Prof. Peter Read

Abstract:

This paper considers the rationale for the exploration of Saturn's atmosphere by the Cassini mission, taking account of the key scientific questions posed by the earlier investigation by Voyager, and the capabilities of the instrumentation making up the Cassini payload. While by no means all objectives can be addressed by this particular configuration, in particular without a Saturn entry probe, if everything goes according to plan important progress should be possible on a number of key objectives. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

The relative merits of three contrasting empirical orthogonal decomposition methods in common use (namely, Proper Orthogonal Decomposition, Biorthogonal Decomposition and Multivariate Singular Systems Analysis) are considered as applied to baroclinic flow data. The regimes analysed are a steady, drifting wave, a modulated amplitude vacillating wave flow and a neighbouring multi-mode state which exhibits intermittency. The results are used to make a qualitative comparison of the methods in terms of convergence properties, variance capture and eigenfunction structure. The feasibility of using the resulting empirical orthogonal functions to transform partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations by Galerkin projection is mentioned. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Abstract:

Baroclinic instability is the principal mode of non-axisymmetric flow in the large-scale atmospheric circulation at mid-latitudes, and is responsible for oganising the structure and behaviour of major weather systems. This instability can also be fruitfully studied in the laboratory under controlled conditions. In this paper, we review recent work carried out by the authors and collaborators on various routes to chaotic behaviour in rotating, stratified flows. Results include the discovery of new multi-mode regimes in which small ensembles of baroclinic waves interact in a nonlinear mode competition with the thermally-driven axisymmetric component of the Bow, generating chaotic oscillatory variability on very long timescales. We discuss various attempts to capture this type of behaviour in simple models, and consider the significance of the phenomenon as a paradigm for understanding the nature of long timescale variability in the climates of the Earth and Mars. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

The construction of a new database of statistics on the climate and environment of the Martian atmosphere is currently under way, with the support of the European Space Agency. The primary objectives of this database are to provide information for mission design specialists on the mean state and variability of the Martian environment in unprecedented detail, through the execution of a set of carefully validated simulations of the Martian atmospheric circulation using comprehensive numerical general circulation models. The formulation of the models used are outlined herein, noting especially new improvements in various schemes to parametrize important physical processes, and the scope of the database to be constructed is described. A novel approach towards the representation of large-scale variability in the output of the database using empirical eigenfunctions derived from statistical analyses of the numerical simulations, is also discussed. It is hoped that the resulting database will be of value for both scientific and engineering studies of Mars' atmosphere and near-surface environment. (C) 1997 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.