Wave-like Features Research Articles

Resolution analysis of magnetically arrested disc simulations

ABSTRACT Polarization measurements by the Event Horizon Telescope from M87* and Sgr A* suggest that there is a dynamically strong, ordered magnetic field, typical of what is expected of a magnetically arrested accretion disc (MAD). In such discs, the strong poloidal magnetic field can suppress the accretion flow and cause episodic flux eruptions. Recent work shows that general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) MAD simulations feature dynamics of turbulence and mixing instabilities that are becoming resolved at higher resolutions. We perform a convergence study of MAD states exceeding the status quo by an order of magnitude in resolution. We use existing 3D simulations performed with the H-AMR code, up to a resolution of 5376 × 2304 × 2304 in a logarithmic spherical-polar grid. We find consistent time-averaged disc properties across all resolutions. However, higher resolutions reveal signs of inward angular momentum transport attributed to turbulent convection, particularly evident when mixing instabilities occur at the surfaces of flux tubes during flux eruptions. Additionally, we see wave-like features in the jet sheath, which become more prominent at higher resolutions, that may induce mixing between the jet and disc. At higher resolutions, we observe the sheath to be thinner, resulting in increased temperature, reduced magnetization, and greater variability. Those differences could affect the dissipation of energy, which would eventually result in distinct observable radiative emission from high-resolution simulations. With higher resolutions, we can delve into crucial questions about horizon-scale physics and its impact on the dynamics and emission properties of larger-scale jets.

Electric Field-Modulated Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Quantity Calibration and Mass Tracking.

Analyses conducted by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) typically entail performing a number of preparatory steps, which include quantity calibration and mass calibration. Quantity calibration can be affected by signal noise, while mass calibration can be affected by instrumental drift if analyses are performed over an extended period of time. Here, we present two methods for achieving these calibrations using modulation of electrospray plume by alternating electric fields and demodulating the resulting MS ion currents. For this purpose, we use an ESI source fitted with three ring electrodes between the electrospray emitter and the mass spectrometer's inlet. One of these electrodes is supplied with a sine electric signal. Optionally, a nanoESI emitter is also placed between the ring electrodes and the mass spectrometer's orifice to supply calibrant ions. The ion currents, recorded with this setup, present wave-like features. In the first variant, using a triple quadrupole mass analyzer, the ion currents are subjected to data treatment by fast Fourier transform (FFT), and the resulting FFT magnitudes are correlated with analyte concentrations to produce a calibration plot. In the second variant, using a quadrupole time-of-flight mass analyzer, the mass spectra recorded at the analyte ion current maxima are mass-checked using the m/z value of the internal standard (injected via nanoESI emitter), which appears predominantly in the time intervals corresponding to the analyte ion current minima. The setup has been characterized using simulation software and optimized. Overall, the method enables the preparation of quantity calibration plots and monitoring (minor) m/z drifts during prolonged analyses.

Atmospheric Gravity Wave and Instability Observations From the International Space Station Using the Near InfraRed Airglow Camera (NIRAC)

AbstractThe Near Infrared Airglow Camera (NIRAC) is an imager that was deployed to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2019. NIRAC's bandpass (1.5–1.72 microns) and field of view (∼23° × 23°) are ideal for observations of the bright OH Meinel airglow emission. NIRAC utilizes a 4‐megapixel Teledyne H2RG detector, a custom‐designed rectilinear lens, and a newly developed motion compensation system to obtain a spatial pixel‐resolution of about 83 m (66 m) at the ground (airglow layer). This design allows smear‐free, high (>50) signal to noise (S/N) imaging (of the ground or airglow layer) over the whole detector during multi‐second image acquisition times, even though the ISS is moving >7 km/s. NIRAC nominally acquires imagery at an ∼7.5 s cadence resulting in image sequences with significant overlap. These can be analyzed for wavelike features (gravity waves and instabilities) at 85 km using the relative displacement of these features as viewed from the two different viewing angles. This technique removes tropospheric cloud backgrounds and Earth background surface features that otherwise make identification of wavelike difficult in this band, an issue with remote sensing satellite instruments. Examples of imagery are presented that show how this technique can distinguish wavelike features that originate at ∼85 km from surface and tropospheric cloud features. This limited data set shows that complex wavelike dynamics are seen in the airglow directly over weather fronts. Because these regions are often cloudy and remote these dynamics have not been well‐studied.

Ionosonde and GPS total electron content observations during the 26 December 2019 annular solar eclipse over Indonesia

Abstract. We report the investigation of the ionospheric response to the passage of an annular solar eclipse over Southeast Asia on 26 December 2019 using multiple sets of observations. Two ionosondes (one at Kototabang and another at Pontianak) were used to measure dynamical changes in the ionospheric layer during the event. A network of ground-based GPS receiver stations in Indonesia was used to derive the distribution of total electron content (TEC) over the region. In addition, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images of the Sun from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite were also analyzed to determine possible impacts of solar-active regions on the changes that occurred in the ionosphere during the eclipse. We found −1.62 and −1.90 MHz reductions (24.0 % and 27.5 % relative reduction) in foF2 during the solar eclipse over Kototabang and Pontianak, respectively. The respective TEC reductions over Kototabang and Pontianak during the eclipse were −4.34 and −5.45 TECU (24.9 % and 27.9 % relative reduction). Data from both ionosondes indicate a consistent 34–36 min delay between maximum eclipse and minimum foF2. The corresponding time delays for eclipse-related TEC reduction at these two locations were 40 and 16 min, respectively. The ionospheric F layer was found to descend with a speed of 9–19 m s−1 during the first half of the eclipse period. We also found an apparent rise in the ionospheric F-layer height near the end of the solar eclipse period, equivalent to a vertical drift velocity of 44–47 m s−1. The GPS TEC data mapping along a set of cross-sectional cuts indicates that the greatest TEC reduction actually occurred to the north of the solar-eclipse path, opposite of the direction from which the lunar shadow fell. As the central path of the solar eclipse was located just to the north of the southern equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest, it is suspected that such a peculiar TEC reduction pattern was caused by plasma flow associated with the equatorial fountain effect. Net perturbations of TEC were also computed and analyzed, which revealed the presence of some wavelike fluctuations associated with the solar-eclipse event. Some of the observed TEC perturbation patterns that propagated with a velocity matching the lunar shadow may be explained in terms of nonuniform EUV illumination that arose as various active regions on the Sun went obstructed and unobstructed during the eclipse. The remaining wavelike features are likely to be traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) generated by the passage of the solar eclipse on top of other diurnal factors.

Complex-order fractional diffusion in reaction-diffusion systems

Fractional differential equations have become a fundamental modelling approach for understanding and simulating the many aspects of non-locality and spatial heterogeneity of complex materials and systems. Yet, while real-order fractional operators are nowadays widely adopted, little progress has been made in extending such operators to complex-order counterparts. In this work, we introduce new definitions for the complex-order fractional Laplacian, fully consistent with the theory of averaging of smooth functions over fractal sets, and present tailored spectral methods for their numerical treatment. The proposed complex-order operators exhibit a dual particle-wave behaviour, with solutions manifesting wave-like features depending on the magnitude of the imaginary part of the fractional order. Reaction–diffusion systems driven by the complex-order fractional Laplacian exhibit unique spatio-temporal dynamics, such as equilibrium of diffusion in random materials by interference of scattered waves, conduction block and highly fractionated propagation, or the generation of completely novel Turing patterns. Taken together, our results support that the proposed complex-order operators hold unparalleled capabilities to advance the description of multiscale transport phenomena in physical and biological processes highly influenced by the heterogeneity of complex media.

The role of Rossby waves in polar weather and climate

Abstract. Recent Arctic warming has fuelled interest in the weather and climate of the polar regions and how this interacts with lower latitudes. Several interesting theories of polar-midlatitude linkages involve Rossby wave propagation as a key process even though the meridional gradient in planetary vorticity, crucial for these waves, is weak at high latitudes. Here we review some basic theory and suggest that Rossby waves can indeed explain some features of polar variability, especially when relative vorticity gradients are present. We suggest that large-scale polar flow can be conceptualised as a mix of geostrophic turbulence and Rossby wave propagation, as in the midlatitudes, but with the balance tipped further in favour of turbulent flow. Hence, isolated vortices often dominate but some wavelike features remain. As an example, quasi-stationary or weakly westward-propagating subpolar anomalies emerge from statistical analysis of observed data, and these are consistent with some role for wave propagation. The noted persistence of polar cyclones and anticyclones is attributed in part to the weakened effects of wave dispersion, the mechanism responsible for the decay of midlatitude anomalies in downstream development. We also suggest that the vortex-dominated nature of polar dynamics encourages the emergence of annular mode structures in principal component analyses of extratropical circulation. Finally, we consider how Rossby waves may be triggered from high latitudes. The linear mechanisms known to balance localised heating at lower latitudes are shown to be less efficient in the polar regions. Instead, we suggest the direct response to sea ice loss often manifests as a heat low, with radiative cooling balancing the heating. If the relative vorticity gradient is favourable this does have the potential to trigger a Rossby wave response, although this will often be weak compared to waves forced from lower latitudes.

Investigation on the fluctuation characteristics and its influence on impact force of supercritical carbon dioxide jet

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) jet-assisted drilling is considered a promising technology in unconventional natural gas drilling engineering. The flow field characteristics of the supercritical CO2 jet are the critical factors that affect the erosion performance of the jet. The relation between the flow fluctuation characteristics and the jet is required further investigation to enhance its erosion performance. In this study, the fluctuation features of a supercritical CO2 jet were simulated based on a modified real gas model. Subsequently, impact force tests were conducted using an I-Scan flexible array pressure sensor to obtain peak pressures at different standoff distances. The results indicated that the flow field structure of the supercritical CO2 jet exhibits typical compressible wave-like features, which can be accurately determined by the expansion ratio. The expansion ratio was mainly affected by the inlet pressure, inlet temperature, and ambient pressure. The static pressure, temperature, and velocity distributions of a free jet could be significantly influenced by the fluctuation characteristics. Among them, the static pressure and temperature trend decrease in the expansion waves and increase in the compression waves, while the velocity shows a contrary variation trend. When the jet was under-expansion, the lengths of the wave node and jet potential core increased with increasing inlet pressure and decreased with increasing inlet temperature and ambient pressure. Moreover, the fluctuation characteristics of the flow field significantly affected the peak impact force of the supercritical CO2 jet. The peak impact force at the compression wave positions tended to be higher than that at the adjacent expansion wave positions. The maximum pressure difference of jet impact was 7.39 MPa in this study, which occurred when the standoff distance was 23.0 and 17.3 mm and accounts for 18.6% of the impact pressure at 23.0 mm. A plate shock wave was observed ahead of the target when the standoff distance was larger than 23.0 mm, which accounted for the abrupt decrease in pressure at the stagnation region.

River Dune Dynamics During Low Flows

AbstractRiver dunes are wavelike features in sandy riverbeds that move slowly in a downstream direction. These bedforms are shaped by the interaction between flowing water and sand grains at the riverbed. Understanding river dune dynamics is essential to determine sediment transport and optimize river maintenance. Earlier research mainly focused on river dune dynamics during high flows; therefore, low‐flow dune dynamics are hardly understood. In this study, we analyzed dune dynamics in a unique data set of 10 years of biweekly bed elevation profiles of the Rhine River, focusing on low‐flow conditions. Here, we show that dunes migrate and become lower and longer during low flows, while current literature states that dunes should become shorter. This dune migration and lengthening at low flows is a new finding and is linked to diffusive dune migration processes that become more relevant when sediment transport is just above incipient motion.

Effect of 21 June 2020 solar eclipse on the ionosphere using VLF and GPS observations and modeling

A solar eclipse event provides a great opportunity to examine the behavioral concept of the ionospheric electron density (N e ) variability in the low latitude region. The current work presents our outcomes from the simultaneous assessment of Tweeks (radio atmospherics) and radio signals (fixed frequency of the transmitter's signal) from multifarious VLF transmitters observed at Varanasi (Geog. Lat. 25.27 0 N, Geog. Long. 82.98 0 E, Geomag. Lat. 14 0 55′N). To find the presence of disturbances in the ionosphere Global Positioning System (GPS) data at Hyderabad (geog. lat. 17 0 20 / N, long. 78 0 30 / E) and Bangalore (geog. lat. 12 0 58 / N, long. 77 0 33 / E) is also analyzed during the period of the solar eclipse on 21 June 2020. As the Sun was eclipsed, the nighttime phenomenon of ‘Tweeks' was also observed in the daytime through the annular solar eclipse due to nighttime conditions as the solar disc was dusked. Tweek analysis shows the variation in the ionospheric reflection heights (∼8–11 km) and electron density (∼3–2 cm −3 ) in the D-region during the eclipse. The reflection height of the D-region ionosphere increases from ∼84 km and goes to ∼95 km and then decreases to ∼87 km. Electron concentration (electron density) decreased throughout the eclipse from 24 cm −3 to 21 cm −3 and then increases to 23 cm −3 . Eclipse-imposed modifications in VLF transmitter’s (HWU and NWC) signals displays an average change (decrease) of 2.8 dB and 0.8 dB in the signal strength of 18.3 kHz (HWU) and 19.8 kHz (NWC) transmitters respectively and a rise in virtual reference height (H′) and sharpness factor (β), as compared with normal days. The de-trended value of total electron content (DTEC) variations at both stations clearly shows the presence of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) having wave-like features. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis shows that periodicity at both the station lies in two regimes one belongs to a period between 20 and 50 min and the other belongs to 50–90 min indicating such oscillation observed in the ionosphere are induced by atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) generated during the period of the solar eclipse.

Is Flare Ribbon Fine Structure Related to Tearing in the Flare Current Sheet?

Abstract Observations of solar flare ribbons show significant fine structure in the form of breaking wavelike perturbations and spirals. The origin of this structure is not well understood, but one possibility is that it is related to the tearing instability in the flare current sheet. Here we study this connection by constructing an analytical 3D magnetic field representative of an erupting flux rope with a flare current sheet below it. We introduce small-scale flux ropes representative of those formed during a tearing instability in the current layer, and use the squashing factor on the solar surface to identify the shape of the presumed flare ribbons and fine structure. Our analysis suggests there is a direct link between flare ribbon fine structure and flare current sheet tearing, with the majority of the ribbon fine structure related to oblique tearing modes. Depending upon the size, location, and twist of the small-scale flux ropes, breaking wavelike and spiral features within the hooks and straight sections of the flare ribbon can be formed that are qualitatively similar to observations. We also show that the handedness of the spirals/waves must be the same as the handedness of the hooks of the main ribbon. We conclude that tearing in the flare current layer is a likely explanation for spirals and wavelike features in flare ribbons.

Geometrical properties of the interaction between oblique incoming coronal waves and coronal holes

Observations of coronal waves (CWs) interacting with coronal holes (CHs) show the formation of typical wave-like features, such as reflected, refracted and transmitted waves (collectively, secondary waves). In accordance with these observations, numerical evidence for the wave characteristics of CWs is given by simulations, which demonstrate effects of deflection and reflection when a CW interacts with regions exhibiting a sudden density drop, such as CHs. However, secondary waves are usually weak in their signal and simulations are limited in the way the according idealisations have to be chosen. Hence, several properties of the secondary waves during a CW–CH interaction are unclear or ambiguous and might lead to misinterpretations. In this study we follow a theoretical approach and focus in particular on the geometrical properties of secondary waves caused by the interaction between oblique incoming CWs and CHs. Based on a linear theory, we derive analytical expressions for reflection and transmission coefficients, which tell us how strongly the amplitudes of the secondary waves increase and decrease with respect to the incoming wave, respectively. Additionally, we provide analytical terms for crucial incidence angles that are capable of giving information about the energy flux, the phase and the reflection properties of the secondary waves. These novel expressions provide a supplementary tool for estimating CW properties in a fast and straightforward way, and therefore might have relevant consequences for a possible new interpretation of previously studied CW–CH interaction events and may help in the clarification of ambiguous observational data.

Simulation of interannual relationship between the Atlantic zonal mode and Indian summer monsoon in CFSv2

Recent studies have shown that the Atlantic zonal mode (AZM) can significantly influence the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). In an earlier study, we proposed that AZM influence propagates in tropospheric temperature as Kelvin wave-like features to the east to reach the Indian Ocean and influences the monsoon by modulating the mid-tropospheric land-sea thermal gradient and thereby the seasonal mean flow. The changes thus induced in the mean flow were shown to affect the monsoon depressions in the Bay of Bengal and rainfall over India. In the present study, we use the Coupled Forecast System version 2, which is utilized for seasonal prediction of ISM in India, to examine how well the model simulates this AZM-monsoon link. In the sensitivity experiment, a warm AZM SST anomaly is added over the tropical Atlantic in the boreal summer and the ISM response is studied. We find that the model simulates the important aspects of the AZM-monsoon link. The model also simulates a known dynamics-based mechanism wherein a warm AZM SST anomaly produces a Matsuno-Gill type response, which in turn induces a sinking motion over India causing a reduction in rainfall. However, some finer details of these mechanisms are not simulated due to mean state biases in the tropical Atlantic in the model, a problem common to many coupled models. Our study highlights the need for the improvement of mean state of model in the tropical Atlantic to better capture the AZM-ISM relationship which will ultimately improve the monsoon forecasts issued using this model.

Squall Line Response to Coastal Mid-Atlantic Thermodynamic Heterogeneities

AbstractIdealized 3D numerical simulations are used to quantify the impact of moving marine atmospheric boundary layers (MABLs) on squall lines in an environment representative of the U.S. mid-Atlantic coastal plain. Characteristics of the MABL, including depth and potential temperature, are varied. Squall lines are most intense while moving over the deepest MABLs, while the storm encountering no MABL is the weakest. Storm intensity is only sensitive to MABL temperature when the MABL is sufficiently deep. Collisions between the storm cold pools and MABLs transition storm lift from surface-based cold pools to wavelike features, with the resulting ascent mechanism dependent on MABL density, not depth. Bores form when the MABL is denser than the cold pool and hybrid cold pool–bores form when the densities are similar. While these features support storms over the MABL, the type of lifting mechanism does not control storm intensity alone. Storm intensity depends on the amplification and maintenance of these features, which is determined by the ambient conditions. Isolated convective cells form ahead of squall lines prior to the cold pool–MABL collision, resulting in a rain peak and the eventual discrete propagation of the storms. Cells form as storm-generated high-frequency gravity waves interact with gravity waves generated by the moving marine layers, in the presence of reduced stability by the squall line itself. No cells form in the presence of the storm or the MABL alone.

3D anatomy and flow dynamics of net-depositional cyclic steps on the world\u2019s largest submarine fan: a joint 3D seismic and numerical approach

Supercritical flows are ubiquitous in natural environments; however, there is rare 3D anatomy of their deposits. This study uses high-quality 3D seismic datasets from the world’s largest submarine fan, Bengal Fan, to interpret 3D architectures and flow processes of Pliocene undulating bedforms that were related to supercritical flows. Bengal undulating bedforms as documented in this study were developed in unconfined settings, and are seismically imaged as strike-elongated, crescentic bedforms in plan view and as rhythmically undulating, upstream migrating, erosive, discontinuous reflections in section view. Their lee sides are overall 3 to 4 times steeper (0.28° to 1.19° in slope) and 3 to 4 times shorter (117 to 419 m in length) than their stoss flanks and were ascribed to faster (high flow velocities of 2.70 to 3.98 m/s) supercritical flows (Froude numbers of 1.53 to 2.27). Their stoss sides, in contrast, are overall 3 to 4 times gentler (0.12° to 0.27° in slope) and 3 to 4 times longer (410 to 1139 m in length) than their lee flanks and were related to slower (low velocities of 2.35 to 3.05 m/s) subcritical flows (Froude numbers of 0.58 to 0.97). Bengal wave-like features were, thus, created by supercritical-to-subcritical flow transformations through internal hydraulic jumps (i.e., cyclic steps). They have crests that are positive relative to the surrounding region of the seafloor, suggesting the predominant deposition of draping sediments associated with net-depositional cyclic steps. Turbidity currents forming Bengal wave-like features were, thus, dominated by deposition, resulting in net-depositional cyclic steps. Sandy deposits associated with Bengal net-depositional cyclic steps are imaged themselves as closely spaced, strike-elongated high RMS-attribute patches, thereby showing closely spaced, long and linear, strike-elongated distribution patterns.

Spatial Variations of Phytoplankton Biomass Controlled by River Plume Dynamics Over the Lower Changjiang Estuary and Adjacent Shelf Based on High-Resolution Observations

Phytoplankton biomass in estuarine and continental shelf regions are regulated and modified by physical processes, but these interactions have mostly been investigated at a scale of tens of kilometers, and the role of meso- to sub-mesoscale dynamical processes of freshwater plumes in regulating the spatial and temporal variations of algal biomass is largely unknown. To assess the importance of features at these scales, high-resolution (horizontal spacing smaller than 1 km) cross-sectional profiles of hydrographic and biogeochemical variables were collected in the lower Changjiang Estuary and adjacent continental shelf with a towed, undulating vehicle equipped with sensors measuring fluorescence, turbidity and irradiance. Discrete stations were also occupied to allow for the characterization of nutrients. Multiple physical features at different scales regulated the spatial variation of phytoplankton biomass. Phytoplankton biomass was initialized by an improved irradiance field driven by reduced turbidity together with a rapid development of subsurface stratification at the main plume front (isohaline of 23) downstream from the turbidity maximum zone. Phytoplankton blooms did not occur until outcrops located within the main front that were characterized by surface convergence and downwelling, which contributed to large algal biomass by mass trapping and enhanced light penetration. Wave-like features were detected seaward of the main front, coinciding with deacceleration of currents, indicating that they are front-released internal waves that increase algal retention time. This study revealed the critical role of small-scale processes near the plume front in triggering phytoplankton blooms under the large-scale context of improved light conditions, coastal upwelling and nutrient additions from intruding oceanic waters.

Topography-Mediated Fibroblast Cell Migration Is Influenced by Direction, Wavelength, and Amplitude.

Biophysical stimuli including topography play a crucial role in the regulation of cell morphology, adhesion, migration, and cytoskeleton organization and have been known to be important in biomaterials design for tissue engineering. However, little is known about the individual effects of topographic direction, structure repetition, and feature size of the substrate on which wound healing occurs. We report on the design of a topographical gradient with wavelike features that gradually change in wavelength and amplitude, which provides an efficient platform for an in vitro wound healing assay to investigate fibroblast migration. The wound coverage rate was measured on selected areas with wavelength sizes of 2, 5, and 8 μm in perpendicular and parallel orientations. Furthermore, a method was developed to produce independently controlled wavelength and amplitude and study which parameter has greater influence. Cell movement was guided by topographical properties, with a lower wrinkle wavelength (2 μm) eliciting the fastest migration speed, and the migration speed increased with decreasing amplitude. However, when the amplitudes were matched, cells migrated faster on a larger wavelength. This study also highlights the sensitivity of fibroblasts to the topographic orientation, with cells moving faster in the parallel direction of the topography. The overall behavior indicated that the wavelength and amplitude both play an important role in directing cell migration. The collective cell migration was found not to be influenced by altered cell proliferation. These findings provide key insights into topography-triggered cell migration and indicate the necessity for better understanding of material-directed wound healing for designing bio-inductive biomaterials.

Wave Disturbances and Their Role in the Maintenance, Structure, and Evolution of a Mesoscale Convection System

AbstractThis study investigates a nocturnal mesoscale convective system (MCS) observed during the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) field campaign. A series of wavelike features were observed ahead of this MCS with extensive convective initiation (CI) taking place in the wake of one of these disturbances. Simulations with the WRF-ARW Model were utilized to understand the dynamics of these disturbances and their impact on the MCS. In these simulations, an “elevated bore” formed within an inversion layer aloft in response to the layer being lifted by air flowing up and over the cold pool. As the bore propagated ahead of the MCS, the lifting created an environment more conducive to deep convection allowing the MCS to discretely propagate due to CI in the bore’s wake. The Scorer parameter was somewhat favorable for trapping of this wave energy, although aspects of the environment evolved to be consistent with the expectations for an n = 2 mode deep tropospheric gravity wave. A bore within an inversion layer aloft is reminiscent of disturbances predicted by two-layer hydraulic theory, contrasting with recent studies that suggest bores are frequently initiated by the interaction between the flow within stable nocturnal boundary layer and convectively generated cold pools. Idealized simulations that expand upon this two-layer approach with orography and a well-mixed layer below the inversion suggest that elevated bores provide a possible mechanism for daytime squall lines to remove the capping inversion often found over the Great Plains, particularly in synoptically disturbed environments where vertical shear could create a favorable trapping of wave energy.

First Star-Forming Structures in Fuzzy Cosmic Filaments.

In hierarchical models of structure formation, the first galaxies form in low-mass dark matter potential wells, probing the behavior of dark matter on kiloparsec scales. Even though these objects are below the detection threshold of current telescopes, future missions will open an observational window into this emergent world. In this Letter, we investigate how the first galaxies are assembled in a "fuzzy" dark matter (FDM) cosmology where dark matter is an ultralight ∼10^{-22} eV boson and the primordial stars are expected to form along dense dark matter filaments. Using a first-of-its-kind cosmological hydrodynamical simulation, we explore the interplay between baryonic physics and unique wavelike features inherent to FDM. In our simulation, the dark matter filaments show coherent interference patterns on the boson de Broglie scale and develop cylindrical solitonlike cores, which are unstable under gravity and collapse into kiloparsec-scale spherical solitons. Features of the dark matter distribution are largely unaffected by the baryonic feedback. On the contrary, the distributions of gas and stars, which do form along the entire filament, exhibit central cores imprinted by dark matter-a smoking gun signature of FDM.

Corrugated Features in Coronal-mass-ejection-driven Shocks: A Discussion on the Predisposition to Particle Acceleration

The study of the acceleration of particles is an essential element of research in the heliospheric science. Here, we discuss the predisposition to the particle acceleration around coronal mass ejections (CMEs)-driven shocks with corrugated wave-like features. We adopt these attributes on shocks formed from disturbances due to the bimodal solar wind, CME deflection, irregular CME expansion, and the ubiquitous fluctuations in the solar corona. In order to understand the role of a wavy shock in particle acceleration, we define three initial smooth shock morphologies each one associated with a fast CME. Using polar Gaussian profiles we model these shocks in the low corona. We establish the corrugated appearance on smooth shock by using combinations of wave-like functions that represent the disturbances from medium and CME piston. For both shock types, smooth and corrugated, we calculate the shock normal angles between the shock normal and the radial upstream coronal magnetic field in order to classify the quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular regions. We consider that corrugated shocks are predisposed to different process of particle acceleration due to irregular distributions of shock normal angles around of the shock. We suggest that disturbances due to CME irregular expansion may be a decisive factor in origin of particle acceleration. Finally, we regard that accepting these features on shocks may be the start point for investigating some questions in the sheath and shock, like downstream-jets, instabilities, shock thermalization, shock stability, and injection particle process.

Comparison of Eight Detection Algorithms for the Quantification and Characterization of Mesoscale Eddies in the South China Sea

AbstractNumerous oceanic mesoscale eddies occur in the South China Sea (SCS). The present study employs eight automatic eddy detection algorithms to identify these mesoscale eddies and compares the results. Eddy probabilities and areas detected by various algorithms differ substantially. Most regions of the SCS with a high discrepancy of eddy probabilities are those with few mesoscale eddies, except for the area west of the Luzon Strait, the area west of Luzon Island between 12° and 17°N, and the southernmost end of the SCS basin. They are primarily caused by strong interference, noncircular eddy shapes, and gentle sea level anomaly (SLA) gradients, respectively. The SLA, winding angle, and hybrid methods can easily detect the mesoscale eddies with wavelike features. The Okubo–Weiss (OW) and the spatially smoothed OW methods better identify grouping phenomena of mesoscale eddies in the SCS. Suggestions are presented on choosing suitable algorithms for studying mesoscale eddies in the SCS. No single algorithm is perfect for all research purposes. For different studies, the most suitable algorithm is different.