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PSC Characteristics from Satellite Observations and SimulationsPOAM solar occultation observations from 1994 to present are studied for the purpose of determining Type I PSC formation characteristics and winter-long evolution. This study examines PSC observations from many years on a common basis to see if characteristics can be identified. The results show that Type Ia PSCs form at the beginning of the winter, within several days of the first drop in temperature below T_NAT, and peak early in the winter. Type Ia PSCs typically out number Ib PSCs over the winter, especially at the beginning of the winter. Type Ia and Ib PSC observations continue throughout the winter. Micro-physical models of PSC formation must match these observed characteristics. Some models predict that temperatures must be more than 5 K below T_NAT for five days before significant freezing can occur. This is not seen in the POAM observations. Differences in PSC characteristics between the first two Arctic winters (1994-1995 and 1995-1996) and later winters also suggest the influence of volcanic perturbations on PSC formation. Type Ia and Ib PSC Characteristics observed by POAM III and SAGE III for the 2002-2003 Arctic winter are compared.
Document ID
20040086906
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Strawa, A. W.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Drdla, K.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Bokarius, K.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Fromm, M.
(Computational Physics, Inc. Fairfax, VA, United States)
Alfred, J.
(Computational Physics, Inc. Fairfax, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: Solar Oculation Satellite Science Team Meeting
Country: United States
Start Date: June 14, 2004
End Date: June 17, 2004
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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