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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Methodology To Analyze Tropical Cyclone Intensity From Microwave Imagery, Matthew W. Perkins Mar 2018

Methodology To Analyze Tropical Cyclone Intensity From Microwave Imagery, Matthew W. Perkins

Theses and Dissertations

Satellites with microwave remote sensing capabilities can be utilized to study atmospheric phenomena through high-level cloud cover (particularly cirrus), an advantage over visible and infrared bands, which only sense cloud tops. This unique capability makes microwave imagery ideal for studying the cloud structures of tropical cyclones (TCs) in detail, and relating these features to TC intensity. Techniques to estimate the intensity of TCs using infrared imagery, such as the Dvorak technique, have been used in TC forecasting for 40 years. However, due to the inherent temporal limitations of microwave imagery, no such similar technique exists for the microwave spectrum. This …


Forecasting Lightning Initiation Utilizing Dual-Polarization Radar Parameters Over Washington, D.C., Sarah A. Olsen Mar 2018

Forecasting Lightning Initiation Utilizing Dual-Polarization Radar Parameters Over Washington, D.C., Sarah A. Olsen

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate forecasts of thunderstorms are vital to space launch, aviation, and public safety. Prior studies by Woodard (2011), Thurmond (2014), and Travis (2015) show that dual-polarization radar can be utilized to identify the presence of hydrometeors necessary for cloud charging. These studies emphasized that a combination of radar reflectivity (Z) and differential reflectivity (ZDR) predictors have the potential to improve forecast skill of lightning initiation over methods that rely on Z alone (Roeder and Pinder, 1998; Yang and King, 2010). Travis (2015) discovered two parameters, when used together, produced the best results: Z ≥ 36.5 dBZ and ZDR …


Forecasting Lightning Cessation Using Dual-Polarization Radar And Lightning Mapping Array Near Washington, D.C., Nancy M. Holden Mar 2018

Forecasting Lightning Cessation Using Dual-Polarization Radar And Lightning Mapping Array Near Washington, D.C., Nancy M. Holden

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate forecasts of thunderstorms are important to space launch, aviation, and public safety. While prior studies have primarily focused on atmospheric conditions leading to lightning onset, less research has been dedicated to the challenging problem of predicting lightning cessation. This study verifies the probabilistic lightning cessation model developed by Joseph Patton (2017) at Florida State University for use by the U.S. Air Force's 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The Washington, D.C. greater metropolitan area, which presents a climate different to that of central …


Aerosol Direct Radiative And Cloud Adjustment Effects On Surface Climate Over The Eastern China : Analyses Of Wrf Model Simulations, Yangyang Song Jan 2018

Aerosol Direct Radiative And Cloud Adjustment Effects On Surface Climate Over The Eastern China : Analyses Of Wrf Model Simulations, Yangyang Song

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Aerosol climate effects consist of the initial forcing of atmospheric radiation perturbation through both the direct radiative effect and the modulation of radiatively-important cloud microphysics, and the subsequent changes in meteorology that also affect cloud macro- and micro-physics. The aerosol-induced cloud adjustment therefore involves many couplings and interactions, and its quantitative evaluation requires the use of model simulations. This study uses WRF model simulated changes in clouds and meteorology due to anthropogenic aerosol increases (versus 1970s) for 2002−2008 summers over the eastern China to address two relevant issues: direct radiative vs. cloud adjustment effects, and their roles in affecting surface …