Geology Reports⌕ Search

SEARCH · Geology Reports

Results for “Journal of Geophysical Research - Earth Surface”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
USGS2021

Persistent multidecadal variability since the 15th century in the southern Barents Sea derived from annually resolved shell-based records

In the North Atlantic Ocean, multidecadal variability in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the past several centuries has largely been inferred through terrestrial proxies and decadally resolved marine proxies. Annually resolved proxy records from marine archives provide valuable insight into this variability, but are especially rare from high latitude environments, particularly for centennial timescales. We constructed continuous, absolutely dated records of shell growth (1449–2014 CE; 564 years) and oxygen isotope ratios (δ 18 O shell ; 1539–2014 CE; 476 years) from shells of the bivalve Arctica islandica from coastal northern Norway, a location sensitive to large-scale North Atlantic Ocean dynamics. An annual (January–December) SST reconstruction derived from δ 18 O shell for the past five centuries suggests an increase of at least 2°C from the mid-18th century to 2014. The SST reconstruction correlates significantly with instrumental records and with other proxy reconstructions in the southern Barents Sea region. Spectral analysis of the shell growth and isotope records supports evidence for Atlantic multidecadal variability (65–80 year periodicity) extending into polar and subpolar latitudes for the past five centuries. These results provide additional evidence that multidecadal variability in SSTs are a persistent feature of the North Atlantic marine system.

Greenland Sea, Iceland Sea, Norwegian Sea, Barents↗
USGS2021

Episodic nutrient addition affects water column nutrient processing rates in river-to-lake transitional zones

Storm-driven nutrient loading from tributaries can fuel eutrophication in nearshore and open water areas of lentic ecosystems. However, nutrient processing in river-to-lake transitional zones can substantially alter the amount and composition of nutrients transported to lakes from upstream surface waters. We measured the removal of nutrients and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the water column in the Fox rivermouth (Green Bay, Lake Michigan) to evaluate the response of rivermouth plankton to episodic nutrient enrichment. Light and dark water column incubations (8–12 hr) were conducted on four occasions from April through September to measure changes in dissolved nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and DOC concentrations in three locations along the Fox rivermouth. Two incubation experiments were conducted on consecutive days, (a) under ambient nutrient concentrations, and (b) under experimentally enriched N and P concentrations. Spatial and temporal variation was observed in nutrient uptake rates, but light incubations consistently had higher nutrient uptake rates than dark incubations. Nutrient enrichment increased total dissolved P and total dissolved N uptake and DOC release in light incubations, but only increased total dissolved P uptake in dark incubations. Moreover, nutrient uptake ratios (N:P) decreased from ambient to nutrient enriched conditions and indicated preferential P uptake by phytoplankton communities in light conditions. Our study substantiates that rivermouths can process nutrients bound for downstream ecosystems and demonstrates the potential of plankton communities to dynamically increase net uptake rates in response to episodic nutrient enrichment.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1998

Rocky 7 prototype Mars rover field geology experiments: 1. Lavic Lake and Sunshine volcanic field, California

Experiments with the Rocky 7 rover were performed in the Mojave Desert to better understand how to conduct rover-based, long-distance (kilometers) geological traverses on Mars. The rover was equipped with stereo imaging systems for remote sensing science and hazard avoidance and 57 Fe Mössbauer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for in situ determination of mineralogy of unprepared rock and soil surfaces. Laboratory data were also obtained using the spectrometers and an X ray diffraction (XRD)/XRF instrument for unprepared samples collected from the rover sites. Simulated orbital and descent image data assembled for the test sites were found to be critical for assessing the geologic setting, formulating hypotheses to be tested with rover observations, planning traverses, locating the rover, and providing a regional context for interpretation of rover-based observations. Analyses of remote sensing and in situ observations acquired by the rover confirmed inferences made from orbital and simulated descent images that the Sunshine Volcanic Field is composed of basalt flows. Rover data confirmed the idea that Lavic Lake is a recharge playa and that an alluvial fan composed of sediments with felsic compositions has prograded onto the playa. Rover-based discoveries include the inference that the basalt flows are mantled with aeolian sediment and covered with a dense pavement of varnished basalt cobbles. Results demonstrate that the combination of rover remote sensing and in situ analytical observations will significantly increase our understanding of Mars and provide key connecting links between orbital and descent data and analyses of returned samples.

Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets↗
USGS2010

A comparison of Martian north and south polar cold spots and the long‐term effects of the 2001 global dust storm

In the 1970s, Viking and Mariner observed areas in the polar regions of Mars with winter brightness temperatures below the expected kinetic temperatures for CO 2 ice sublimation. These areas have since been termed “cold spots” and have been identified as surface deposits of CO 2 atmospheric condensates and, occasionally, active CO 2 storms. Three Mars years of data from the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer were used to observe autumn and winter cold spot activity. In this study, cold spots that occur near and on the southern perennial cap were compared to those found near or on the northern perennial cap. On the southern perennial cap, cold spots associated with topographic features (induced by orographic lifting) were less common than cold spots independent of topography, similar to the north. However, the cold spots in the south lasted longer than those observed in the north. There is also evidence that cold spot formation in the south was affected by the global dust storm of 2001, even though the dust storm occurred during the southern spring and summer seasons. Prior to the dust storm, the amount of overall cold spot activity closer to the perennial cap increased and the average CO 2 grain size for most of the cold spots increased as well. Following the dust storm, the majority of cold spots in the south increased in size and duration but they did not form north of 62°S latitude, whereas, in other years, cold spots formed as far north as 48°S.

Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets↗
USGS2016

Continental rupture and the creation of new crust in the Salton Trough rift, southern California and northern Mexico: Results from the Salton Seismic Imaging Project

A refraction and wide-angle reflection seismic profile along the axis of the Salton Trough, California and Mexico, was analyzed to constrain crustal and upper mantle seismic velocity structure during active continental rifting. From the northern Salton Sea to the southern Imperial Valley, the crust is 17-18 km thick and approximately one-dimensional. The transition at depth from Colorado River sediment to underlying crystalline rock is gradual and is not a depositional surface. The crystalline rock from ~3 to ~8 km depth is interpreted as sediment metamorphosed by high heat flow. Deeper felsic crystalline rock could be stretched pre-existing crust or higher grade metamorphosed sediment. The lower crust below ~12 km depth is interpreted to be gabbro emplaced by rift-related magmatic intrusion by underplating. Low upper-mantle velocity indicates high temperature and partial melting. Under the Coachella Valley, sediment thins to the north and the underlying crystalline rock is interpreted as granitic basement. Mafic rock does not exist at 12-18 depth as it does to the south, and a weak reflection suggests Moho at ~28 km depth. Structure in adjacent Mexico has slower mid-crustal velocity and rocks with mantle velocity must be much deeper than in the Imperial Valley. Slower velocity and thicker crust in the Coachella and Mexicali valleys define the rift zone between them to be >100 km wide in the direction of plate motion. North American lithosphere in the central Salton Trough has been rifted apart and is being replaced by new crust created by magmatism, sedimentation, and metamorphism.

Journal of Geophysical Research↗
USGS2017

Behavior of a wave-driven buoyant surface jet on a coral reef

A wave-driven surface buoyant jet exiting a coral reef was studied in order to quantify the amount of water re-entrained over the reef crest. Both moored observations and Lagrangian drifters were used to study the fate of the buoyant jet. To investigate in detail the effects of buoyancy and along-shore flow variations, we developed an idealized numerical model of the system. Consistent with previous work, the ratio of along-shore velocity to jet-velocity and the jet internal Froude number were found to be important determinants of the fate of the jet. In the absence of buoyancy, the entrainment of fluid at the reef crest, creates a significant amount of retention, keeping 60% of water in the reef system. However, when the jet is lighter than the ambient ocean-water, the net effect of buoyancy is to enhance the separation of the jet from shore, leading to a greater export of reef water. Matching observations, our modeling predicts that buoyancy limits retention to 30% of the jet flow for conditions existing on the Moorea reef. Overall, the combination of observations and modeling we present here shows that reef-ocean temperature gradients can play an important role in reef-ocean exchanges.

Journal of Geophysical Research C: Oceans↗
USGS2019

High rates of inflation during a noneruptive episode of seismic unrest at Semisopochnoi Volcano, Alaska in 2014–2015

Magma intrusion rate is a key parameter in eruption triggering but is poorly quantified in existing geodetic studies. Here we examine two episodes of rapid inflation in this context. Two noneruptive microseismic swarms were recorded at Semisopochnoi Volcano, Alaska in 2014–2015. We use differential SAR techniques and TerraSAR‐X images to document surface deformation from 2011 to 2015, which comprises island‐wide radial inflation totaling ~25 cm (+/−1 cm) line of sight displacement in 2014–2015. Multiple source geometries are tested in an inversion of the deformation data, and InSAR data are best fit by a spheroid trending to the northeast and plunging to the southeast, with a major axis of ~4 km and minor axes of ~1 km, directly under the central caldera of Semisopochnoi. In 2014, a modeled influx of 0.043 km 3 of magma caused line of sight displacement of ~17 cm. This magma was stored at a depth of ~8 km, until 2015 when 0.029 km 3 was added. Along with the definition of inflation source parameters, the recorded seismic events are relocated using differential travel times. These relocated events outline a linear aseismic area within a larger zone of shallow (<10 km) seismicity. This aseismic region aligns with the centroid of the deformation model. Based on these geodetic and seismic models, the plumbing system at Semisopochnoi is interpreted as a spheroidal magma storage zone at a depth of ˜8 km below a linear feature of partial melt. The observed deformation and seismicity appear to result from rapid injection into this main storage region.

Alaska↗
USGS2001

Moss and lichen cover mapping at local and regional scales in the boreal forest ecosystem of central Canada

Mosses and lichens are important components of boreal landscapes [Vitt et al., 1994; Bubier et al., 1997]. They affect plant productivity and belowground carbon sequestration and alter the surface runoff and energy balance. We report the use of multiresolution satellite data to map moss and lichens over the BOREAS region at a 10 m, 30 m, and 1 km scales. Our moss and lichen classification at the 10 m scale is based on ground observations of associations among soil drainage classes, overstory composition, and cover type among four broad classes of ground cover (feather, sphagnum, and brown mosses and lichens). For our 30 m map, we used field observations of ground cover-overstory associations to map mosses and lichens in the BOREAS southern study area (SSA). To scale up to a 1 km (AVHRR) moss map of the BOREAS region, we used the TM SSA mosaics plus regional field data to identify AVHRR overstory-ground cover associations. We found that: 1) ground cover, overstory composition and density are highly correlated, permitting inference of moss and lichen cover from satellite-based land cover classifications; 2) our 1 km moss map reveals that mosses dominate the boreal landscape of central Canada, thereby a significant factor for water, energy, and carbon modeling; 3) TM and AVHRR moss cover maps are comparable; 4) satellite data resolution is important; particularly in detecting the smaller wetland features, lakes, and upland jack pine sites; and 5) distinct regional patterns of moss and lichen cover correspond to latitudinal and elevational gradients. Copyright 2001 by the American Geophysical Union.

Journal of Geophysical Research D: Atmospheres↗
USGS2004

The new GFDL global atmosphere and land model AM2-LM2: Evaluation with prescribed SST simulations

The configuration and performance of a new global atmosphere and land model for climate research developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) are presented. The atmosphere model, known as AM2, includes a new gridpoint dynamical core, a prognostic cloud scheme, and a multispecies aerosol climatology, as well as components from previous models used at GFDL. The land model, known as LM2, includes soil sensible and latent heat storage, groundwater storage, and stomatal resistance. The performance of the coupled model AM2-LM2 is evaluated with a series of prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) simulations. Particular focus is given to the model's climatology and the characteristics of interannual variability related to El Nin??o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). One AM2-LM2 integration was perfor med according to the prescriptions of the second Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP II) and data were submitted to the Program for Climate Model Diagnosis and Intercomparison (PCMDI). Particular strengths of AM2-LM2, as judged by comparison to other models participating in AMIP II, include its circulation and distributions of precipitation. Prominent problems of AM2-LM2 include a cold bias to surface and tropospheric temperatures, weak tropical cyclone activity, and weak tropical intraseasonal activity associated with the Madden-Julian oscillation. An ensemble of 10 AM2-LM 2 integrations with observed SSTs for the second half of the twentieth century permits a statistically reliable assessment of the model's response to ENSO. In general, AM2-LM2 produces a realistic simulation of the anomalies in tropical precipitation and extratropical circulation that are associated with ENSO. ?? 2004 American Meteorological Society.

Journal of Climate↗
USGS2012

Crustal resistivity structure from magnetotelluric soundings in the Colorado Plateau-Basin and Range provinces, central and western Arizona

Resistivity structure to about 25 km depth is defined from two-dimensional modeling of 29 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings (0.002–5 Hz) that traverse 280 km of the southwestern Colorado Plateau, transition zone, and Basin and Range provinces in Arizona. From the surface to 5 km depth, the MT model suggests structural relationships between low-resistivity sedimentary and volcanic rocks (50–300 ohm m) and high-resistivity granitic and gneissic basement (500–9000 ohm m). In the Basin and Range province, the MT model and a seismic reflection section show a generally consistent distribution of supracrustal rocks that have relatively low to moderate resistivity (MT) and relatively strong, locally coherent reflectivity. The supracrustal zone defined by these physical properties is inferred to be composed of upper plate rocks above a middle Tertiary detachment fault system which has been mapped in surrounding ranges. Some low-angle fault zones inferred from seismic reflections to extend into high resistivity basement below the supracrustal rocks are not resolved by the MT model. A low-resistivity zone with a conductance of 500 S or more is modeled in the crust at an average depth of about 15 km in the Basin and Range province and transition zone and may deepen below the southwestern part of the Colorado Plateau. In the Basin and Range province, the top of the low resistivity may correspond to a reflective layer with a 6-s two-way-travel time. This deep low-resistivity zone might be caused by a small fraction of connected hydrous solutions or silicic melts.

Journal of Geophysical Research↗
USGS2007

Coordinated analyses of orbital and spirit rover data to characterize surface materials on the cratered plains of Gusev Crater, Mars

Comparison of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's Pancam (0.4 to 1.0 ??m) and Mars Express Observatoire pour la Mineralogie l'Eau, les Glaces et l'Activite?? (OMEGA) (0.4 to 2.5 ??m) spectral reflectance data over Spirit's traverses shows that Gusev cratered plains are dominated by nanophase ferric-oxide-rich dust covering weakly altered basaltic sands. This interpretation is also consistent with both observations from OMEGA data covering plains beyond the traverse region and interpretations of data from the other payload instruments on the Spirit Rover. OMEGA observations of relatively low albedo regions where dust has presumably been stripped by dust devils show negative spectral reflectance slopes from 1.5 to 2.5 ??m and moderately masked spectral features which are indicative of olivine or pyroxene. High-albedo regions north and south of the Spirit landing site have flat spectral reflectance slopes and few spectral features, although all spectra have a nanophase ferric-oxide absorption edge between 0.4 and 0.75 ??m. Comparison of THEMIS-derived thermal inertia values with OMEGA-derived spectral parameters shows that although the dust cover can be optically thick (0.4 to 2.5 ??m wavelength region) in some areas, it is not thick enough (???1 cm) to mask the thermal inertia of the underlying substrate for areas included in this study. Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.

Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets↗
USGS2019

Thermal, deformation, and degassing remote sensing time-series (A.D. 2000-2017) at the 47 most active volcanoes in Latin America: Implications for volcanic systems

Volcanoes are hazardous to local and global populations, but only a fraction are continuously monitored by ground-based sensors. For example, in Latin America, more than 60% of Holocene volcanoes are unmonitored, meaning long-term multi-parameter datasets of volcanic activity are rare and sparse. We use satellite observations of degassing, thermal anomalies, and surface deformation spanning 17 years at 47 of the most active volcanoes in Latin America, and compare these datasets to ground-based observations archived by the Global Volcanism Program (GVP). This first comparison of multi-satellite time-series on a regional scale provides information regarding volcanic behavior during, non-, pre-, syn- and post-eruptive periods. For example, at Copahue volcano, deviations from background activity in all three types of satellite measurements were manifested months to years in advance of renewed eruptive activity in 2012. By quantifying the amount of degassing, thermal output, and deformation measured at each of these volcanoes, we test the classification of these volcanoes as open or closed volcanic systems. We find that ~28% of the volcanoes do not fall into either classification and the rest show elements of both, demonstrating a dynamic range of behavior that can change over time. Finally, we recommend how volcano monitoring could be improved through better coordination of available satellite-based capabilities and new instruments.

Journal of Geophysical Research↗
USGS2011

Hydrological mobilization of mercury and dissolved organic carbon in a snow-dominated, forested watershed: Conceptualization and modeling

The mobilization of mercury and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during snowmelt often accounts for a major fraction of the annual loads. We studied the role of hydrological connectivity of riparian wetlands and upland/wetland transition zones to surface waters on the mobilization of Hg and DOC in Fishing Brook, a headwater of the Adirondack Mountains, New York. Stream water total mercury (THg) concentrations varied strongly (mean = 2.25 ± 0.5 ng L −1 ), and the two snowmelt seasons contributed 40% (2007) and 48% (2008) of the annual load. Methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations ranged up to 0.26 ng L −1 , and showed an inverse log relationship with discharge. TOPMODEL‐simulated saturated area corresponded well with wetland areas, and the application of a flow algorithm based elevation‐above‐creek approach suggests that most wetlands become well connected during high flow. The dynamics of simulated saturated area and soil storage deficit were able to explain a large part of the variation of THg concentrations (r 2 = 0.53 to 0.72). In contrast, the simulations were not able to explain DOC variations and DOC and THg concentrations were not correlated. These results indicate that all three constituents, THg, MeHg, and DOC, follow different patterns at the outlet: (1) the mobilization of THg is primarily controlled by the saturation state of the catchment, (2) the dilution of MeHg suggests flushing from a supply limited pool, and (3) DOC dynamics follow a pattern different from THg dynamics, which likely results from differing gain and/or loss processes for THg and/or DOC within the Fishing Brook catchment.

New York↗
USGS2002

Thermal infrared spectroscopy of experimentally shocked anorthosite and pyroxenite: Implications for remote sensing of Mars

The feldspar and pyroxene mineralogies on Mars revealed by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) on Mars Global Surveyor likely record a variety of shock effects, as suggested by petrologic analyses of the Martian meteorites and the abundance of impact craters on the planet's surface. To study the effects of shock pressures on thermal infrared spectra of these minerals, we performed shock recovery experiments on orthopyroxenite and anorthosite samples from the Stillwater Complex (Montana) over peak pressures from 17 to 63 GPa. We acquired emissivity and hemispherical reflectance spectra (350–1400 cm −1 ; ∼7–29 μm) of both coherent chips and fine-grained powders of shocked and unshocked samples. These spectra are more directly comparable to remotely sensed data of Mars (e.g., TES) than previously acquired absorption or transmission spectra of shocked minerals. The spectra of experimentally shocked feldspar show systematic changes with increasing pressure due to depolymerization of the silica tetrahedra. For the spectra of chips, this includes the disappearance of small bands in the 500–650 cm −1 region and a strong band at 1115 cm −1 , and changes in positions of a strong band near 940 cm −1 and the Christiansen feature near 1250 cm −1 . Spectra of the shocked powders show the gradual disappearance of a transparency feature near 830 cm −1 . Fewer changes are observed in the pyroxene spectra at pressures as high as 63 GPa. Spectra of experimentally shocked minerals will help identify more precisely the mineralogy of rocks and soils not only from TES but also from Mars instruments such as miniTES and THEMIS.

Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets↗
USGS2009

Sediment characterization and dynamics in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana

Lake Pontchartrain in southeastern Louisiana is the largest of several shallow estuaries that together cover over 15,000 km 2 . Wetlands, forests, and large urban areas surround the lake. Primary transport mechanisms of sediments to Lake Pontchartrain include urban runoff, major diversions of the Mississippi River, discharge from streams along the north and west shores, and tidal circulation. Sediments deposited in Lake Pontchartrain are subjected to resuspension and mixing by natural and human activities. Bioturbation and water turbulence throughout the lake are the major mixing agents, and mechanical shell dredging has reworked much of the lake bottom over the last century. Sediment characterization through direct sampling and geophysical surveys indicates that these processes continually rework the top meter of sediment. The lake receives discharge from roadways and industrial and agricultural sources. Contaminants from these sources accumulate in the lake sediments and are an important contributor to the degradation of the estuary. Decline in populations of various benthic organisms, such as shrimp and clams, has been documented in the lake. To characterize the health of this important estuary, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the geology, geomorphology, coastal processes, and environmental condition of the Pontchartrain Basin from 1994 to 1997. This report presents an assessment of sediment distribution and quality using a multidisciplinary approach to characterize the influence of various physical and chemical parameters: nearsurface stratigraphy, major trace metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni), and short-lived radionuclides ( 210 Pb, 7 Be, and 137 Cs). The results are compared with water-circulation patterns to determine high-resolution sedimentation patterns in the lake. The data show a significant increase in trace metals in the top 1 m of lake sediments. Above this horizon, pollen analysis indicates a correlation with land clearing in the area, a proxy for increasing human development of the surrounding landscape and an increase in surface run-off. The data also show that the top meter of sediment undergoes frequent resuspension during high-energy circulation events and via circulation gyres in the lake. This regular turnover does not allow stratification of recently deposited sediments, restricting the sequestration of contaminated material that enters the lake.

Louisiana↗
USGS2018

Direct measurements of mean Reynolds stress and ripple roughness in the presence of energetic forcing by surface waves

Direct covariance observations of the mean flow Reynolds stress and sonar images of the seafloor collected on a wave‐exposed inner continental shelf demonstrate that the drag exerted by the seabed on the overlying flow is consistent with boundary layer models for wave‐current interaction, provided that the orientation and anisotropy of the bed roughness are appropriately quantified. Large spatial and temporal variations in drag result from nonequilibrium ripple dynamics, ripple anisotropy, and the orientation of the ripples relative to the current. At a location in coarse sand characterized by large two‐dimensional orbital ripples, the observed drag shows a strong dependence on the relative orientation of the mean current to the ripple crests. At a contrasting location in fine sand, where more isotropic sub‐orbital ripples are observed, the sensitivity of the current to the orientation of the ripples is reduced. Further, at the coarse site under conditions when the currents are parallel to the ripple crests and the wave orbital diameter is smaller than the wavelength of the relic orbital ripples, the flow becomes hydraulically smooth. This transition is not observed at the fine site, where the observed wave orbital diameter is always greater than the wavelength of the observed sub‐orbital ripples. Paradoxically, the dominant along‐shelf flows often experience lower drag at the coarse site than at the fine site, despite the larger ripples, highlighting the complex dynamics controlling drag in wave‐exposed environments with heterogeneous roughness.

Journal of Geophysical Research C: Oceans↗
USGS1997

Case study modeling of turbulent and mesoscale fluxes over the BOREAS region

Results from aircraft and surface observations provided evidence for the existence of mesoscale circulations over the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) domain. Using an integrated approach that included the use of analytical modeling, numerical modeling, and data analysis, we have found that there are substantial contributions to the total budgets of heat over the BOREAS domain generated by mesoscale circulations. This effect is largest when the synoptic flow is relatively weak, yet it is present under less favorable conditions, as shown by the case study presented here. While further analysis is warranted to document this effect, the existence of mesoscale flow is not surprising, since it is related to the presence of landscape patches, including lakes, which are of a size on the order of the local Rossby radius and which have spatial differences in maximum sensible heat flux of about 300 W m-2. We have also analyzed the vertical temperature profile simulated in our case study as well as high-resolution soundings and we have found vertical profiles of temperature change above the boundary layer height, which we attribute in part to mesoscale contributions. Our conclusion is that in regions with organized landscapes, such as BOREAS, even with relatively strong synoptic winds, dynamical scaling criteria should be used to assess whether mesoscale effects should be parameterized or explicitly resolved in numerical models of the atmosphere.

Journal of Geophysical Research D: Atmospheres↗
USGS2008

Diurnal and vertical variability of the sensible heat and carbon dioxide budgets in the atmospheric surface layer

The diurnal and vertical variability of heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmospheric surface layer are studied by analyzing measurements from a 213 in tower in Cabauw (Netherlands). Observations of thermodynamic variables and CO2 mixing ratio as well as vertical profiles of the turbulent fluxes are used to retrieve the contribution of the budget terms in the scalar conservation equation. On the basis of the daytime evolution of turbulent fluxes, we calculate the budget terms by assuming that turbulent fluxes follow a linear profile with height. This assumption is carefully tested and the deviation ftom linearity is quantified. The budget calculation allows us to assess the importance of advection of heat and CO2 during day hours for three selected days. It is found that, under nonadvective conditions, the diurnal variability of temperature and CO2 is well reproduced from the flux divergence measurements. Consequently, the vertical transport due to the turbulent flux plays a major role in the daytime evolution of both scalars and the advection is a relatively small contribution. During the analyzed days with a strong contribution of advection of either heat or carbon dioxide, the flux divergence is still an important contribution to the budget. For heat, the quantification of the advection contribution is in close agreement with results from a numerical model. For carbon dioxide, we qualitatively corroborate the results with a Lagrangian transport model. Our estimation of advection is compared with, traditional estimations based on the Net Ecosystem-atmosphere Exchange (NEE). Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

Journal of Geophysical Research D: Atmospheres↗