Use of satellite data in a diagnostic parameterization of convective heating

Heating estimates derived from a diagnostic technique using observed rainfall and GOES IR digital imagery were completed and evaluated for accuracy. A sensitivity analysis was done to examine assumptions regarding shape of the normalized mass flux profile, cloud precipitation efficiency, and existence of convective scale downdrafts. The results, which were derived using what are felt to be bounding limits of the assumptions, indicate that the heating estimates are reliable for use in diagnostic available potential energy (APE) budgets. Comparison to heating estimates derived as residuals in the thermodynamic equation show the level of maximum heating (near 300 mb) to be the same on a time averaged basis. Heating estimates were used to study the response of the large scale environment to the cumulus scale thermodynamic forcing. An analysis of the thermally forced component of vertical motion through the omega equation showed that a significant fraction of the total grid scale upward motion results from the heating provided by the condensation and vertical eddy heat transport in the convective cells

Determination of rainfall and condensational heating in the South Pacific convergence zone during FGGE SOP-1

The role of cloud related diabatic processes in maintaining the structure of the South Pacific Convergence Zone is discussed. The method chosen to evaluate the condensational heating is a diagnostic cumulus mass flux technique which uses GOES digital IR data to characterize the cloud population. This method requires as input an estimate of time/area mean rainfall rate over the area in question. Since direct observation of rainfall in the South Pacific is not feasible, a technique using GOES IR data is being developed to estimate rainfall amounts for a 2.5 degree grid at 12h intervals

Metadata quality : implications for library and information science professionals

Purpose - In contrast with recent studies noting the necessity of library and information science (LIS) skills in digital library and repository projects, this study aims to examine the impact of metadata quality requirements on how LIS professionals apply their skills outside a library setting. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the concept of metadata quality and examines the implications of this for LIS professionals by reviewing the differences between the context of the library community and other relevant communities of practice. Findings - The paper argues that, although much needed, LIS skills require contextualisation before application outside library settings. Research limitations/implications - Many of the new opportunities for and settings of LIS skills are immature - consequently this analysis may date as the context of these settings mature. Current trends, however, suggest that it will not. Practical implications - Training in LIS skills should take account of how they might apply differently outside libraries. Librarians co-operating with colleagues outside the library should appreciate the potential metadata 'compromises' they might have to make and why they are necessary. Originality/value - The paper provides food for thought on the increasing number of LIS professionals working outside library settings

Digital preservation in the Tertiary education sector : management implications

This paper assesses the future of long-term curation and preservation of digital assets with particular reference to Further Education (FE) in the UK. Reviews current requirements of digital preservation and the efforts underway to support them. Drawing on other recent work and the author's experience in a recent development project it subsequently comments on these efforts in the context of FE. Argues that the long-term curation and preservation of digital assets produced by further education colleges should not be the responsibility of those colleges

Empirical Survey of Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Matrix Elements

Neutrinoless double beta decay has been the subject of intensive theoretical work as it represents the only practical approach to discovering whether neutrinos are Majorana particles or not, and whether lepton number is a conserved quantum number. Available calculations of matrix elements and phase-space factors are reviewed from the perspective of a future large-scale experimental search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Somewhat unexpectedly, a uniform inverse correlation between phase space and the square of the nuclear matrix element emerges. As a consequence, no isotope is either favored or disfavored; all have qualitatively the same decay rate per unit mass for any given value of the Majorana mass.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

PUBLIC AFFAIRS EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN ALABAMA

Community/Rural/Urban Development,