Equatorial Zone Research Articles

Decline of anthropogenic lead in South Atlantic Ocean surface waters from 1990 to 2011: New constraints from concentration and isotope data

Anthropogenic emissions have severely perturbed the marine biogeochemical cycle of lead (Pb). Here, we present new Pb concentration and isotope data for surface seawater from GEOTRACES section GA02, sampled in the western South Atlantic in 2011. The South Atlantic is divided into three hydrographic zones: equatorial (0–20°S), subtropical (20–40°S), and subantarctic (40–60°S). The equatorial zone is dominated by previously deposited Pb transported by surface currents. The subtropical zone largely reflects anthropogenic Pb emissions from South America, whilst the subantarctic zone presents a mixture of South American anthropogenic Pb and natural Pb from Patagonian dust. The mean Pb concentration of 16.7 ± 3.8 pmol/kg is 34 % lower than in the 1990s, mostly driven by changes in the subtropical zone, with the fraction of natural Pb increasing from 24 % to 36 % between 1996 and 2011. Although anthropogenic Pb remains predominant, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness of policies that banned leaded gasoline.

Organization of planktonic Tintinnina assemblages in the Atlantic Ocean

Marine plankton have different biogeographical distribution patterns. However, it is not clear how the entire plankton assemblage is composed of these species with distinct biogeographical patterns. Tintinnina (tintinnids) is single-celled planktonic protozoa commonly used as model organisms in planktonic studies. In this research, we investigated the organization of Tintinnina assemblages along the Atlantic Meridional Transect (AMT) spanning over 90 degrees of latitude during the 29th AMT cruise (2019). Tintinnina with high frequency of occurrence was classified into four biogeographic distribution patterns (equatorial, gyre, frontal, and deep Chl a maximum) according to their vertical and horizontal distribution. All species falling within each distribution pattern formed a sub-assemblage. Equatorial sub-assemblage dominated in upper waters of the equatorial zone and gyre centres. Equatorial and frontal sub-assemblages co-dominated in upper waters of the frontal zones. Deep Chlorophyll a maximum Layer (DCM) sub-assemblage dominated in the DCM waters. Some Tintinnina species with high abundance could be used as indicator species of sub-assemblages. The Tintinnina assemblages in the northern and southern hemispheres exhibited asymmetry in terms of species composition. The latitudinal gradient of Tintinnina species richness was bimodal, which was shaped by the superposition of the species number of the four sub-assemblages with latitude. The result of this study contributes to the understanding of Tintinnina assemblage in the equatorial zone and subtropical gyres of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. It is also valuable for predicting the influence of global warming on changes in Tintinnina distribution and species richness.

Spatial variation in forest soil respiration: A systematic review of field observations at the global scale

As it is responsible for the second largest CO2 flux in the terrestrial ecosystem, the accurate estimation and prediction of soil respiration (SR) are necessary, especially for forest ecosystems, which are a major contributor to the total terrestrial SR. Spatial variation is one of the challenges affecting the accurate estimation and prediction of forest SR in ecosystems. Although a number of studies have examined spatial variation in SR within individual forests, the magnitude and patterns of spatial variation in SR within forest ecosystems (CV of SR [%]) remain unexplored at the global scale. In this study, we collected 94 field observation studies to demonstrate the range and pattern of the CV of SR, and to clarify the controlling factors. Through our analysis, the CV of SR was found to range from 1.8 % to 89.3 % on the global scale; it was highest in the equatorial zone (39.0 % ± 13.8 %) and followed by the warm temperate zone (32.6 ± 14.5 %) and the snow zone (30.0 % ± 16.3 %). There was a significant negative correlation between the CV of SR and soil water content, bulk density, fine root biomass, and elevation at both the global scale and in each climatic zone (P < 0.01). Other factors such as total nitrogen content, mean of diameter at breast height, slope, etc., were also significantly correlated with the CV of SR, but the correlation was different among climatic zones. This study provides an overall perspective of the CV of SR by clarifying the range, patterns, and controlling factors at both the global scale and in each climatic zone. However, further research is needed, especially regarding the mechanisms between the CV of SR and its controlling factors.

Metal Fractionation and Leaching in Soils from a Gold Mining Area in the Equatorial Rainforest Zone

In this article, a modified BCR procedure and a column leaching test were used to examine the bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals in soils collected from a gold mining area in Ghana. The results for the fractionation of Cd, Cr, Fe, and Mn indicated that high percentages of metals were found in the residual fraction. This implies that the concentrations of metals in the soil are stable under normal environmental conditions. The bioavailability of metals in the soils declined in the following order: Mn (92.4%) &gt; Cd (64.6%) &gt; Cr (46.4%) &gt; Fe (39%). However, the concentrations of labile metals may pose no risk to the environment. In the column test, different rainwater conditions (i.e., natural rainwater and acidified rainwater) were used to imitate the leaching potential of the metals in the actual field. The pH of the soil primarily controlled metal migration into deeper layers. Cumulative metal concentrations in the leachates showed that Fe, Mn, and Cd were high in the tested soils but present at low concentrations, except for Cd. Cadmium showed a higher concentration than the WHO guideline for drinking water, and its seepage into deeper layers may affect the quality of groundwater.

Southern hemisphere monsoonal system during superinterglacial stages: MIS5e, MIS11c and MIS31

The current study investigates changes in Austral Summer Monsoon based on numerical experiments conducted with the coupled ICTP-CGCM model. The interannual variability and intensity of the monsoonal system have been analyzed from vorticity indices and air-sea interaction in Africa, Australia and South America. We focus on interglacial stages MIS5e (127 ka), MIS11c (409 ka) and MIS31 (1072 ka). Results show orbitally-driven decreased summer precipitation and slightly shifted monsoon onset and demise with respect to present day conditions. Sensitivity experiments indicate that monsoons are forced not only by the dominant effect of insolation, but also by remote teleconnections, such as the equatorial Atlantic and Pacific ocean basins. During those interglacial stages, cooling occurs in the Southern Hemisphere whereas Northern Hemisphere substantially warms. This induces meridional displacement of oceanic subtropical high pressure systems and the equatorial convergence zone. Regionally, these mechanisms contribute to droughts over the Amazon and northeastern Brazil, northern Australia and southern Africa. Monsoonal rainfall shows different responses to precessional forcing, as well as the relationship between the monsoon and Niño 3.4 differs among the interglacial stages. Results also indicate a weaker influence of the equatorial Pacific Ocean on the Austral summer monsoon for the MIS31 interglacial stage as compared to current climate conditions across Africa and Australia. On the other hand, South America monsoon is strongly influenced by Niño 3.4 and tropical Atlantic.

Assessment of CMIP6 Multi-Model Projections Worldwide: Which Regions Are Getting Warmer and Are Going through a Drought in Africa and Morocco? What Changes from CMIP5 to CMIP6?

Although climate change is an inherently global issue, its impacts will not be felt equally across Earth’s pressure belts and continental-scale regions. This study seeks to examine which areas are becoming warmer and experiencing drought, with a particular focus on Africa, in light of its low historical emissions but poor economic capacity for mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and Morocco, whose conditional goal, which will be achieved with foreign assistance, is rated as “almost sufficient” but is not yet in compliance with the Paris Agreement’s goal. We also explore the consistency and sources of uncertainty in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models and analyze what changes from CMIP5—whose projections are based on the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)—to Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs)-based scenarios for CMIP6. We find that strong forcing, with no additional climate policies, is projected to raise the mean annual temperature over Morocco for the long-term period by 6.25 °C. All CMIP6 models agree that warming (resp. drought) will be greater over land masses and poles (resp. tropical and coastal regions) than over oceans and equatorial regions (resp. high latitudes, equatorial, and monsoon zones), but less so on the intensity of changes.

Spectroscopy of the interaction of cosmic plasma flows with the Earth's atmospheric aerosols

The article deals with questions about the interaction of solar plasma flows with atmospheric gas containing CDP molecules and particles. Modeling and calculations of existing electric currents and their structure were carried out. Conclusions are drawn about the effect on the structure of the current both from the side of the atmosphere and from cosmic streams of different composition. The equation of motion of a plasma with a condensed dispersed phase (CDP) in the Earth's ionosphere is considered. Conclusions are drawn about the effect of CDP on the thermal balance of plasma. It has been found that in rarefied layers of the ionosphere, plasma flows mixed with CDP are subjected to significant additional heating from CDP particles, and the lower ones serve as a heat-removing agent. Attention is drawn to the most important aspects of the results obtained in the context of their impact on the operation of power supply networks during strong solar flares. Taking into account the nature of the explosive processes that form the plasma flows from which the electric current is formed, the fluctuations of the currents inside the magnetic tubes are determined. The possible influence of these factors on the operation of the power grid line in the mountains, around the polar and equatorial zones is also considered. Such influence depends on the amplitude fluctuations of the physical parameters of the medium that forms the atmospheric currents.

Extreme Rainfall Forecast and Flood Prediction in Equatorial Zone of West Africa: Port Harcourt, Nigeria in Focus

Purpose: Rainfall is the most important element of climate in the tropics, it dictate human outdoor activities, recharge underground water and streams, dictate agricultural calendar and many cultural activities. More recently the incidence of extreme rainfall leading to urban flood in the city of Port Harcourt is increasingly becoming a looming disaster. Despite the importance of rainfall in the tropic, the fact that it varies significantly is worrisome to both scholars and the stakeholders. This study focused on extreme rainfall forecast and flood prediction in equatorial zone of West Africa especially in a humid tropic environment like Port Harcourt.&#x0D; Methodology: Statistical Time Series Model performed very well in rainfall forecast, but did better in flood prediction. Secondary data extracted from Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Oshodi, Lagos form 100/3 of the agency record servers as main source of data for this work. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used, among which are mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation; Pearson product moment correlation and structural time series model.&#x0D; Findings: The study discovered that rainfall distribution has reduced over the years, besides the dry spell in the month of August has deduced gradually but steadily over the years. It also shown that flood cannot occur in the first 6 months of the year. Rainfall distribution varies significantly over the climatic period.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a significant variation in rainfall distribution over Port Harcourt. August dry spell is steadily disappearing, giving raise to excessive run-off that triggers flood during late September to October. Flood will likely occur whenever the forecasted rainfall exceeds the generated level output during the seasonal peak. Structural Time Series Model performed well in flood prediction than in rainfall forecast.&#x0D; Recommendations: Extreme RF forecast by the authorities should be taken serious by inhabitants and warning be given and adhered to by residences. Also, structural time series model should be used for long time forecast since it performed very well, but this should be done with large data.

Evaluation of the implications of pesticide usage in agriculture on earthworms in the mono-modal equatorial agro-ecological zone of Cameroon

Evaluation of the implications of pesticide usage in agriculture on earthworms in the mono-modal equatorial agro-ecological zone of Cameroon

Validation and Analysis of MAIAC AOD Aerosol Products in East Asia from 2011 to 2020

East Asia is one of the most important sources of aerosols in the world. The distribution of aerosols varies across time and space. Accurate aerosol data is crucial to identify its spatiotemporal dynamics; thus, it is of great significance to obtain and verify new aerosol data for this region. Based on the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) program for 17 stations from 2011 to 2020, this study comprehensively verified the accuracy and applicability of the Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) AOD 1 km products among different seasons, elevations, and climate zones over entire East Asia. The results showed that: (1) The overall accuracy of MAIAC AOD was high in East Asia, and the accuracy of Terra was slightly better than that of Aqua. MAIAC AOD showed significant heterogeneity among sites. MAIAC AOD performed well in areas with high vegetation cover and flat terrain, while the inversion accuracy was relatively low in areas with low vegetation cover and high terrain. (2) In general, MAIAC AOD and AERONET AOD showed good agreement in different seasons, presenting as winter &gt; spring &gt; autumn &gt; summer. Yet the accuracy and consistency of Terra AOD product were better than Aqua product. (3) MAIAC AOD showed different accuracy at different elevations and climate zones. It had a high correlation and best inversion accuracy with AERONET AOD at low and medium elevations. MAIAC AOD had better inversion accuracy in the arid and warm temperate zones than that in the equatorial and cold temperate zones. (4) AOD distribution and its trend showed significant spatial differences in East Asia. The high AOD values were dominant in the Sichuan basin and the eastern plains of China, as well as in India and Bangladesh, while the relatively low AOD values were distributed in southwestern China and the areas north of 40°N. AOD in most parts of East Asia showed a negative trend, indicating a great improvement in air quality in these regions.

Detecting the Greatest Changes in Global Satellite-Based Precipitation Observations

In recent years, the analysis of abrupt and non-abrupt changes in precipitation has received much attention due to the importance of climate change-related issues (e.g., extreme climate events). In this study, we used a novel segmentation algorithm, DBEST (Detecting Breakpoints and Estimating Segments in Trend), to analyze the greatest changes in precipitation using a monthly pixel-based satellite precipitation dataset (TRMM 3B43) at three different scales: (i) global, (ii) continental, and (iii) climate zone, during the 1998–2019 period. We found significant breakpoints, 14.1%, both in the form of abrupt and non-abrupt changes, in the global scale precipitation at the 0.05 significance level. Most of the abrupt changes were observed near the Equator in the Pacific Ocean and Asian continent, relative to the rest of the globe. Most detected breakpoints occurred during the 1998–1999 and 2009–2011 periods on the global scale. The average precipitation change for the detected breakpoint was ±100 mm, with some regions reaching ±3000 mm. For instance, most portions of northern Africa and Asia experienced major changes of approximately +100 mm. In contrast, most of the South Pacific and South Atlantic Ocean experienced changes of −100 mm during the studied period. Our findings indicated that the larger areas of Africa (23.9%), Asia (22.9%), and Australia (15.4%) experienced significant precipitation breakpoints compared to North America (11.6%), South America (9.3%), Europe (8.3%), and Oceania (9.6%). Furthermore, we found that the majority of detected significant breakpoints occurred in the arid (31.6%) and polar (24.1%) climate zones, while the least significant breakpoints were found for snow-covered (11.5%), equatorial (7.5%), and warm temperate (7.7%) climate zones. Positive breakpoints’ temporal coverage in the arid (54.0%) and equatorial (51.9%) climates were more than those in other climates zones. Here, the findings indicated that large areas of Africa and Asia experienced significant changes in precipitation (−250 to +250 mm). Compared to the average state (trend during a specific period), the greatest changes in precipitation were more abrupt and unpredictable, which might impose a severe threat to the ecology, environment, and natural resources.

Common-envelope shaping of planetary nebulae – IV. From protoplanetary to planetary nebula

ABSTRACT We present 2D hydrodynamical simulations of the transition of a protoplanetary nebula (PPN) to a planetary nebula for central stars in binary systems that have undergone a common-envelope event. After 1000 yr of magnetically driven dynamics (PPN phase), a line-driven stellar wind is introduced into the computational domain and the expansion of the nebula is simulated for another 10 000 yr, including the effects of stellar photoionization. In this study we consider central stars with main sequence (final) masses of 1 (0.569) and 2.5 (0.677) M⊙, together with a 0.6-M⊙ main-sequence companion. Extremely bipolar, narrow-waisted PPNe result in bipolar planetary nebulae, while the rest of the shapes mainly evolve into elliptical planetary nebulae. The initial magnetic field’s effects on the collimated structures, such as jets, tend to disappear in most of the cases, leaving behind the remnants of those features in only a few cases. Equatorial zones fragmented mainly by photoionization (1-M⊙progenitors), result in ‘necklace’ structures made of cometary clumps aligned with the radiation field. On the other hand, fragmentation by photoionization and shocked wind (2.5-M⊙progenitors) give rise to the formation of multiple clumps in the latitudinal direction, which remain within the lobes, close to the center, which are immersed and surrounded by hot shocked gas, not necessarily aligned with the radiation field. These results reveal that the fragmentation process has a dependence on the stellar-mass progenitor. This fragmentation is made possible by the distribution of gas in the previous post-common-envelope PPN as sculpted by the action of the jets.

ОЦЕНКА ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ СТРАТОСФЕРНОГО АЭРОЗОЛЯ НА РАДИАЦИОННЫЙ БАЛАНС СТРАТОСФЕРЫ ПО ДАННЫМ ОПТИЧЕСКОГО БАЛЛОННОГО ЗОНДА ОБРАТНОГО РАССЕЯНИЯ И РАДИАЦИОННОГО МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ

A method for evaluating stratospheric aerosol effects on the stratospheric radiation budget according to balloon sounding with an optical aerosol backscatter probe is presented. It is shown for the sounding in the equatorial zone under conditions of perturbed aerosol filling of the stratosphere that observed changes in the composition of stratospheric aerosol lead to significant changes (2-3-fold) in radiative heating. The evaluation technique is based on using the radiative (line-by-line and Monte Carlo) model of solar radiation transfer and can be especially useful in case of episodical perturbations of the stratospheric aerosol layer resulting from anthropogenic and natural disasters accompanied by aerosol emissions.

Investigating temporal changes in Jupiter’s aerosol structure with rotationally-averaged 2015–2020 HST WFC3 images

Annual imaging observations of Jupiter from 2015 onward by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) as part of the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program (Simon et al., 2015) have provided a valuable data set from which Jupiter’s temporal variability can be characterized and modeled. Spectral samples at discrete filter bands from the UV to short near-IR wavelengths also provide an opportunity to connect temporal changes in reflectivity with temporal changes in cloud structure. To improve constraints on that cloud structure we used center-to-limb variations that were noise-reduced by rotational averaging during each annual OPAL observation sequence. Fitting observations at multiple and distinctly different observer zenith angles helps to make up for the lack of multiple methane-band filters in discerning the vertical distribution of aerosols. The short-wavelength limit of the OPAL observations also provides better constraints than ground-based observation on the properties of Jupiter’s chromophore, i.e., the compound that creates Jupiter’s variety of red colorations to clouds and hazes composed mainly of colorless condensates. We chose four latitudes to investigate with radiative transfer models based on a simple 3-layer aerosol structure consisting of a deep putative NH3 cloud layer, with a physically thin chromophore layer that has a fitted location at or near the top of the deep cloud, and an overlying stratospheric haze layer. Our chosen planetocentric latitudes were 5.5°S (Equatorial Zone South,EZS), 0° (Equatorial Zone, EZ), 10°N (North Equatorial Belt, NEB), and 21.75°N (North Temperate Belt, NTB). Two major color transformations occurred during the 2015–2020 period we analyzed. One is a dramatic dimming of the center of the Equatorial Zone at short wavelengths, especially after 2017, and a significant reddening of that region. The second is a significant reddening of part of the North Temperate Belt (near 22°N) between 2016 and 2017. Both reddening events can be modeled by doubling of the optical depth of the chromophore layer during the transitions. Comparison with prior 2017 model results for the NEB, EZ, and NTB have revealed agreement with Braude et al. (2020) on the vertical location of the chromophore layer but disagreements on cloud-top pressures and the vertical distribution of stratospheric haze particles. We identified what seems to be common tendency of models based on HST/WFC3 observations to either infer very little stratospheric haze opacity or to put that opacity at too high a pressure.

Favourable Response to Chemotherapy in Ora-Located Intraocular Retinoblastoma Grade B, C, and D: A Case Series

Background: We aim to analyze which tumor location gives more favorable chemotherapy response in intraocular retinoblastoma grade B, C, and D as well as to report the first case series in Indonesia. Methods: Six boys with age ranging from 10 weeks to 47 months old were recruited into the study from April 2019 to January 2020 at National Eye Centre, Cicendo Eye Hospital, and Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Retinoblastoma (RB) patients underwent examination under anesthesia (EUA). Tumor size and location were evaluated by using RetCam pre and post 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The tumors were classified according to the International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification. Results: There were two patients with unilateral RB and four patients with bilateral RB. All patients had leukocoria and sought medical advice within 12 months of onset. There were one tumor in the macular zone, six tumors in the equatorial zone, and two tumors in the ora zone. Two cycles of intravenous vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin (VEC) were administered and the tumor diameter was re-evaluated afterwards. The tumor size was decreased following 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Ora zone showed a more favorable chemotherapy response.

The impact of climate change on the distribution of Sphyrna lewini in the tropical eastern Pacific

Variability and climate change due to anthropic influence have brought about alterations to marine ecosystems, that, in turn, have affected the physiology and metabolism of ectotherm species, such as the common hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini). However, the impact that climate variability may have on this species’ distribution, particularly in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, which is considered an area with great marine biodiversity, is unknown. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of derivate impact of climate change on the oceanographic distribution of the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, contrasting the present and future scenarios for 2050. The methodology used was an ecological niche model based on the KUENM R package software that uses the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). The modelling was made for the year 2050 under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios. A total of 952 models were made, out of which only one met the statistical parameters established as optimal, for future scenarios. The environmental suitability for S.lewini shows that this species would migrate to the south in the Chilean Pacific, associated with a possible warming that the equatorial zone will have and the possible cooling that the subtropical zone of the South Pacific will have by 2050, the product of changes in oceanographic dynamics.

Functional yeast starter cultures for cocoa fermentation.

SummaryThe quest to develop a performant starter culture mixture to be applied in cocoa fermentation processes started in the 20th century, aiming at achieving high‐quality, reproducible chocolates with improved organoleptic properties. Since then, different yeasts have been proposed as candidate starter cultures, as this microbial group plays a key role during fermentation of the cocoa pulp‐bean mass. Yeast starter culture‐initiated fermentation trials have been performed worldwide through the equatorial zone and the effects of yeast inoculation have been analysed as a function of the cocoa variety (Forastero, Trinitario and hybrids) and fermentation method (farm‐, small‐ and micro‐scale) through the application of physicochemical, microbiological and chemical techniques. A thorough screening of candidate yeast starter culture strains is sometimes done to obtain the best performing strains to steer the cocoa fermentation process and/or to enhance specific features, such as pectinolysis, ethanol production, citrate assimilation and flavour production. Besides their effects during cocoa fermentation, a significant influence of the starter culture mixture applied is often found on the cocoa liquors and/or chocolates produced thereof. Thus, starter culture‐initiated cocoa fermentation processes constitute a suitable strategy to elaborate improved flavourful chocolate products.

On disturbances of the geostrophic flow influenced by volume sources of buoyancy and momentum

As is well known, flows in a free atmosphere outside a narrow equatorial zone are characterized by a geostrophic regime. For several applications, it is of interest to estimate the disturbances of the geostrophic wind caused by the action of sources of heat and/or momentum. One possible example is associated with manifestations of internal gravitational waves. A linear analytical model of the geostrophic flow disturbances of a stratified rotating medium caused by the action of stationary sources of momentum and/or buoyancy is considered. The model makes it possible to estimate explicitly the amplitudes of such disturbances depending on the parameters of the sources and the characteristics of the medium.

Deglacial restructuring of the Eastern equatorial Pacific oxygen minimum zone

Oxygenation in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific is responsive to ongoing climate change in the modern ocean, although whether the region saw a deglacial change in extent or position of the Oxygen Minimum Zone remains poorly constrained. Here, stable isotopes from the shells of an Oxygen Minimum Zone-dwelling planktic foraminifer are used to reassess the position of the mid-water Oxygen Minimum Zone relative to both the thermocline and benthos. Oxygen isotopes record a rapid shoaling of the Oxygen Minimum Zone towards the thermocline associated with Heinrich Stadial 1 and persisting through the deglaciation. Meanwhile, carbon isotope similarities between Oxygen Minimum Zone-dwelling Globorotaloides hexagonus and benthic Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi suggest a shared source water through the deglaciation. Results support a direct role for the Eastern Equatorial Pacific in venting carbon to the atmosphere through the deglaciation, a deglacial expansion of the Oxygen Minimum Zone, and a restructuring of mid-water oxygen and carbon dynamics from the glacial to Holocene intervals.

Lunar Observatory for monitoring the radiation balance of the Earth and climate

Continuous uniform high-precision data on the Earth's radiation balance over many decades and hundreds of years are essential for reliable research and prediction of climate change. This necessarily requires the use of long-term fixed, stable space platforms at a sufficient distance from Earth. However, measurements by all low-orbit and geostationary satellites cannot provide high-precision identifications of the radiation balance, since they observe its limited areas. Two identical especial optical robotic telescopes, of which the Lunar Observatory (LO) consists of, are a single system of sequentially functioning in the automatic mode of Earth observations. Telescopes will be installed along the equatorial zone at opposite edges of the Moon, 80.9±0.1° distant from its visible center. LO provides measurements of the variations in the magnitude of the specific power reflected by the planet into the space of the total solar irradiance in the spectral range Δλ=0.2–4 μm and outgoing intrinsic thermal radiation of the Earth in the ranges Δλ=4–50 μm and the atmospheric transparency window Δλ=8–13 μm. The system of two telescopes, replacing each other, will sequentially survey the entire Earth's surface continuously for more than 94% of the time of a lunar day only at lunar night time. LO will make it possible to determine the parameters of the average annual values of total energies departing from the Earth into space with an error of the order of 0.1%, which is almost an order of magnitude more accurate than the errors in the measurement of these parameters by instruments of any orbital spacecraft. Monitoring of energy variations in the range Δλ=8–13 μm will make it possible to control and determine the relative contribution of the variation in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to climate change.