scholarly journals Re-analysis of ground-based microwave ClO measurements from Mauna Kea, 1992 to early 2012

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 8643-8650 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Connor ◽  
T. Mooney ◽  
G. E. Nedoluha ◽  
J. W. Barrett ◽  
A. Parrish ◽  
...  

Abstract. We present a re-analysis of upper stratospheric ClO measurements from the ground-based millimeter-wave instrument from January 1992 to February 2012. These measurements are made as part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) from Mauna Kea, Hawaii, (19.8° N, 204.5° E). Here, we use daytime and nighttime measurements together to form a day–night spectrum, from which the difference in the day and night profiles is retrieved. These results are then compared to the day–night difference profiles from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instruments. We also compare them to our previous analyses of the same data, in which we retrieved the daytime ClO profile. The major focus will be on comparing the year-to-year and long-term changes in ClO derived by the two analysis methods, and comparing these results to the long-term changes reported by others. We conclude that the re-analyzed data set has less short-term variability and exhibits a more constant long-term trend that is more consistent with other observations. Data from 1995 to 2012 indicate a linear decline of mid-stratospheric ClO of 0.64 ± 0.15% yr−1 (2σ).

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 30571-30588
Author(s):  
B. J. Connor ◽  
T. Mooney ◽  
G. E Nedoluha ◽  
J. W. Barrett ◽  
A. Parrish ◽  
...  

Abstract. We present a re-analysis of upper stratospheric ClO measurements from the ground-based millimeter-wave instrument from January 1992 to February 2012. These measurements are made as part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) from Mauna Kea, Hawaii, (19.8° N, 204.5° E). Here, we use daytime and nighttime measurements together to form a day-night spectrum, from which the difference in the day and night profiles is retrieved. These results are then compared to the day-night difference profiles from the UARS and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instruments. We also compare them to our previous analyses of the same data, in which we retrieved the daytime ClO profile. The major focus will be on comparing the year-to-year and long-term changes in ClO derived by the two analysis methods. We conclude that the re-analyzed data set has less short-term variability and exhibits a more constant long-term trend. Data from 1995–2012 indicate a linear decline of mid-stratospheric ClO of 0.64 ± 0.08% yr−1.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1355-1379
Author(s):  
F. Forster ◽  
R. Sussmann ◽  
M. Rettinger ◽  
N. M. Deutscher ◽  
D. W. T. Griffith ◽  
...  

Abstract. We present the intercalibration of dry-air column-averaged mole fractions of methane (XCH4) retrieved from solar FTIR measurements of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) in the mid-infrared (MIR) versus near-infrared (NIR) soundings from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). The study uses multi-annual quasi-coincident MIR and NIR measurements from the stations Garmisch, Germany (47.48° N, 11.06° E, 743 m a.s.l.) and Wollongong, Australia (34.41° S, 150.88° E, 30 m a.s.l.). Direct comparison of the retrieved MIR and NIR time series shows a phase shift in XCH4 seasonality, i.e. a significant time-dependent bias leading to a standard deviation (stdv) of the difference time series (NIR-MIR) of 8.4 ppb. After eliminating differences in a prioris by using ACTM-simulated profiles as a common prior, the seasonalities of the (corrected) MIR and NIR time series agree within the noise (stdv = 5.2 ppb for the difference time series). The difference time series (NIR-MIR) do not show a significant trend. Therefore it is possible to use a simple scaling factor for the intercalibration without a time-dependent linear or seasonal component. Using the Garmisch and Wollongong data together, we obtain an overall calibration factor MIR/NIR = 0.9926(18). The individual calibration factors per station are 0.9940(14) for Garmisch and 0.9893(40) for Wollongong. They agree within their error bars with the overall calibration factor which can therefore be used for both stations. Our results suggest that after applying the proposed intercalibration concept to all stations performing both NIR and MIR measurements, it should be possible to obtain one refined overall intercalibration factor for the two networks. This would allow to set up a harmonized NDACC and TCCON XCH4 data set which can be exploited for joint trend studies, satellite validation, or the inverse modeling of sources and sinks.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sussmann ◽  
A. Ostler ◽  
F. Forster ◽  
M. Rettinger ◽  
N. M. Deutscher ◽  
...  

Abstract. We present the first intercalibration of dry-air column-averaged mole fractions of methane (XCH4) retrieved from solar Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) in the mid-infrared (MIR) versus near-infrared (NIR) soundings from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). The study uses multi-annual quasi-coincident MIR and NIR measurements from the stations Garmisch, Germany (47.48° N, 11.06° E, 743 m a.s.l.), and Wollongong, Australia (34.41° S, 150.88° E, 30 m a.s.l.). Direct comparison of the retrieved MIR and NIR XCH4 time series for Garmisch shows a quasi-periodic seasonal bias leading to a standard deviation (stdv) of the difference time series (NIR–MIR) of 7.2 ppb. After reducing time-dependent a priori impact by using realistic site- and time-dependent ACTM-simulated profiles as a common prior, the seasonal bias is reduced (stdv = 5.2 ppb). A linear fit to the MIR/NIR scatter plot of monthly means based on same-day coincidences does not show a y-intercept that is statistically different from zero, and the MIR/NIR intercalibration factor is found to be close to ideal within 2-σ uncertainty, i.e. 0.9996(8). The difference time series (NIR–MIR) do not show a significant trend. The same basic findings hold for Wollongong. In particular an overall MIR/NIR intercalibration factor close to the ideal 1 is found within 2-σ uncertainty. At Wollongong the seasonal cycle of methane is less pronounced and corresponding smoothing errors are not as significant, enabling standard MIR and NIR retrievals to be used directly, without correction to a common a priori. Our results suggest that it is possible to set up a harmonized NDACC and TCCON XCH4 data set which can be exploited for joint trend studies, satellite validation, or the inverse modeling of sources and sinks.


1989 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1863-1868 ◽  
Author(s):  
MEREDITH I. SEDNEY ◽  
ERIC WEIJERS ◽  
ERNST E. WALL ◽  
JEEEREY D. ADIPRANOTO ◽  
JAN CAMPS ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaap Spreeuw ◽  
Iqbal Owadally

AbstractWe analyze the mortality of couples by fitting a multiple state model to a large insurance data set. We find evidence that mortality rates increase after the death of a partner and, in addition, that this phenomenon diminishes over time. This is popularly known as a “broken-heart” effect and we find that it affects widowers more than widows. Remaining lifetimes of joint lives therefore exhibit short-term dependence. We carry out numerical work involving the pricing and valuation of typical contingent assurance contracts and of a joint life and survivor annuity. If insurers ignore dependence, or mis-specify it as long-term dependence, then significant mis-pricing and inappropriate provisioning can result. Detailed numerical results are presented.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S291) ◽  
pp. 208-208
Author(s):  
Augustine Chukwude

AbstractWe investigate the spin-down behaviour of a sample of 25 radio pulsars on decadal timescales (~ 18 years) using a continuous timing data obtained over a period of at Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). Particular attention is placed on achieving a better time resolution of both the short-term and long-term changes in pulsar spin-down using local phase-coherent measurements of the spin-down rates (). We demonstrate that the spin-down of radio pulsars is generally complicated by a superposition of processes that may or may not be related. Specifically, our results show that (i) for 7 pulsars, the observed spin-down variation is largely stochastic, characterized by random and sustained jumps in of varying amplitudes, (ii) for 9 objects, the spin-down evolution shows dominant monotonic variations in superimposed on short-term stochastic jumps in the parameter, and (iii) for the remaining 9 pulsars, the long-term spin-down evolution is non-monotonic, dominated by some systematic excursion in the measured spin-down rates.


2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
Joana Sender ◽  
Weronika Maślanko

ABSTRACT The Łęczna-Włodawa Plain, known also as the Łęczna-Wlodawa Lakeland, lies within the territory of the largest subregion of the Polesie region, covering over 1,300 km2. The main interest of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland is that it is the oldest in the Central European Lowlands group of about 68 lakes. Among such a large number of lakes there exist all trophic types. However, since the late 1950’s, enormous dynamics of change associated with the disappearance of oligo- and mesotrophic lakes and their transformation into eutrophic, even hypertrophic, lakes have been observed. One of the biocenotic elements of the lakes, which are indicators of these changes, is aquatic plants. The aim of this study was to determine the macrophyte structure of Piaseczno Lake and changes of land use in its surroundings. Piaseczno Lake still represents very high natural values. A reduction in the number of macrophyte communities, which occurred especially in 2008, was a consequence of the fast-growing recreation infrastructure. From 1976 until 2010 an area of recreation infrastructure in the studied area increased more than 3.5 times, and in the built-up area more than five times, as well as a doubling of the total length of the roads. Meanwhile the surface area of wetlands and peatbogs significantly decreased - more than 11 times. Long-term changes in the structure of the macrophyte communities show that the number of communities has varied in each year, probably as a consequence of changes in landuse. Analysis showed changes to the surfaces inhabited by macrophytes, which have decreased significantly over only four years, by more than 25%. However, the proportion of rush communities has increased.


2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Ali Chandio ◽  
Yuansheng Jiang ◽  
Feng Wei ◽  
Xu Guangshun

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of short-term loan (STL) vs long-term loan (LTL) on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The econometric estimation is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2016 from 18 villages in three districts, i.e. Shikarpur, Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The sample data set consist of 180 wheat farmers. The collected data were analyzed through different econometric techniques like Cobb–Douglas production function and Instrumental variables (two-stage least squares) approach. Findings This study reconfirmed that agricultural credit has a positive and highly significant effect on wheat productivity, while the short-term loan has a stronger effect on wheat productivity than the long-term loan. The reasons behind the phenomenon may be the significantly higher usage of agricultural inputs like seeds of improved variety and fertilizers which can be transformed into the wheat yield in the same year. However, the LTL users have significantly higher investments in land preparation, irrigation and plant protection, which may lead to higher wheat production in the coming years. Research limitations/implications In the present study, only those wheat farmers were considered who obtained agricultural loans from formal financial institutions like Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and Khushhali Bank. However, in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan, a considerable proportion of small-scale farmers take credit from informal financial channels. Therefore future researchers should consider the informal credits as well. Originality/value This is the first paper to examine the effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. This paper will be an important addition to the emerging literature regarding effects of credit studies.


goods and cash are shown sometimes together, sometimes sepa­ rately. This inventory may be compared to the assets of modem bal­ ance sheets. It was accompanied by a cash statement. There were no liabilities since long-term debts had been forbidden by the stat­ utes since 1702. The Company relied only on the funds contrib­ uted by its partners or on profits. After 1785, short-term debts were separated from each corresponding item of receipts. It was not until 1820 when the use of double entry bookkeeping showed liabilities as they are shown at the present time. Those liabilities included short-term debts and estimated liabilities so that the net worth (called “capital net") could be calculated. Inventory was never compared to the receipts and payments statement as a means of verifying the inventory. For example, depreciation was calculated at the end of the 18th century in order to have an accurate inventory, but it was never featured clearly in the calcula­ tion of profit. The 18th item of the statutes of Plastrier’s Company3 men­ tions that profit is the difference between receipts and payments, and that "they were quarterly calculated after the constitution of a 15000£ (livres toumois) reserve." This was the only means the Company had of knowing how much could be paid to the owners. Such a simplified system was entirely in line with the desire to keep this information confidential. According to Sellon, an important Genevese shareholder of the Company, the simplified accounting system allowed any director, ignorant of accounting, to hold the Ledger sans confidens, that is without the help of a qualified accountant, so that secrets of the business could be preserved. The term "capital" was not used. The statutes only say fonds or effets, which correspond to the inventory value of all the assets of the Company at a fixed date. The owners' contributions to capital were made either in-kind (Venetian glass from Pocquelin in 1667) or in cash after 1702. They were considered an advance to the company, rewarded at a 10% rate. However, these advances were never refunded so that they can be considered as capital. The number of partners was fewer than ten before 1695. After that date, through inherit­ ances and the selling of ownership interests, the number of part­

2014 ◽  
pp. 252-252

Author(s):  
Zekai Şen

In general, the techniques to predict drought include statistical regression, time series, stochastic (or probabilistic), and, lately, pattern recognition techniques. All of these techniques require that a quantitative variable be identified to define drought, with which to begin the process of prediction. In the case of agricultural drought, such a variable can be the yield (production per unit area) of the major crop in a region (Kumar, 1998; Boken, 2000). The crop yield in a year can be compared with its long-term average, and drought intensity can be classified as nil, mild, moderate, severe, or disastrous, based on the difference between the current yield and the average yield. Regression techniques estimate crop yields using yield-affecting variables. A comprehensive list of possible variables that affect yield is provided in chapter 1. Usually, the weather variables routinely available for a historical period that significantly affect the yield are included in a regression analysis. Regression techniques using weather data during a growing season produce short-term estimates (e.g., Sakamoto, 1978; Idso et al., 1979; Slabbers and Dunin, 1981; Diaz et al., 1983; Cordery and Graham, 1989; Walker, 1989; Toure et al., 1995; Kumar, 1998). Various researchers in different parts of the world (see other chapters) have developed drought indices that can also be included along with the weather variables to estimate crop yield. For example, Boken and Shaykewich (2002) modifed the Western Canada Wheat Yield Model (Walker, 1989) drought index using daily temperature and precipitation data and advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) satellite data. The modified model improved the predictive power of the wheat yield model significantly. Some satellite data-based variables that can be used to predict crop yield are described in chapters 5, 6, 9, 13, 19, and 28. The short-term estimates are available just before or around harvest time. But many times long-term estimates are required to predict drought for next year, so that long-term planning for dealing with the effects of drought can be initiated in time.


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