
NSF Org: |
AGS Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences |
Recipient: |
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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: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE CAMBRIDGE MA US 02139-4301 (617)253-1000 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA US 02139-4301 |
Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): | Climate & Large-Scale Dynamics |
Primary Program Source: |
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Program Reference Code(s): |
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Program Element Code(s): |
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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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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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