ◽  
pp. 6505-6525 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Punge ◽  
M. A. Giorgetta
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Meridional Circulation ◽  
Vortex Formation ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract. The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) of zonal wind is a prominent mode of variability in the tropical stratosphere. It affects not only the meridional circulation and temperature over a wide latitude range but also the transport and chemistry of trace gases such as ozone. Compared to a QBO less circulation, the long-term climatological means of these quantities are also different. These climatological net effects of the QBO can be studied in general circulation models that extend into the middle atmosphere and have a chemistry and transport component, so-called Chemistry Climate Models (CCMs). In this work we show that the CCM MAECHAM4-CHEM can reproduce the observed QBO variations in temperature and ozone mole fractions when nudged towards observed winds. In particular, it is shown that the QBO signal in transport of nitrogen oxides NOx plays an important role in reproducing the observed ozone QBO, which features a phase reversal slightly below the level of maximum of the ozone mole fraction in the tropics. We then compare two 20-year experiments with the MAECHAM4-CHEM model that differ by including or not including the QBO. The mean wind fields differ between the two model runs, especially during summer and fall seasons in both hemispheres. The differences in the wind field lead to differences in the meridional circulation, by the same mechanism that causes the QBO's secondary meridional circulation, and thereby affect mean temperatures and the mean transport of tracers. In the tropics, the net effect on ozone is mostly due to net differences in upwelling and, higher up, the associated temperature change. We show that a net surplus of up to 15% in NOx in the tropics above 10 hPa in the experiment that includes the QBO does not lead to significantly different volume mixing ratios of ozone. We also note a slight increase in the southern vortex strength as well as earlier vortex formation in northern winter. Polar temperatures differ accordingly. Differences in the strength of the Brewer-Dobson circulation and in further trace gas concentrations are analysed. Our findings underline the importance of a representation of the QBO in CCMs.

scholarly journals The global middle-atmosphere aerosol model MAECHAM5-SAM2: comparison with satellite and in-situ observations

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 1359-1421
Author(s):  
R. Hommel ◽  
C. Timmreck ◽  
H. F. Graf
Keyword(s):  
Sulphuric Acid ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Stratospheric Aerosol ◽  
Aerosol Layer ◽  
Upper Troposphere ◽  
Mixing Ratios ◽  
Fine Mode ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Polar Stratosphere

Abstract. In this paper we investigate results from a middle-atmosphere aerosol-climate model which has been developed to study the evolution of stratospheric aerosols. Here we focus on the stratospheric background period and evaluate several key quantities of the global dispersion of stratospheric aerosols and their precursors with observations and other model studies. It is shown that the model fairly well reproduces in situ observations of the aerosol size and number concentrations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UT/LS). Compared to measurements from the limb-sounding SAGE II satellite instrument, modelled integrated aerosol quantities are more biased the lower the moment of the aerosol population. Both findings are consistent with earlier work analysing the quality of SAGE II retrieved e.g. aerosol surface area densities from the volcanically unperturbed stratosphere (SPARC/ASAP, 2006; Thomason et al., 2008; Wurl et al., 2010). The model suggests that new particles are formed over large areas of the LS, albeit nucleation rates in the upper troposphere are at least one order of magnitude larger than those in the stratosphere. Hence, we suggest that both tropospheric sulphate aerosols and particles formed in situ in the LS are maintaining the stability of the stratospheric aerosol layer also in the absence of direct stratospheric emissions from volcanoes. Particle size distributions are clearly bimodal, except in the upper branches of the stratospheric aerosol layer where aerosols evaporate. Modelled concentrations of condensation nuclei (CN) are lesser than measured in regions of the aerosol layer where aerosol mixing ratios are largest, due to an overpredicted particle growth by coagulation. Transport regimes of tropical stratospheric aerosol have been identified from modelled aerosol mixing ratios and correspond to those deduced from satellite extinction measurements. We found that convective updraft in the Asian Monsoon region significantly contributes to both stratospheric aerosol load and size. The timing of formation and descend of layers of fine mode particles in the winter and spring polar stratosphere (CN layer) are reproduced by the model. Far above the tropopause where nucleation is inhibited due to with height increasing stratospheric temperatures, planetary wave mixing transports significant amounts of fine mode particles from the polar stratosphere to mid-latitudes. In those regions enhanced condensation rates of sulphuric acid vapour counteracts the evaporation of aerosols, hence prolonging the aerosol lifetime in the upper branches of the stratospheric aerosol layer. Measurements of the aerosol precursors SO2 and sulphuric acid vapour are fairly well reproduced by the model throughout the stratosphere.

scholarly journals Comparisons of the Circulation Anomalies Associated with Extreme Heat in Different Regions of Eastern China

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (14) ◽  
pp. 5830-5844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruidan Chen ◽  
Riyu Lu
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
North China ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Circulation Pattern ◽  
Extreme Heat ◽  
Typical Pattern ◽  
Upper Troposphere ◽  
Anomalous Anticyclone ◽  
The Many

Abstract The circulation associated with extreme heat (EH) typically shows an anomalous anticyclone that enhances temperature through adiabatic heating, but this study indicates obvious spatial variation in eastern China. The EH-related circulation pattern in eastern China can be classified into three categories: typical extratropical pattern, monsoonal pattern, and foehn pattern. EH over northeastern China and eastern north China is characterized by a typical pattern involving an anomalous anticyclone and subsidence, and the air temperature increases throughout almost the entire troposphere. In contrast, EH over the Yangtze River valley and south China is associated with the monsoonal pattern. Over these regions, the air temperature only increases in the lower troposphere as a result of anomalous subsidence and lower humidity that has resulted from a farther north transportation of water vapor by a stronger monsoonal southwesterly. Meanwhile, the air temperature decreases in the upper troposphere because of the decrease of latent heat caused by suppressed precipitation. On the other hand, western north China, with most of its stations located on the eastern leeside of mountains, is obviously influenced by the foehn effect on EH days. The foehn-related northwesterly anomalies bring drier and warmer air from the mountains to sink on the leeside and greatly increase the air temperature in the lower troposphere, particularly near the surface. Therefore, the impacts of monsoon and topography should be taken into consideration when EH-related circulations are discussed over the many regions of eastern China. As a result, the reliable projection of air temperature in these regions under global warming is a challenging problem.

scholarly journals Net effect of the QBO in a chemistry climate model

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 12115-12162 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Punge ◽  
M. A. Giorgetta
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Meridional Circulation ◽  
Vortex Formation ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract. The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) of zonal wind is a prominent mode of variability in the tropical stratosphere. It affects not only the meridional circulation and temperature over a wide latitude range but also the transport and chemistry of trace gases such as ozone. Compared to a QBO less circulation, the long-term climatological means of these quantities are also different. These climatological net effects of the QBO can be studied in general circulation models that extend into the middle atmosphere and have a chemistry and transport component, so-called Chemistry Climate Models (CCMs). In this work we show that the CCM MAECHAM4-CHEM can reproduce the observed QBO variations in temperature and ozone mole fractions when nudged towards observed winds. In particular, it is shown that the QBO signal in transport of nitrogen oxides NOx plays an important role in reproducing the observed ozone QBO, which features a phase reversal slightly below the maximum of the ozone mole fraction in the tropics. We then compare two 20-year experiments with the MAECHAM4-CHEM model that differ by including or not including the QBO. The mean wind fields differ between the two model runs, especially during summer and fall on both hemispheres. The differences in the wind field lead to differences in the meridional circulation, by the same mechanism that causes the QBO's secondary meridional circulation, and thereby affecting mean temperatures and the mean transport of tracers. In the tropics, the net effect on ozone is mostly due to net differences in upwelling and, higher up, the associated temperature change. We show that a net surplus of up to 15% in NOx in the tropics above 10 hPa in the experiment that includes the QBO does not lead to significantly different volume mixing ratios of ozone. We also note a slight increase in the southern vortex strength as well as earlier vortex formation in northern winter. Polar temperatures differ accordingly. Differences in the strength of the Brewer-Dobson circulation and in further trace gas concentrations are analysed. Our findings underline the importance of a representation of the QBO in CCMs.

scholarly journals Climatological Ertel's potential-vorticity flux and mean meridional circulation in the extratropical troposphere − lower stratosphere

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bartels ◽  
D. Peters ◽  
G. Schmitz
Keyword(s):  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Seasonal Cycle ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Lower Stratosphere ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Meridional Circulation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Baroclinic Wave ◽  
Mean Meridional Circulation

Abstract. We investigated to what extent the isentropic, non-geostrophic formulation of zonally averaged circulation derived for stratospheric conditions is applicable to climatological transport in the extratropical troposphere and lower stratosphere. The study is based on 10 years of daily data of ECMWF analysis and on the ECHAM3 climate model of the German Climate Computing Centre. The main result is a scalar isentropic mixing coefficient, Kyy, and a mean meridional transport circulation consistently derived from the same data base. For both data sources, isentropic mean meridional circulation is derived from horizontal mass flow rate for 4 representative months. Alternatively, a mean meridional circulation is calculated from total diabatic heating rates of the ECHAM3 model. It is shown that only the latter is in good agreement with the ECMWF mean meridional circulation. Isentropic analysis also comprises the seasonal cycle of the climatological meridional gradient and flux of Ertel's potential vorticity (PV). Application of Tung's flux-gradient relation yields that for all seasons Kyy is positive in height-latitude regions where statistical significance is reached. Large Kyy values, marking regions of more efficient mixing, have been found in the subtropical vertical band of weak westerly wind and in mid-latitudes in regions of upward-propagating baroclinic wave activity in the middle and upper troposphere. Based on the ECMWF data and results of baroclinic-wave behaviour, strong indications are presented that positive zonally averaged PV flux polewards of the jet core in the NH is strengthened by stationary waves and nonlinear effects. Reduced eddy transport is apparent in winter and spring slightly below the subtropical tropopause jet. The seasonal cycle of Kyy from ECHAM3 data is to a great extent in agreement with the result based on ECMWF analysis. In the model, reduced interannual variability enlarges the height-latitude range where sign of Kyy is significant.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics · Climatology · General circulation · Middle atmosphere is significant.

Formation of Two-Dimensional Circulation in Response to Unsteady Wave Forcing in the Middle Atmosphere

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Hayashi ◽  
Kaoru Sato
Keyword(s):  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Meridional Circulation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Equation System ◽  
Slow Variable ◽  
Wave Radiation ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Wave Forcing

In previous studies, a steady-state assumption has been frequently used for the analysis of wave-induced meridional circulation. In general, however, the wave forcing is not constant and thus induced circulation can vary in time. Thus, to understand such transient behaviors, time evolutions of a slow variable describing balanced flows and two fast variables describing gravity waves and flows that are slaved to balanced flows are investigated. A Boussinesq equation system is used to examine zonal-mean flow responses to unsteady zonally uniform forcing. Green’s function is used to analytically obtain the evolution of meridional circulation. Responses to zonal wave forcing are mainly examined although responses to a diabatic heating and to wave forcing are discussed in brief. For forcing with a step function shape in time, gravity waves are radiated as a transient response. The time needed to form the circulation depends on the aspect ratio (i.e., latitudinal to vertical lengths) of wave forcing, which determines the group velocity of gravity waves. When the forcing time scale is longer than the inertial period, the response does not include gravity wave radiation and mainly involves a meridional circulation, which is similar to the solution for steady forcing. The two-celled meridional circulation describes the early stage response to the forcing and can be used to examine how the wave forcing is distributed to zonal wind acceleration and Coriolis torque. It is shown that the distribution depends on the aspect ratio of the forcing.

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