probing the atmosphere with high power, high resolution radars

Observations of radar echoes from the clear atmosphere are presented and the scattering mechanisms responsible for the two basic types of clear-air echoes are discussed. The commonly observed dot echo originates from a point in space and usually shows little variation in echo intensity over periods of about 0.1 second. The second type of clear-air radar echo appears diffuse in space, and signal intensities vary considerably over periods of less than 0.1 second. The echoes often occur in thin horizontal layers or as boundaries of convective activity; these are characterized by sharp gradients of refractive index. Some features of clear-air atmospheric structures as observed with radar are presented. These structures include thin stable inversions, convective thermals, Benard convection cells, breaking gravity waves, and high tropospheric layers which are sufficiently turbulent to affect aircraft

Englacial Pore Water Localizes Shear in Temperate Ice Stream Margins

The margins of fast‐moving ice streams are characterized by steep velocity gradients. Some of these gradients cannot be explained by a temperature‐dependent viscosity alone. Laboratory data suggest that water in the ice‐grain matrix decreases the ice viscosity; we propose that this causes the strong localization of shear in temperate ice stream margins. However, the magnitude of weakening and its consequences for ice stream dynamics are poorly understood. Here we investigate how the coupling between temperate ice properties, ice mechanics, and drainage of melt water from the ice stream margin alters the dynamics of ice streams. We consider the steady‐state ice flow, temperature, water content, and subglacial water drainage in an ice stream cross section. Temperate ice dynamics are modeled as a two‐phase flow, with gravity‐driven water transport in the pores of a viscously compacting and deforming ice matrix. We find that the dependence of ice viscosity on meltwater content focuses the temperate ice region and steepens the velocity gradients in the ice stream margin. It provides a possible explanation for the steep velocity gradients observed in some ice stream shear margins. This localizes heat dissipation there, which in turn increases the amount of meltwater delivered to the ice stream bed. This process is controlled by the permeability of the temperate ice and the sensitivity of ice viscosity to meltwater content, both of which are poorly constrained properties

Implications of the Visible and X-Ray Counterparts to GRB970228

The gamma-ray burst source GRB970228 has been observed after a delay of 8--12 hours in X-rays and after one day in visible and near infrared light. This marks the first detection of emission at lower frequencies following the gamma-ray observation of a GRB and the first detection of any visible counterpart to a GRB. We consider possible delayed visible and X-ray emission mechanisms, and conclude that the intrinsic gamma-ray activity continued at a much reduced intensity for at least a day. There are hints of such continued activity in other GRB, and future observations can decide if this is true of GRB in general. The observed multi-band spectrum of GRB970228 agrees with the predictions of relativistic shock theory when the flux is integrated over a time longer than that required for a radiating electron to lose its energy.Comment: 5 pp., tex, 1 figur

Magmatic intrusions control Io's crustal thickness

Io, the most volcanically active body in the solar system, loses heat through eruptions of hot lava. Heat is supplied by tidal heating and is thought to be transferred through the mantle by magmatic segregation, a mode of transport that sets it apart from convecting terrestrial planets. We present a model that couples magmatic transport of tidal heat to the volcanic system in the crust, in order to determine the controls on crustal thickness, magmatic intrusions, and eruption rates. We demonstrate that magmatic intrusions are a key component of Io's crustal heat balance; around 80% of the magma delivered to the base of the crust must be emplaced and frozen as plutons to match rough estimates of crustal thickness. As magma ascends from a partially molten mantle into the crust, a decompacting boundary layer forms, which can explain inferred observations of a high-melt-fraction region.Comment: Accepted to JGR:Planets. 24 pages inc appendices and references. 7 figure

Additional extensions to the NASCAP computer code, volume 1

Extensions and revisions to a computer code that comprehensively analyzes problems of spacecraft charging (NASCAP) are documented. Using a fully three dimensional approach, it can accurately predict spacecraft potentials under a variety of conditions. Among the extensions are a multiple electron/ion gun test tank capability, and the ability to model anisotropic and time dependent space environments. Also documented are a greatly extended MATCHG program and the preliminary version of NASCAP/LEO. The interactive MATCHG code was developed into an extremely powerful tool for the study of material-environment interactions. The NASCAP/LEO, a three dimensional code to study current collection under conditions of high voltages and short Debye lengths, was distributed for preliminary testing

Additional extensions to the NASCAP computer code, volume 2

Particular attention is given to comparison of the actural response of the SCATHA (Spacecraft Charging AT High Altitudes) P78-2 satellite with theoretical (NASCAP) predictions. Extensive comparisons for a variety of environmental conditions confirm the validity of the NASCAP model. A summary of the capabilities and range of validity of NASCAP is presented, with extensive reference to previously published applications. It is shown that NASCAP is capable of providing quantitatively accurate results when the object and environment are adequately represented and fall within the range of conditions for which NASCAP was intended. Three dimensional electric field affects play an important role in determining the potential of dielectric surfaces and electrically isolated conducting surfaces, particularly in the presence of artificially imposed high voltages. A theory for such phenomena is presented and applied to the active control experiments carried out in SCATHA, as well as other space and laboratory experiments. Finally, some preliminary work toward modeling large spacecraft in polar Earth orbit is presented. An initial physical model is presented including charge emission. A simple code based upon the model is described along with code test results

Test and evaluate passive orbital disconnect struts (PODS 3)

The objectives of the Passive Orbital Disconnect Struts (PODS) test are to evaluate modal resonance of the PODS-III supports to obtain engineering data required for use of PODS-III on flight systems; determine possible performance improvements in large LO2/LH2 space applications. (1) Modal Vibration Tests. A modal resonance survey is performed on a set of six PODS-III struts assembled in a dewar simulator. The survey conditions simulate both launch and orbital loadings of the struts. The orbital load range spans a full to an empty tank. The frequencies surveyed cover the range consistent with Shuttle qualification requirements and the principal resonant modes of the strut system. (2) Benefit study. The benefit of using PODS-III supports on OTV and Space Station LO sub 2 and LH sub 2 reference tanks was compared to nondisconnect supports. Four LO sub 2 and LH sub 2 tanks were studied under various conditions: (1) holding the launch resonance at 35 Hz and varying the orbit resonance; (2) analyzing both full and emtpy tanks at launch; (3) varying orbit boundary temperaure; (4) varying the number of struts; (5) varying orbit times; and (6) using or not using vapor cooling