Scientific results:
- We have developed new theoretical models describing self-organization of turbulence, coherent structures and turbulent entrainment in the planetary boundary layer in the context of free and forced convection. The models were confirmed by field data and computational experiments.
- The Laboratory has developed a method of computing emissions from fires on the basis of satellite observations, accounting for the weakening of the intensity of infrared radiation by smoke aerosol. The method was implemented within the chemical transport model. The record-high accuracy of the proposed method is achieved by the model absorbing data of field monitoring of atmosphere pollution. The efficiency of the method was demonstrated during a research of episodes of abnormal pollution of the atmosphere in the region of the Moscow metropolis.
- Our researchers have developed and implemented a method for measuring the velocity fields of air flow that is based on high-speed video recording of marker particles introduced into the flow and illuminated by a continuous-emission laser. On the basis of measurements of the near-water wind speed using this method, we proposed an explanation of the abnormally low aerodynamic resistance of the surface of the ocean under hurricane wind.
- Using high-speed video recording, we found the dominant mechanism of spray generation under strong wind. It was demonstrated that it is related to the phenomenon of splitting of the «parachute» type, in which near the crests of surface waves on the surface of water object form and develop that appear to be thin-wall «membranes» fanned by air flow that later «explode» forming large volumes of droplets. The obtained result changes the contemporary understanding of the mechanism of spray generation during storms. We built a numerical model of this phenomenon, within which it is possible to develop physically substantiated models of energy transfer between the ocean and the atmosphere during storms, which are required to forecast them. In particular, this phenomenon allows to explain unusual features of energy exchange in the atmosphere and the ocean during hurricane winds.
- In laboratory conditions we researched the dependence on wind speed and turbulent strain of the inverse scattering cross-section of microwave radiation of the X-range in direct and cross-polarization. We have experimentally the influence of foam on the surface of water and rain on the scattering of microwave radiation. On the basis of this research we proposed a new efficient algorithm for determining hurricane wind speed from radiolocation probing data.
- The Laboratory has developed a microwave spectroradiometer for the probing of the thermal structure of the troposphere with record-high characteristics in terms of the height range (0–12 km), sensitivity and accuracy, which were achieved by optimizing the number and location of spectral channels and the use of an original algorithm of temperature profile reconstruction.
- The proposed unique methods of monitoring of convection in the atmosphere on the basis of observations of variations of electric field both in thunderstorms (from electromagnetic radiation of lightning discharges in the range of ultra-long waves), and in fair weather (from the parameters of aeroelectric structures observed in the boundary layer of the atmosphere).
Implemented results of research:
- The Laboratory has developed and patented a multi-position network system for meteorological radiolocation that uses small meteorological radiolocators equipped with innovative phased array antennas relying on arrays of controlled scatterers. The system is aimed at monitoring local weather conditions to support weather-sensitive activities: flights of drones, performing agricultural and construction works, staging sporting competitions and other open air mass events etc.
- We have developed complex complrehensive that unite new measurement technologies with their software support to enhance fast remote diagnostics and forecasting hazardous rapid-onset natural phenomena.
Education and career development:
- Two Doctor of Sciences and 5 Candidate of Sciences dissertations have been prepared and defended.
- The Laboratory has developed and delivered 39 lecture courses: «Modern problems of geophysics», «Basics of geophysical hydrodynamics», «Ecology: physical foundations» and others.
Organizational and structural changes:
In Lobachevsky Nizhniy Novgorod State University we organized the Deprtment of the Physics of the Environment and Geoinformation Technologies (2016).
Other results:
Within the European Commission program ERASMUS+ we implemented a project (supervised by Professor Sergey S. Zilitinkevich) «Adaptive learning environment for competence in economic and societal impacts of local weather, air quality and climate (ECOIMPACT)» 2015-2018.
Collaborations:
Finnish Meteorological Institute, University of Helsinki (Finland), Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (Norway), Ben-Gurion University (Israel), University of Central Europe in Skalica (Slovakia), Russian State Hydrometeorological University (Russia): joint research and publications.
