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AGU journal highlights -- 23 June 2006

Researchers studied particle flow inside coronal streamers to understand space weather hazards. Turbulence within an oceanic mixed layer was found to inhibit sedimentation of planktonic particles. Zonal currents in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean were observed to flip direction, affecting water transport and zonal mass balance.

New NSF aircraft to probe hazardous atmospheric whirlwinds

The HIAPER aircraft will fly over treacherous whirlwinds, known as rotors, in the California Sierra Nevada range. Scientists will study the rotors' structure and evolution to improve forecasters' ability to predict when and where they occur.

A high-speed camera records turbulence

A research team led by Professor Eberhard Bodenschatz has experimentally tested two theories on how particles separate in strong turbulence. The results, which agree with George Batchelor's predictions but not the Richardson-Obukhov law, suggest that particles move more slowly away from each other than previously assumed.

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Earth's turbulence stirs things up slower than expected

Scientists measured how tiny spheres in turbulent water separate based on initial distance, revealing particles obey Batchelor dispersion initially before transitioning to Richardson-Obukhov law behavior. The findings can improve models of pollutant dispersion and help explain crustacean navigation using odors.

Advanced aircraft to probe hazardous atmospheric whirlwinds

Researchers will use HIAPER to explore mountain waves and rotors, improving aviation safety and predicting turbulent conditions. The project aims to understand the three-dimensional nature of rotors and their impact on climate and air quality.

Yale group to study atmospheric 'tsunamis'

Yale researchers will observe, describe, and explain severe atmospheric turbulence over mountains, focusing on 'gravity waves' that impact the stratosphere. The Terrain-induced Rotors Experiment (T-Rex) project aims to measure properties of whirlwinds formed in mountain ranges and monitor gravity wave behavior.

Astrophysicists quash alternative theory of star formation

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conclude that competitive accretion cannot explain observed star-forming regions. The new model, which favors gravitational collapse, accurately predicts the formation of massive stars and heavy elements in supernovae. Turbulence opposes gravity, preventing rapid core collapse.

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Astrophysicists put kibosh on alternative theory of star formation

Researchers reject competitive accretion model, which predicts stars form through gas accretion, in favor of gravitational collapse and fragmentation theory. The new model shows turbulence hinders accretion, resulting in stable core mass, contradicting observations of brown dwarfs with planetary disks.

New equation helps unravel behavior of turbulence

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new mathematical formula, called the advected delta-vee equation, that can help predict turbulent flow behavior. This equation provides a shortcut to describe a complex characteristic of turbulence called intermittency, which is difficult to include in computer models.

From 'macro' to 'micro' – turbulence seen by Cluster

The European Space Agency's Cluster satellites have observed small-scale vortex turbulence, previously predicted by mathematical models, in the plasma surrounding Earth. The discovery has significant implications for understanding solar activity and its effects on our planet.

Ocean spray lubricates hurricane winds

A new study reveals that ocean spray plays a crucial role in lubricating the swirling winds of hurricanes and cyclones. The researchers found that large water droplets kicked up by rough seas can inhibit turbulence, allowing winds to build to speeds approaching 200 miles per hour.

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Scientists discover secret of dolphin speed

Researchers found that soft flaky skin helps reduce drag caused by friction and shedding of the skin disturbs whirlpools of water called vortices, reducing drag. The study could help build faster boats and submarines using natural dolphin-inspired solutions.

'Scientific American 50' recognizes NCAR scientists

Researchers from NCAR's Research Applications Program developed the NCAR Efficient Spectral Processing Algorithm (NESPA) to aid pilots in navigating turbulent storms. The algorithm achieved an impressive accuracy rate of over 80%, detecting turbulence encounters with very few false positives.

2003 Dirac Medal of the ICTP

V. Zakharov received the 2003 Dirac Medal of the ICTP for his groundbreaking work on mathematical physics of nonlinear phenomena, particularly in the field of weak wave turbulence. His research has significantly contributed to our understanding of plasma physics, hydrodynamics, magnetism, and optics.

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NCAR scientists win award for in-flight turbulence prediction

NCAR scientists have developed a new algorithm to predict turbulence using airborne radars, enabling pilots to receive warnings up to 30 seconds in advance. The NCAR Efficient Spectral Processing Algorithm (NESPA) demonstrates an 80% detection rate and low false predictions, showing its feasibility for improving aviation safety.

$1.4 million NSF grant to study turbulent flows

A team of Cornell physicists and engineers are developing an instrument that can track hundreds of particles simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of turbulent flows. The technology has the potential to improve climate models and predict how pollutants disperse in air or water.

Evolution of galaxy-spanning magnetic fields explained

Scientists have developed a new theory explaining the formation of large-scale magnetic fields in galaxies, which twist and expand like elastic ribbons. The theory resolves a long-standing problem in astrophysics by showing how turbulence creates opposing small-scale fields that eventually suppress growth.

Turbulence restrains itself

Turbulence has been observed to generate its own self-regulating flows that destroy turbulent eddies, according to recent experiments at DIII-D. These flows, predicted theoretically and seen in computer simulations, create a 'shearing' or tearing action that destroys turbulent eddies.

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Key to Earth’s mysterious core found beneath arctic ice

Researchers discover that the Earth's magnetic field remained stable during a superchron period 95 million years ago, suggesting a single mechanism governs the field. The study also indicates that humanity may face a surprise in the future with possible pole reversals within centuries.

Hi-tech weather watchers on worldstage

The new radar technology can measure wind speed, direction and turbulence, and can be used to predict weather patterns. It has been commercialized by Atrad and is being used in various applications, including flight trials of a supersonic transport aircraft and weather forecasting in the UK.

Rain showers may be caused by vortices in the air

Dutch researchers use calculations to show that tubular-shaped vortices can form within areas of air turbulence, causing water droplets to congregate at the edge and leading to rain precipitation. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions about cloud formation and supersaturation.

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Physicists Reconsider The Nature Of Turbulence

Recent experiments by physicists at the University of Notre Dame and Tohoku University have found that current theories describing turbulence may need modifications, particularly in extreme situations. The findings suggest that ultra-hard turbulence, a predicted state of turbulent flow, may not exist as previously thought.

NCAR Research Turns Commercial Aircraft Into Turbulence Sensors

Researchers at NCAR have created a software that uses an aircraft's existing equipment to measure and report in-situ turbulence, enabling pilots to steer clear of bumpy air. The data will be used to create turbulence forecasts and potentially enable real-time turbulence warnings.

Aviation And Turbulence: FAA And NCAR Continue Investigations

The FAA and NCAR are working together to develop a new turbulence detection and warning system for the Juneau Airport, which could potentially prevent crashes and injuries. The system uses real-time data from sensors and computer monitors in the control tower to display information on choppy winds and turbulence.

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