ALBERT

Notes: We explore the application of a pseudo-spectral Fourier method to a set of reaction-diffusion equations and compare it with a second-order finite difference method. The prototype cubic autocatalytic reaction-diffusion model as discussed by Gray and Scott [Chem. Eng. Sci. 42, 307 (1987)] with a nonequilibrium constraint is adopted. In a spatial resolution study we find that the phase speeds of one-dimensional finite amplitude waves converge more rapidly for the spectral method than for the finite difference method. Furthermore, in two dimensions the symmetry preserving properties of the spectral method are shown to be superior to those of the finite difference method. In studies of plane/axisymmetric nonlinear waves a symmetry breaking linear instability is shown to occur and is one possible route for the formation of patterns from infinitesimal perturbations to finite amplitude waves in this set of reaction-diffusion equations. © 1996 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: An automated pressure control system is described. The components consist of a reversible, geared, ac motor, a gate valve, a Granville–Phillips Stabil-ion pressure gauge with set-points and an electronics switching unit. The reversible motor is attached to the adjustment shaft of the gate valve and the system is operated in conjunction with a diffusion pump. The orifice of the gate valve is varied so that the chamber pressure is maintained between two selected set-points fixed on the control unit of the Stabil-ion pressure gauge. The system is used to control the operating pressure in a chemical vapor deposition process. It has been found to work satisfactorily for both gas and liquid phase precursor materials. The simplicity of the system together with its low cost allows for its use in a variety of low-pressure processes. © 1998 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: Abstract Methane spectral features in the visible to near-IR region are prominent in the spectra of the outer planets but laboratory data for the appropriate methane conditions are required to interpret the observational data. By use of the intracavity laser spectroscopy technique, a moderately high resolution (≥500,000) absorption spectrum of the 727 nm band of methane at 77 K is obtained. The methane absorption bands in the visible to near-IR region are very weak, but intracavity laser spectroscopy provides sufficient sensitivity to perform the measurements and to extract quantitative data for methane at low temperatures. Absorption coefficients are determined and are reported as averages at one Å intervals throughout the region 7127–7420 Å. By integrating over the band, an intensity of 753 cm−1 km−1 am−1 is obtained. The results compare well with previous low resolution measurements on methane at room temperature, with gas phase results calculated using the absorption spectrum of liquid methane, and with absorption coefficients derived from methane features observed in the spectra of the outer planets and Titan.

Notes: Abstract The economic value of long-range weather prediction is measured by the increase in social welfare arising from the use of the prediction in economic decisionmaking. This paper describes a study of the economic value of ENSO prediction to U.S. agriculture. The interdisciplinary study involved the analysis of data and models from meteorology, plant science, and economics under a framework based on Bayesian decision analysis. The estimated annual value of perfect ENSO prediction to U.S. agriculture is $323 million.

Notes: Abstract Historical daily thermal and precipitation data from selected stations across the United States are composited into climate scenarios for the three phases of ENSO: Warm Events (El Niño), Cold Events (El Viejo or La Niña), and Neutral. Using these scenarios, yields of 7 field crops were simulated using the EPIC biophysical model during the one-year period coincident with maximum SST anomalies in the equatorial Pacific. The response of simulated agricultural productivity to the ENSO-related climate-variability parameters, is presented. A sensitivity calculation confirms the relevance of precipitation totals/medians and suggests ENSO-related yields are sensitive to changes in statistical properties characterizing precipitation distribution and occurrence. Results are spatially dependent, with the southwest and northern plains regions indicating the highest sensitivity to the inclusion of additional precipitation characteristics. The southeast yields are not as sensitive. The yield deviations (expressed as normalized differences to neutral yields) associated with the two extreme ENSO phases (Warm Events and Cold Events) are spatially and crop dependent with ranges up to ±120%. The largest yield deviations are in the south, southwest, and northern plains. Overall, Cold Events demonstrate larger impacts in the southern regions and Warm Events have a larger impact in the north. Additionally, the notion that climate anomalies associated with Cold and Warm Events and subsequent impacts on yields should be of opposite sign (i.e., linear) is not valid in many regions. For the eastern half of the U.S., modeled yield deviations under Warm Event conditions are nearly all less than neutral. Conversely, in the western half, results are more mixed. Under Cold Event conditions, yields in the east are enhanced in the south, but worsened in the north; while in the western half, yields have decreased in general. The results highlight the critical role of climate and production-related data on station or county levels in quantifying the impact of ENSO climate anomalies on yields. Both the diverse nature of the ENSO-related yield deviations as well as their sensitivity to monthly frequency distribution and occurrence characteristics imply that ENSO-related seasonal precipitation forecasts might be beneficial for agricultural application only if details were provided regarding not only totals, but also predicted changes in temporal and spatial variability of a more comprehensive suite of characteristics.

Notes: Abstract Seasonal variation in the tropical Pacific is studied by use of climatological monthly mean data of upper layer thickness of a linear reduced-gravity model with realistic basin geometry. Complex empirical orthogonal function (CEOF) analysis is applied to the data on a closed circuit which consists of the equator, eastern boundary, 7° latitude, and western boundary. The first and second CEOF represent the annual and semiannual variations, respectively. At the equator, absolute maximum anomalies associated with the first CEOF can be found near 160°W in spring and fall. Westward propagation of the annual variation is remarkable west of 130°W. However, similar westward propagation cannot be detected in either the eastern or western part of the equator. Maximum anomalies at 7° and the equator can be found in similar longitude and time. These maxima at both latitudes originate from the annual variation of Ekman pumping associated with the meridional movement of wind fields. We also decomposed the model results into Kelvin and Rossby modes. The Kelvin mode is characterized by seminnual variation, while first and third-mode Rossby waves have annual variations. In the present results, first and third-mode Rossby waves do not appear to be a trigger for Kelvin waves.