AGU24
Join PNNL at the annual American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting, where PNNL researchers will be presenting the latest research in Earth and space science.

The 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting will feature the latest findings of more than 150 researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Click the navigation links below or scroll this page to learn more about some of the presenters and their science, related announcements and feature stories, opportunities to connect with us at the event, and current job opportunities.
SESSIONS | CAREER OPPORTUNITIES | IN THE NEWS
Featured Presentations
Over 200 PNNL researchers are presenting—in person and virtually—at the largest international Earth science conference. Results from studies across several fields, including atmospheric science, coastal and marine research, Earth modeling, and decarbonization, will be shared. Below are select presentations and activities to note out of many.
Monday, December 9
Extending power system ready hydropower datasets to Western Canada in support of Western-US interconnect reliability studies

Session: 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. EST | Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Youngjun Son
Summary: Hydropower is vital for North America’s Western Interconnection, yet cross-border data gaps hinder market planning and grid reliability. This study expands hydrologic modeling to estimate monthly hydropower output in Canada, using calibrated river routing methods. Findings enhance WECC’s ability to assess hydropower resources across the United States and Canada. READ MORE.
Cutting-Edge Visualization and Analysis Interface: Model Explorer for Geologic Carbon Storage Projects
Session: 1:40–5:30 p.m. EST | Location: Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Ashton Kirol
Summary: Advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) require accurate modeling and monitoring of subsurface reservoirs to ensure safe CO2 storage. Model Explorer, developed by the Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, offers a powerful tool for rapid visualization and analysis of the Area of Review, enabling real-time data analysis and improved CCS site assessments. READ MORE.
GC14B - Climate Change in Fragile Contexts: Responses, Adaptation, and Security II

Session: 4:00–5:30 p.m. EST | Location: 147 B (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenters: Nicholas Parker and Jill Brandenberger
Summary: Climate impacts are disproportionately felt by marginalized and conflict-affected communities. Understanding local and non-state adaptation responses can help shape more effective interventions. This session invites proposals exploring climate adaptation in fragile contexts, addressing topics like national security, food security, migration, and civil society initiatives. READ MORE.
Tuesday, December 10
Towards Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) Centers of Excellence

Session: 1:40–5:30 p.m. EST | Location: Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Jessica Cross
Summary: Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies can diversify the current CDR portfolio, which is heavily reliant on direct air capture. To advance these early-stage methods, we propose regional mCDR Technology Centers of Excellence, offering access to testing sites, expertise, and commercialization support. The Pacific Northwest is an ideal case for such a center. READ MORE.
GC24I-04 Compound seasonal renewable energy droughts in the United States

Session: 4:35–4:45 p.m. EST | Location: 143 A-C (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Cameron Bracken
Summary: Renewable energy droughts, caused by low natural energy production, become "compound" when multiple sources, like wind and solar, experience simultaneous droughts. This study explores seasonal compound droughts across the United States, including hydropower, highlighting their duration and regional patterns to guide energy storage, resource planning, and market responses. READ MORE.
NH42A-05 High-Resolution Data for Western US Fires, Heatwaves, and Droughts
Session: 11:10–11:20 p.m. | Location: Independence F-H (Marriott Marquis)
PNNL Presenter: Xinming Lin
Summary: The Western United States has seen an increase in fires, heatwaves, and droughts due to climate change. This study compiles high-resolution datasets from 2001-2020 to analyze these extreme events, revealing regional patterns and co-occurrences. The data will support AI and machine learning efforts to improve preparedness and response strategies. READ MORE.
GC24H-07 Evaluating Grid Stress and Reliability under a Range of Future Climate, Emissions, and Socioeconomic Scenarios in the U.S. Western Interconnection
Session: 5:00–5:10 p.m. EST | Location: Salon G (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Kerem Ziya Akdemir
Summary: Electricity grids are increasingly challenged by extreme weather, energy transitions, and socioeconomic shifts. This study examines grid stress in the United States Western Interconnection under various future scenarios, using a robust modeling framework to simulate demand, generation, and resilience. Findings offer guidance to improve grid reliability amid climate impacts. READ MORE.
Wednesday, December 11
Founding an actionable marine carbon information pipeline in Sequim Bay

Session: 1:40–5:30 p.m. EST | Location: Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Tristen Myers
Summary: The IPCC emphasizes the critical role of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in achieving climate targets, with the Biden Administration supporting both direct air capture and ocean-based solutions. Recent studies, including one in Sequim Bay, aim to address monitoring challenges and advance the effectiveness of ocean CDR. READ MORE.
H33P-05 Modeling Microplastics Pollution in the Delaware River Basin: From Watershed Sources to Estuarine Accumulation

Session: 2:50–3:00 p.m. EST | Location: 145 A (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Yicheng Huang
Summary: Microfibers, a prevalent form of microplastic, pose growing threats to coastal ecosystems and human health. Originating from textiles, they enter waterways through various sources, including sewage. This study develops a coupled modeling system to track microfiber transport and accumulation in the Delaware River Estuary, addressing sources, transport processes, and environmental impact. READ MORE.
B33I-07 Machine Learning Approach to Improve Monitoring Active Wildfires with Multispectral Satellite Imagery

Session: 3:10–3:20 p.m. | Location: 151 A (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Kyle Larson
Summary: Satellite imagery is key for monitoring wildfires, but enhanced analytics are needed for real-time operational use. We are developing machine learning algorithms and cloud-based pipelines to deliver high-resolution fire maps within hours, utilizing multiple satellites for frequent day-and-night observations, improving situational awareness for firefighting teams. READ MORE.
Thursday, December 12
Lidar Buoy Facility: U.S. DOE Open-Source Buoy Platform for Testing New Offshore Instruments

Session: 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. EST | Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Raghavendra Krishnamurthy
Summary: The U.S. Department of Energy has developed an open-source instrumentation test buoy to assess new offshore sensors in real conditions. With enhanced flexibility and capacity, it can support instruments for wind, weather, oceanographic, and wildlife monitoring, offering a versatile, accessible platform for advancing offshore data collection. READ MORE.
Modeling multiphase fluid flow and reactive geochemical transport at the Wallula basalt CO2 storage project

Session: 1:40–5:30 p.m. EST | Location: Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Michael Nole
Summary: Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is a key strategy for climate change mitigation, with reactive rocks like basalts offering potential for faster CO2 mineralization. This study presents a large-scale reactive transport model to simulate CO2 injection and mineralization at the Wallula Site in Washington State, enhancing understanding of CO2 storage and geochemical processes. READ MORE.
Friday, December 13
Modeling Commercial-Scale CO2 Injection in the Gas Hydrate Stability Zone

Session: 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. EST | Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Michael Nole
Summary: Safe CO2 storage is essential for climate mitigation, and storing it in gas hydrate stability zones, like Arctic or marine environments, could reduce leakage risks. This study uses the PFLOTRAN simulator to model CO2 injection and storage, revealing insights on hydrate formation and long-term reservoir stability. READ MORE.
Optimizing Geologic Carbon Storage: Real-Time Forecasting and Operational Control with RTFO

Session: 1:40–5:30 p.m. EST | Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Ivani Patel
Summary: To improve CO2 injection strategies, the Real-Time Forecasting and Optimization (RTFO) module integrates machine learning and real-time data for dynamic carbon storage management. Developed by the Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management , the RTFO tool enables operators to adjust injection parameters and optimize operations through an intuitive dashboard, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. READ MORE.
A series of climate-informed power grid planning studies: successes and next steps

Session: 1:40–5:30 p.m. EST | Hall B-C (Poster Hall) (Convention Center)
PNNL Presenter: Nathalie Voisin
Summary: Achieving net-zero emissions requires extensive coordination across the United States energy sector. This study presents an integrated modeling platform to support decarbonization efforts, addressing investment, operational, and equity challenges. The tool enables decision-makers to collaboratively plan for grid reliability, resilience, and equitable transitions amid evolving climate impacts. READ MORE.
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