Award Abstract # 1148594
Improved Understanding of Moist Atmospheric Circulations Through an Effective Static Stability Framework

NSF Org: AGS
Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Recipient: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Initial Amendment Date: February 1, 2012
Latest Amendment Date: February 1, 2012
Award Number: 1148594
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Eric DeWeaver
edeweave@nsf.gov
 (703)292-8527
AGS
 Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: February 15, 2012
End Date: January 31, 2017 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $323,043.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $323,043.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2012 = $323,043.00
History of Investigator:
  • Paul O'Gorman (Principal Investigator)
    pog@mit.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE
CAMBRIDGE
MA  US  02139-4301
(617)253-1000
Sponsor Congressional District: 07
Primary Place of Performance: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge
MA  US  02139-4301
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
07
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): E2NYLCDML6V1
Parent UEI: E2NYLCDML6V1
NSF Program(s): Climate & Large-Scale Dynamics
Primary Program Source: 01001213DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 0000, OTHR
Program Element Code(s): 574000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

This project explores the validity and implications of an effective stability parameter that takes into account the effect of latent heat release on large-scale eddy circulations in the atmosphere. The static stability of the atmosphere is a key factor which influences many aspects of atmospheric circulation, including the size and propagation speed of various kinds of atmospheric wave motions including the baroclinic waves associated with frontal systems, the horizontal size required for atmospheric circulation patterns to be strongly influenced by the Coriolis force, and the strength of the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Furthermore, much of our understanding of the dynamics of the atmosphere is built on dry theories that do not take water vapor and latent heat release into account. Thus the effective stability parameter, developed by the PI in previous research, could potentially allow the dynamical theories developed for dry atmospheres to be applied to the real-world moist atmosphere. The research will examine the application of the effective stability parameter to a variety of topics, including the response of atmospheric circulation to global warming (for example, the expansion of the dry subtropical belts), and the transition of extratropical thermal stratification from control by eddies to control by moist convection alone.

In addition to its intellectual merit, the work has broader impacts through the development of a better understanding of the atmospheric response to climate change. Model simulations and recent observations show circulation changes associated with a warming climate which could have an impact on regional climate and water balance, and the work performed here could improve our ability to understand and anticipate these impacts. In addition, the project will support and train a graduate student, thereby developing the scientific workforce in this area. Undergraduate students will also be involved in the research through the MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

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Booth, J. F., Polvani, L. M., O'Gorman, P. A., & Wang, S. "Effective stability in a moist baroclinic wave" Atmospheric Science Letters , 2014 10.1002/asl2.520
Byrne, M. P. & O'Gorman, P. A. "Land-ocean warming contrast over a wide range of climates: convective quasi-equilibrium theory and idealized simulations" Journal of Climate , v.26 , 2013 , p.4000 10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00262.1
Dwyer, J. G. & O'Gorman, P. A. "Moist formulations of the Eliassen-Palm flux and their connection to the surface westerlies" Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences , v.74 , 2017 , p.513 10.1175/JAS-D-16-0111.1
O'Gorman, P. A. & Singh, M. S. "Vertical structure of warming consistent with an upward shift in the middle and upper troposphere" Geophysical Research Letters , v.40 , 2013 , p.1838 10.1002/grl.50328
Pfalh, S., O'Gorman, P. A. & Singh, M. S. "Midlatitude cyclones in idealized simulations of changed climates" Journal of Climate , v.28 , 2015 , p.9373 10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00816.1
Singh, M. S. & O'Gorman, P. A. "Influence of entrainment on the thermal stratification in simulations of radiative-convective equilibrium" Geophysical Research Letters , v.40 , 2013 , p.4398 10.1002/grl.50796
Singh, M.S.; O'Gorman, P.A. "Upward Shift of the Atmospheric General Circulation under Global Warming: Theory and Simulations" Journal of Climate , v.25 , 2012 , p.8259
Stansifer, E. M., O'Gorman, P. A. & Holt, J. I. "Accurate computation of moist available potential energy with the Munkres algorithm" Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society , v.143 , 2017 , p.288 10.1002/qj.2921

PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT

Disclaimer

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.

The overall aim of the project was to improve understanding of the effect of moisture on the circulation and thermal structure of the atmosphere. This was accomplished by studying and applying a parameter, the effective static stability, that accounts for the effect of latent heating from phase changes of water. 

The effective static stability was applied to better understand the role of moisture in the growth rate of extratropical cyclones, the latitude of the surface westerlies, and the greater warming observed over land compared to over ocean. The controls on the effective static stability itself were also investigated. This lead to improved understanding of changes in vertical temperature profiles in the tropics, where mixing between clouds and their environment was found to be key, and globally through the concept of an upward shift of atmospheric properties with warming. The effective static stability depends on the asymmetry between the speed of updrafts versus downdrafts, and this asymmetry was investigated for the midlatitudes

The results of the project allow for a better understanding of the effect of climate change on the atmospheric circulation and thermal structure, particularly as the amount of moisture in the atmosphere increases in a warming climate. The principal investigator engaged with science teachers regarding the atmosphere and climate. The project involved training of graduate students and a postdoctoral scholar.  

 

 

 


Last Modified: 04/18/2017
Modified by: Paul A O'gorman

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