Influence Of Lightning-Producing Convection On Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Influence Of Lightning-Producing Convection On Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change, Stephanie Stevenson
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Lightning observations in tropical cyclones (TCs) over the ocean are a recent advance- ment, and while many studies have noted relationships between lightning and TC intensity change, the relationships are not consistent. This dissertation aims to understand the com- plexities of the relationships between lightning and TC intensity change, and associate the relationships to storm kinematic, thermodynamic, and microphysical processes.
Dry Air, Midlevel Flow, And The Persistence Of Deep Convection In Atlantic Tropical Disturbances,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Dry Air, Midlevel Flow, And The Persistence Of Deep Convection In Atlantic Tropical Disturbances, Charles Helms
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
An analysis of dropsonde-observed relative humidity in the Tropical Storm Gabrielle (2013) pregenesis disturbance suggests the presence of a layer of dry air that is being advected into the disturbance from the north. The focus of this study is on this and similar dry air layers, termed dry air inflow pathways (DAIPs), that are characterized by unidirectional disturbance-relative flow drawing dry air into a tropical disturbance. It is hypothesized that DAIPs act to prevent the establishment of persistent deep convection by importing midlevel
The Relationship Between Tropospheric Synoptic-Scale Events, Vertical Wave Activity Flux, And Sudden Stratospheric Warmings In The Boreal Winter,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
The Relationship Between Tropospheric Synoptic-Scale Events, Vertical Wave Activity Flux, And Sudden Stratospheric Warmings In The Boreal Winter, Hannah Elizabeth Attard
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Rapid breakdowns of the climatological mid-winter stratospheric polar vortex [i.e., sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs)] are often preceded by tropospheric blocks. While some studies suggest that blocks can induce the upward wave activity flux (WAF) through the tropopause region that is necessary to trigger an SSW, other studies show no statistical relationship between tropospheric blocks and SSWs. One objective of this dissertation is to elucidate the dynamical relationship between tropospheric blocks and SSWs by exploring the relationship between blocks and tropopause-level upward WAF. Along with analyzing blocks, this dissertation also explores rapidly deepening extratropical cyclones (i.e., bombs) and tropical cyclones that …
Understanding Large Wind Farm Impacts On Regional Climate And Vegetation Growth From Observational And Modeling Perspectives,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Understanding Large Wind Farm Impacts On Regional Climate And Vegetation Growth From Observational And Modeling Perspectives, Geng Xia
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
In the most recent decade, wind energy has experienced exponential growth worldwide and this rapid increase is expected to continue, particularly over farmlands in the United States. This poses an important question regarding whether the widespread deployment of wind turbines (WTs) will influence surface/near-surface microclimate and vegetation growth. In this dissertation, I investigate the potential wind farm (WF) impacts on regional climate and vegetation growth from both observational and modeling perspectives. High resolution satellite, radiosonde and field observations are used to determine the magnitude and variability of WF-induced changes on surface/near-surface temperatures while the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model …
Field Evaluation Of Portable Air Quality Monitors And Evaluation Of Short-Lived Plume Events Of Atmospheric Pollutants,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Field Evaluation Of Portable Air Quality Monitors And Evaluation Of Short-Lived Plume Events Of Atmospheric Pollutants, Joseph Peter Marto
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Availability of low cost optical sensors has allowed for the supplementation of existing air quality infrastructure with portable, adaptive monitors. While these sensors generally cannot offer the same accuracy and precision as established analysis methods, they can still reliably detect changes in pollutant concentration. This study evaluates the performance of two portable air quality enclosures deployed at collocated research sites to determine their accuracy and usefulness in field deployments. One system deployed collocated sensors for measurement of particulate matter mass concentration (Thermo pDR 1500 and TSI DustTrak DRX for PM2.5) and the second system deployed sensors for measurement of black …
Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification In Environments Of Upper-Tropospheric Troughs : Environmental Influences And Convective Characteristics,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification In Environments Of Upper-Tropospheric Troughs : Environmental Influences And Convective Characteristics, Michael Fischer
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Intensity forecasts for tropical cyclones that undergo a period of rapid intensification are particularly susceptible to large errors. For those storms that interact with an upper-tropospheric trough, tropical cyclone intensity forecasts are complicated, as upper-tropospheric troughs can provide unique intensification mechanisms, but are often associated with unfavorable environmental conditions. Although tropical cyclones in environments with nearby upper-tropospheric troughs are associated with lesser intensification rates than tropical cyclones in environments devoid of upper-tropospheric troughs, some tropical cyclone--trough interactions are associated with a period of rapid intensification. This dissertation utilizes reanalysis output, satellite observations, and ensemble modeling simulations to understand whether rapid …
Global Response To The Madden-Julian Oscillation As A Function Of Phase Speed In Era-Interim Reanalysis And Miroc5 Model Data,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Global Response To The Madden-Julian Oscillation As A Function Of Phase Speed In Era-Interim Reanalysis And Miroc5 Model Data, Kaitlyn Krzyzaniak
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Many authors state that the phase speed of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is near 5ms–1, but observations suggest it varies considerably. MJO propagation typically sets off Rossby wave trains that interact with and alter this extratropical pattern; however, differences in the MJO phase speed could alter the Rossby wave response, leading to a unique response in the extratropics. An understanding of the mechanisms and extratropical responses to variable MJO phase speeds would provide innovative and invaluable insight for subseasonal forecasting.
The Upper-Level Turbulence, Static Stability And Tropopause Structure Of Tropical Cyclones,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
The Upper-Level Turbulence, Static Stability And Tropopause Structure Of Tropical Cyclones, Patrick Duran
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Upper-tropospheric thermodynamic processes can play an important role in tropical cyclone (TC) structure and evolution. Despite its importance, until recently few in-situ observations were available in the upper levels of TCs. Two recent field campaigns -- the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) and the Office of Naval Research Tropical Cyclone Intensity (TCI) experiment -- provided a wealth of high-altitude observations within TCs. These observations revealed that the upper-level static stability and tropopause structure of TCs can change dramatically with both space and time.
An Analysis Of The Linkages Between Large-Scale Flow Regime Transitions On The Spatiotemporal Distribution Of Clustered Extratropical Cyclone Events Over The Northern Hemisphere,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
An Analysis Of The Linkages Between Large-Scale Flow Regime Transitions On The Spatiotemporal Distribution Of Clustered Extratropical Cyclone Events Over The Northern Hemisphere, Eric Merton John Bunker
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
An Analysis of the Linkages Between Large-Scale Flow Regime Transitions on the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Clustered Extratropical Cyclone Events over the Northern Hemisphere
What Affects The Phase Speed Of Madden-Julian Oscillation Convection,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
What Affects The Phase Speed Of Madden-Julian Oscillation Convection, Robert Setzenfand
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the main source of convective and circulation variability on intraseasonal timescales and planetary spatial scales within the tropics. Although the phase speed of the MJO convective envelope is often stated as 5 m s–1, MJO events that occur over the Indo-Pacific warm pool can have a range of phase speeds. This study uses a wavelet to identify MJO convective events with specified phase speeds in a satellite-derived outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) dataset during boreal winter. The wavelet-filtered OLR index is then regressed against basic meteorological variables to extract information about MJO events or signals propagating …
Predictability Of African Easterly Waves In An Operational Ensemble Prediction System,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Predictability Of African Easterly Waves In An Operational Ensemble Prediction System, Travis J. Elless
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
African easterly waves (AEWs) are the primary synoptic-scale weather feature found in sub-Saharan Africa during boreal summer. Many studies have used observations and idealized models to highlight processes associated with the movement and growth of AEWs, yet there have been few studies documenting the performance of operational ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) for these phenomena. Here, the predictability of AEWs in ECMWF EPS forecasts is assessed during two periods of enhanced AEW activity (July--September 2007--2009 and 2011--2013). Specifically, AEW predictability is analyzed through three main areas of focus: 1) verifying AEW position and intensity forecasts, and assessing their relation to convective …
Projected Changes In Climate, Elevation-Dependent Warming, And Extreme Events Over Continental Ecuador For The Period 2041-2070,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Projected Changes In Climate, Elevation-Dependent Warming, And Extreme Events Over Continental Ecuador For The Period 2041-2070, Oscar Chimborazo
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The climate over Ecuador is complex due to several interacting factors, such as its location at the equator, the Andean topography, and several modes of internal variability, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), affecting the region. In addition, the rapid increase in greenhouse gas concentrations will continue to affect both the mean state and climate variability in Ecuador over the coming decades. Hence, a thorough understanding of both natural and anthropogenic forcings and how they combine to influence Ecuadorian climate is a necessity for decision-making and implementation of adequate adaptation measures. However, the lack of observational data, both in space …
Whole-Canopy Net Ecosystem Exchange And Water Use Efficiency In An Intermittent-Light Environment -- Dynamic Approach,
2018
University at Albany, State University of New York
Whole-Canopy Net Ecosystem Exchange And Water Use Efficiency In An Intermittent-Light Environment -- Dynamic Approach, Sergey Nikolayevich Kivalov
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
An observed 20-30% increase in forest net ecosystem exchange (NEE) on partly cloudy days is often attributed to there being more uniform canopy illumination by diffuse radiation when clouds are present. However, the sky on such days is typically populated by fair-weather cumulus clouds, bringing dynamically changing shadow-to-light conditions on the order of minutes to the forest, with radiation alternating from 1000 W m^-2 in the clear sky to less than 400 W m^-2 in under-cloud shadows. These dynamically changing conditions cannot be investigated by the conventional time-averaged eddy-covariance flux method, which requires nearly steady-state turbulent conditions over much longer …
Polar Ozone Depletion: Mario J. Molina,
2018
Parkland College
Polar Ozone Depletion: Mario J. Molina, Kirsten Oberg
Natural Sciences Student Research Presentations
This poster for the Natural Sciences Poster Session at Parkland College features the contribution of Mario J. Molina to the field of atmospheric chemistry, especially in regards to the formation and decomposition aspects of the ozone layer.
Groundwater Withdrawals Under Drought: Reconciling Grace
And Land Surface Models In The United States High Plains
Aquifer,
2018
Johns Hopkins University
Groundwater Withdrawals Under Drought: Reconciling Grace And Land Surface Models In The United States High Plains Aquifer, Wanshu Nie, Benjamin Zaitchik, Matthew Rodell, Sujay V. Kumar, Martha C. Anderson, Christopher Hain
United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Publications
Advanced Land Surface Models (LSM) offer a powerful tool for studying hydrological variability. Highly managed systems, however, present a challenge for these models, which typically have simplified or incomplete representations of human water use. Here we examine recent groundwater declines in the US High Plains Aquifer (HPA), a region that is heavily utilized for irrigation and that is also affected by episodic drought. To understand observed decline in groundwater and terrestrial water storage during a recent multiyear drought, we modify the Noah-MP LSM to include a groundwater irrigation scheme. To account for seasonal and interannual variability in active irrigated area, …
Evaluating Restored Tidal Freshwater Wetlands,
2018
University of Maryland, College Park
Evaluating Restored Tidal Freshwater Wetlands, Andrew H. Baldwin1,, Richard S. Hammerschlag, Donald R. Cahoon
United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications
Tidal freshwater wetlands are recognized as highly productive coastal wetlands that support diverse assemblages of plants and animals and complex biogeochemical cycles (in this book, see Chapter 18 by Whigham et al. and Chapter 19 by Megonigal and Neubauer). Many tidal freshwater wetlands and their associated ecosystem services have been damaged or destroyed by urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities (Baldwin, 2004; Barendregt et al., 2006). Increasing recognition of the value of remaining wetlands and environmental regulations requiring wetland mitigation (i.e., enhancement, creation, or restoration of wetlands to compensate for wetland losses; Kentula, 2000) has driven the restoration of all …
The Global Food-Energy-Water Nexus,
2018
University of California, Berkeley
The Global Food-Energy-Water Nexus, Paolo D’Odorico, Kyle Frankel Davis, Lorenzo Rosa, Joel A. Carr, Davide Chiarelli, Jampel Dell’Angelo, Jessica Gephart, Graham K. Macdonald, David A. Seekell, Samir Suweis, Maria Cristina Rulli
United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications
Water availability is a major factor constraining humanity’s ability to meet the future food and energy needs of a growing and increasingly affluent human population. Water plays an important role in the production of energy, including renewable energy sources and the extraction of unconventional fossil fuels that are expected to become important players in future energy security. The emergent competition for water between the food and energy systems is increasingly recognized in the concept of the “food-energy-water nexus.” The nexus between food and water is made even more complex by the globalization of agriculture and rapid growth in food trade, …
Is Sensitivity To Anticoagulant Rodenticides Affected By Repeated
Exposure In Hawks?,
2018
U.S. Geological Survey
Is Sensitivity To Anticoagulant Rodenticides Affected By Repeated Exposure In Hawks?, Barnett A. Rattner, Rebecca S. Lazarus, Thomas G. Bean, Katherine E. Horak,, Steven F. Volker, Julia Lankton
United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications
A seminal question in wildlife toxicology is whether exposure to an environmental contaminant, in particular a secondgeneration anticoagulant rodenticide, can evoke subtle long lasting effects on body condition, physiological function and survival. Many reports indicate that non-target predators often carry residues of several rodenticides, which is indicative of multiple exposures. An often-cited study in laboratory rats demonstrated that exposure to the second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide brodifacoum prolongs blood clotting time for a few days, but weeks later when rats were re-exposed to the first-generation anticoagulant rodenticide warfarin, coagulopathy was more pronounced in brodifacoum-treated rats than naïve rats exposed to warfarin. To …
Assessing The Feasibility Of Soil Infiltration Trenches
For Highway Runoff Control On The Island Of
Oahu, Hawaii,
2018
Czech Technical University, Prague
Assessing The Feasibility Of Soil Infiltration Trenches For Highway Runoff Control On The Island Of Oahu, Hawaii, Martina Sobotkova, Jaromir Dusek, Ghasem Alavi, Laxman Sharma, Chittaranjan Ray
Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications
The coastal waters of Hawaii are extremely important for recreation as well as for the health of the marine environment. Non-point source pollution from storm runoff poses a great threat to surface water quality in Hawaii. The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) includes infiltration trenches as a best management practice (BMP) option to reduce pollution caused by stormwater runoff. HDOT guidelines state that the implementation of BMPs is needed to reduce sediment and pollutant loads to streams and the ocean. In this study, the suitability of soils adjacent to highways on Oahu for the siting of infiltration trenches …
Biomass Burning In The Conterminous United States: A Comparison And Fusion Of Active Fire Observations From Polar-Orbiting And Geostationary Satellites For Emissions Estimation,
2018
South Dakota State University
Biomass Burning In The Conterminous United States: A Comparison And Fusion Of Active Fire Observations From Polar-Orbiting And Geostationary Satellites For Emissions Estimation, Fangjun Li
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Biomass burning is an important source of atmospheric greenhouse gases and aerosol emissions that significantly influence climate and air quality. Estimation of biomassburning emissions (BBE) has been limited to the conventional method in which parameters (i.e., burned area and fuel load) can be challenging to quantify accurately. Recent studies have demonstrated that the rate of biomass combustion is a linear function of fire radiative power (FRP), the instantaneous radiative energy released from actively burning fires, which provides a novel pathway to estimate BBE. To obtain accurate and timely BBE estimates for near real-time applications (i.e., air quality forecast), the satellite …
