Stock image of the Amazon River flowing through the rainforest

Aerosols

Field measurements, modeling, and laboratory experiments form the basis of a detailed and developing understanding of small particles suspended in the atmosphere. Combining these approaches facilitates new insights into the complex processes that govern the aerosol lifecycle and their influence on clouds and climate. Learn more
Fluffy clouds in blue sky

Clouds and Precipitation

Clouds and precipitation affect the transfer of energy and water across the globe. Understanding and representing how environmental conditions alter cloud system formation and evolution, which in turn influence atmospheric radiation and precipitation processes, remain a challenge in climate science. Combining expertise in atmospheric measurements and multiscale modeling enhances PNNL leadership in this area. Learn more
Coastal scene

Coastal

The complex interactions between physical, human, and environmental systems shape how coastlines and coastal processes change over time. PNNL combines measurements and modeling across scales to improve our understanding of coastal systems. Learn more
   
Aerial view of a fire burn line (stock image)

Impacts, Responses, and Adaptation

A changing climate and environment produce new scientific and technological challenges. Researchers at PNNL are exploring a wide range of topics related to the affects of climate on human and Earth systems. Learn more
Stormy sky and lightning strike on open farm land

Land-Atmosphere Interactions

Measurements and coupled models can help explain the processes that link the land surface and the atmosphere. Researchers at PNNL seek to learn how these interactions affect the broader Earth system and develop the next generation of models that more accurately represent them. Learn more