Climate scientists air their views in Oklahoma

June 04, 2007

• PNNL Media Contacts, (509) 375-3776

RICHLAND, Wash. – Media and distinguished guests are invited to talk with top U.S. climate scientists and view the research aircraft and field instrumentation that is critical to their studies. The scientists are in Oklahoma to conduct two studies focused on the interactions between clouds, aerosols and surface moisture, and their influence on regional climate. Oklahoma was chosen due to the desired cloud conditions at this time of year, as well as the existing research capabilities throughout the state.

The research efforts will involve more than 100 scientists and operations personnel, nine aircraft and dozens of scientific instruments. Coordinated by Pacific Northwest Laboratory and sponsored by the Department of Energy, key sponsors and participants include NASA, NOAA and USDA, plus numerous national laboratories and universities. Please join us to talk with the science team and see the tools they use for their research.

When: June 11, 2007

Where: Ponca City Airport

What: Media Availability - Science Overview and Aircraft/Facilities

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. - Introductions and experiment overviews

Dr. Jerry Elwood, director, DOE Climate Change Research Division
Dr. Mark Miller, CLASIC principal investigator
Carl Berkowitz, CHAPS principal investigator

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Conduct Interviews and View Research Aircraft (Possible aircraft takeoff/landing)

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Visit ARM Climate Research Facility - Southern Great Plains site*

To confirm your interest in attending this event or to obtain further information, contact Lynne Roeder at (509) 372-4331 or (509) 521-2922. More information about the field campaigns is available at Cloud and Land Surface Interaction Campaign and Cumulus Humilis Aerosol Processing Study.

*As a U.S. Department of Energy user facility, the site requires advance notice of visitors for safety and reporting purposes. Closed-toed shoes are required. Contact Lynne Roeder for more information and assistance.

Tags: Energy, Environment, Fundamental Science, Operations, Climate Change, Aerosols

Interdisciplinary teams at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory address many of America's most pressing issues in energy, the environment and national security through advances in basic and applied science. PNNL employs 4,500 staff, has an annual budget of nearly $1 billion, and has been managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by Ohio-based Battelle since the laboratory's inception in 1965. For more information, visit the PNNL News Center, or follow PNNL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.