Highlights
Atmospheric Sciences & Global Change
2018
Research Highlights
- Integrating Human System Dynamics Into Earth System Models
A review of modeling research on two-way interactions between human and Earth systems sheds light on system interactions and informs directions for future Earth system modeling research.August - A Sharper View of Wind Changes by Large Storms
A new study strengthens understanding of how momentum is changed by vertical motions of storms across scales.August - Long-Term Aerosol Trends in the Continental United States
During 1980–2014, aerosols arriving from East Asia offset radiative flux increases in the western United States induced by domestic air pollution reductions.August - Characterizing the Barrier Effect on Tropical Precipitation Patterns
Researchers document, for the first time, a pronounced seasonal cycle in the strength of the Madden-Julian Oscillation over the Maritime Continent.July - Current Strategies Using Satellite Data Limit the Accuracy of Space-Based Estimates of How Aerosols Brighten Clouds
Scientists use a new technique to assess how well satellite measurements can resolve the influence of atmospheric particles on clouds.July - Reconstruction of Global Gridded Monthly Sectoral Water Withdrawals for 1971-2010 and Analysis of Their Spatiotemporal Patterns
A new global data set for understanding sectoral water use at regional and seasonal scales.July - The Far-Reaching Effects of Tropical Moist Air
Researchers uncover a nonlinear relationship between South Asian monsoon rainfall and water vapor over the tropical Indian Ocean in Earth system models.July - Water Management Influences Long-Term Changes in River Flows
Changes in water volume tend to be smaller in managed watersheds but occur earlier.June - Oceanic Divide Factors Into Tropical Cyclone Strength
Sea surface temperatures have less influence on tropical cyclone intensification in the Atlantic than in the Pacific.June - Demeter - A Land Use and Land Cover Change Disaggregation Model
Demeter provides a flexible and repeatable methodology to connect models at varying scales to account for land surface changes.June - Tethys Tackles Downscaling Challenge for Regional Water Withdrawals
A new open-source tool helps connect high-resolution sectoral models and broader integrated human-Earth system models.June - Sea Change: The Ocean's Powerful Effect on Earth Systems
A new modeling approach shows that the ocean circulation determines the varying rate of global temperature response to carbon dioxide.May - Dry Patch of Land Connects Rainfall Across Continents
Novel modeling experiments show that heating near North Africa leads to drying near North America.May - More Urbanization Could Mean More Rain for Cities
A new study shows that urban heat island effects and increased urban aerosols can spur intense rainfall.May - Gust or Bust: Blustery Winds Important for Modeling Tropical Rainfall
Researchers find surface evaporation drives circulation and summer precipitation in the Tropical West Pacific.May - Hurricane Intensity Is More Than Surface Deep
Improving the representation of upper-ocean layers in hurricane forecast models enhances their predictive skill.May - Modeled Clouds in the Tropics Get a Reality Check
Scientists established a new procedure to evaluate the ability of Earth system models to simulate various cloud types in the tropics.April - Wetter Winters Could Be in Store for Western U.S.
Scientists discovered stronger and longer atmospheric rivers that lead to increasing precipitation extremes over the region.April - Utilizing Hindcasting to Calibrate a Human-Earth System Dynamics Model: an Application to Future Food Consumption
April - Sulfate Aerosols: Sources and Effects on Arctic Climate
Scientists found that cooling from sulfate aerosols can partially offset Arctic warming from absorbing aerosols.April - Mastering Clouds: A New Approach for Modeling Convective Storm Systems
Researchers developed a probability-based framework for representing storm clouds and rainfall in climate models.April - How Small-Scale Processes in Clouds Influence Large-Scale Precipitation Variability and Extremes
Observed large-scale rainfall statistics could be used to directly constrain small-scale microphysical parameters in models.April - Intensification of China Haze Has International Connections
Slowed reductions in foreign emissions this century revealed the impact of rising domestic emissions in China.April - Influence of Hydroclimate Variability on Power System Operations Revealed Through Integrated Modeling
Integrated multi-sector modeling shows that variations in water availability associated with El Niño have a strong influence on the western U.S. electric grid.April - Fire Particles Have Large Radiative Effects on Short Timescales
Using a new modeling strategy, researchers found that fire aerosols can alter both liquid and ice clouds that reflect or absorb energy.April - The Roles of Atmosphere and Ocean in Moving Heat to the Poles
Increased ocean heat transport to the polar regions enhances polar-amplified warming.March - How Some Aerosols Transform From Atmospheric Bystanders Into Climate Actors
New research improves the understanding of how ultrafine particles in the atmosphere grow into climatically active sizes.March - Importance of Model Ensembles for Estimates of Regional Climate Uncertainty
Researchers find use of a large single-model ensemble or small ensembles from multiple models and scenarios can consistently quantify internal variability.March - A Challenging Future for Tropical Forests
Dead trees are on the rise along with increases in tree mortality drivers and mechanisms.March - Stronger Storm Systems Linger Longer Over Central United States
Simulations show that organized storms lasting at least nine hours can modify the surrounding environment to further extend their longevity.March - The Effect of Deep Convection on Phytoplankton Blooms in the Northern Labrador Sea
Weakened mixing in the ocean depths under a warmer climate could severely reduce spring blooms in the North Atlantic.March - New Historical Emissions Trends Estimated with the Community Emissions Data System (CEDS)
The data system will allow for more detailed, consistent, and up-to-date global emissions trends that will aid in understanding aerosol effects on Earth system processes.February - New Analysis Yields Missing Pieces in Modeling the Global Carbon Cycle
Scientists identified key environmental factors and hydrological processes important for modeling sediment yield and particulate organic carbon yield in Earth system models.February - A Unique Look at Clouds and Their Radiative Impacts from the GoAmazon2014/5 Field Campaign
A two-year effort shed light on the cloud life cycle and cloud-aerosol interactions in the Amazon basin.February - Future Hydropower Generation and Consequences for Global Electricity Supply Investment Needs
Changes in precipitation and temperature could affect electricity investments across the globe.February - Satellites Illuminate Challenges in Simulating Clouds
Comparisons reveal consistency in climate model deficiencies for low clouds.January - Evaluation of Integrated Assessment Model Hindcast Experiments: a Case Study of the GCAM 3.0 Land Use Module
Applying metrics in a case study, scientists found that no single evaluation measure likely exists for all variables in an integrated assessment model.January - How Many Weather Stations Are Enough to Accurately Simulate Building Energy Demand?
PNNL researchers found that using fewer stations in models led to larger biases.January
2018
Staff Awards and Honors
- Burrows and Shrivastava Receive DOE Early Career Research Program Awards
June - ASGC Researchers Receive Editorial Awards for Journal Reviews
June - New Technologies for Exploring the Earth and Sky
Recent awards team lab researchers with small businesses to advance new concepts for investigating complex Earth system processesMay - PNNL Plays Important Role in Development of Powerful Earth System Model
May - McDowell-Led Study on Tropical Forest Mortality Attracts Global Attention
April - Asrar's Stellar Career Honored with Prestigious Cleveland Abbe Award
Joint Global Change Research Institute director recognized for exceptional leadership at NASA and the World Climate Research ProgrammeJanuary - Fan Receives American Meteorological Society Outstanding Service Award
January - PNNL Postdoctoral Fellows Win 2017 Yuxiang Young Scholar Awards
January
2018
Newsmakers
- PNNL-Led Paper Links Microbes, Warmer Earth to Faster Flow of Soil Carbon Into Atmosphere
August - McDowell Serves as Editor and Author for Special Issue of New Phytologist
July - Washington Post, USA Today Among Media Outlets to Cover PNNL-Led Hurricane Study
May - Shilling Co-Authors Wildfire Paper on Journal's Most Downloaded List
March - PNNL Researchers Share Earth Science Expertise
Annual science and policy forum includes AAAS Fellows L. Ruby Leung and Phil RaschFebruary - PNNL Atmospheric Scientist Leads Research Covered in Science, Media
February - Bond-Lamberty, Rasch Contribute to National Academies Reports
February - Kravitz Co-Authors Eos Report on Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project Meeting
January - PNNL Researchers Co-Author National Science Review's Most Read Paper of 2017
January
2017
Research Highlights
- Reducing Resolution Dependence of Cloud and Precipitation Simulations in Climate Models
Researchers developed a new method to suppress the influence of 'double counting' of cloud processes in models with small grid spacing.December - Reservoir Management Alters Flood Frequency at the Regional Scale
A new analytical framework revealed the probability of regional floods relative to reservoir regulation.December - Predicting and Planning for Chronic Climate-Driven Disturbances
Preparing for long-term ecosystem imbalances could help society manage food, water, energy, and other critical resources.December - Effects of Local Water Extraction and Reservoir Regulation on Drought in the United States
November - New Dams Could Offset Future Flood Risk Along Key River Corridor in South Asia
November - New Approach to Geoengineering Simulations is Significant Step Forward
November - Where Liquid Meets Air: Seeing the Details of Light, Dark, and Water
Technique gives detailed view into how certain polymers form, unlocking answers about nucleationNovember - Clearing the Air in East Asia
A new study showed how monsoon wind's effects on dust influence winter temperatures and precipitation.October - Kernels of Knowledge: How Land Use Decisions Affect Crop Productivity
Empirical models predict a smaller decrease in total corn yields than previous estimates.October - Stressed Out: Can Models Predict Grid Tolerance to Environmental Extremes?
A regression model performs well in predicting grid stress based on regional weather conditions.October - Two PNNL Researchers Elected to Membership in the National Academy of Engineering
Ruby Leung and Johannes Lercher recognized for distinguished contributions and professional integrityOctober - Let the River Go—and Overflow
Researchers refine a method to represent floodplain inundation in Earth system modelsJune - Clearing Up the Gray Zone for Convection
Scientists optimized scale-aware convection modeling to sharpen simulations of U.S. summer precipitationMay - The Surprising Clarity of Dust
Dust helps clears the air when pollution moves inMay - A Cheaper Way to Explore Distant Relations in Climate Models
Scientists simultaneously describe input-output relationships across timescales in one simulationMay - Tracing the Soot Trail
Unique model tagging technique identifies soot's pollution source over ChinaMay - Finding the International Path for Implementing Building Energy Codes
Researchers analyzed building energy codes across 22 countries, characterized key elements of their implementation systemsMay - Cloud Brightness: Enlightening Pollution's Influence
Researchers found hope for understanding the relationship between clouds and atmospheric particles by peering into the pastMay - Topographic Challenges in Land-Surface Modeling
Scientists developed a new method to describe the impacts of topographic variability in Earth system modelingMay - Gone with the Wind: Trans-Pacific Journey of Atmospheric Particles
Observations and models reveal the fate of tiny dust particles carried in the atmosphereApril - Considering the Angles: Clouds from Both Sides
Researchers pinpoint why satellites and ground-based instruments agree on some, not all cloud characteristicsApril - Mountain Clouds: From Rain Makers to Snow Makers
Clouds on the windward side of mountains make more snow when served plentiful pollution particlesApril - Keeping Tabs: Forests on the Move
Scientists work to track how forests' changes, in response to nitrogen and climate changes, amplify carbon dioxideApril - Unmasked: Light-Absorbing Particles ID'd in Environmental Chamber Experiments
Researchers test light-absorbing particles' ability to survive in different atmospheric environmental conditions, identifying their atmospheric MOMarch - Particles Carry Hitchhiking Pollutants Far from Home
New research shows that atmospheric particles can encase a toxic payload, allowing it to travel further than previously thoughtFebruary - Climate, Irrigation, and Fertilization: Understanding US Crop Yields
Researchers uncovered the county-by-county variability of bioenergy crop yields in the USA using detailed statistical and numerical simulationsJanuary - Quantifying the Effects of Drought on the Electric Grid
Researchers find that even historical drought conditions could cause significant stress on the electricity system in the western United States.January - Less Salty Ocean is Right Up Typhoons' Alley
Researchers found increasing freshwater from rainstorms in the ocean helps intensify already strong typhoonsJanuary
2017
Staff Awards and Honors
- Ghan, Rasch, McDowell Named to 2017 Highly Cited Researchers List
Scientists' citations rank in top 1 percent of their respective research fieldsDecember - Flynn Receives Third NASA Group Achievement Award
October - Leung to Serve on National Academies' Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
October - Fan Paper Tops Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences Most Read List
October - Ben Kravitz Honored with Brodzinski Early Career Exceptional Achievement Award
September - Steven Ghan Receives Laboratory Director's Award for Lifetime Achievement
September - Fan Receives DOE Early Career Research Program Award
August - Leung Elevated to Battelle Fellow Status
July - Schmid, Flynn Continue Longtime Partnership with NASA on Unique Atmospheric Instrumentation
June - Feng Receives His Second Editors' Citation for Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres Reviews
June - Bond-Lamberty Earns 2016 Editors' Citation for Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences Reviews
June - Kravitz Honored with 2016 Editors' Citation for Earth's Future Reviews
June - Barnes Receives 2016 Editors' Citation as Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres Reviewer
June - Qian Paper Honored with 2017 Esteemed Review Paper Prize from Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
May - Edmonds to Join Rutgers Energy Institute Advisory Board
May - Sakaguchi Honored with Editor's Award
March - Kravitz Received Special Recognition Award from NCAR
March - Kravitz Received Outstanding Contribution Award from AGU
March - Ruby Leung Elected to National Academy of Engineering
February - Bob Houze to Serve on AGU Union Fellows Committee
January
2017
Newsmakers
- Rasch Speaks Before Congress about Geoengineering
November - Kravitz Interviewed by Carbon Brief at International Geoengineering Conference
October - PNNL Researchers Lead International Energy Workshop
October - International Media Coverage on New Methane Emissions Research
October - Meeting of the Minds: PNNL, University of Washington Team Up to Teach Students about Atmospheric Research Instrumentation
UW students learn about sophisticated instruments and the data they generateOctober - Bond-Lamberty Joins Scientific Steering Group of International Soil Carbon Network
August - McDowell Quoted in Santa Fe New Mexican about Siberian Elms
May - BBC Quoted Yang about Research on Dust-Wind Interactions in China
May - Maoyi Huang's Research Featured in Blog EnvironmentalResearchWeb
February - Hailong Wang's Expertise Tapped for Guardian's Arctic Soot Reveal
January
2016
Research Highlights
- Consider the Probabilities
Global warming is likely to drive significant shifts in regional surface water availabilityDecember - Cloud Illusions: Resolving the Unresolved
Researchers improved modeling of cloud vertical structure by including certain cloud and precipitation variables to increase simulation accuracyDecember - A Daily Cycle of Heat Stalls the MJO
A routine event over the Maritime Continent can hamper the east-west progress of the Madden-Julian OscillationDecember - Finding Rain and Climate Connections
Scientists decipher how local weather can change global climate patternsDecember - Getting at the Root of Rain
More frequent, more intense and longer-lasting storms cause heavier spring rain in central USNovember - How Trees Change the Atmosphere
Scientists discover how organic emissions from trees transform into climate-affecting particles in the atmosphereNovember - Cyclone Identity Crisis in the Bay of Bengal
The El Niño-La Niña weather cycle strengthens Indian Ocean spring cyclones in the north, weakens them in the southNovember - An Online 'Open Experiment' Dishes the Dirt for Science
PNNL scientists explored the challenges and benefits of a new model for research and data sharingOctober - Imaging Results Are Ones for the Books
In situ real-time imaging now possible for solid-liquid interfaceOctober - The Lower Atmosphere's Mixing Messages
Researchers pick apart processes causing layers of climate-concerning particles to vary in the Mid-Atlantic coastal atmosphereOctober - Capturing those Beguiling BVOCs
Detecting biogenic organic compounds in the atmosphere using land data and chemistry models helps describe atmospheric particle formation and air qualitySeptember - Estimates of Diesel Soot Pollution Will Help Arctic Environment
Scientists calculated a detailed soot inventory in Russia that can inform climate modeling projections and policy effortsSeptember - A Global View of Energy Use for Water
Scientists found rising energy use for water purposes, with significant differences among regions, sectors, and processesSeptember - Laying a Baseline for Convective Challenges
Scientists use satellite and ground-based data to paint a picture of Amazonian weather patternsSeptember - Sugar Hitches a Ride on Organic Sea Spray
Sticky organic molecules hop aboard oily floaters and may influence the amount of sunlight reflected by marine cloudsAugust - How Does the Wind Blow?
Researchers used a popular weather model to gauge the wind for better predictions of its clean energyAugust - A Little Nudging Goes a Long Way
PNNL scientists found that pushing a climate model in the direction of observations reveals model sensitivities in precipitation and how clouds change the climateAugust - Well-Traveled Atmospheric Particles, Put to the Test
Transport and lifetime of atmospheric particles simulated by a quasi-global process model indicates how these particles impact the regional US western statesAugust - Climate Modelers Improve Novel Methods to Corral Uncertainty
International workshop brings world-wide climate scientists together to tackle model uncertainty and map out next stepsJuly - Bridging the ‘Respiration Gap’ between Measurements and Models
A new approach links small-scale measurements with large-scale modelsJuly - Soot Seeds Ice in Clouds
Researchers used diesel pollution to understand how soot forms ice in cirrus cloudsJuly - Three Views are Better than Two
Researchers found that a three-dimensional representation of atmospheric particles increases understanding of their cloud-changing skillsJuly - Decoding the Jet Stream Response to Global Warming
Scientists simulate the climate warming forces driving the jet stream's sometimes erratic pathJune - Digging into Clouds from the Bottom Up
Researchers created new code commands to compute the cloud droplet number concentration using existing surface measurementsJune - Future Water Scarcity: Assessments from a Global View
PNNL researchers develop a capability to explore the interactions between future global water supplies and demands across the globeJune - PNNL-led Science Team Pioneers Approach to Study Cells at Molecular Level
Researchers integrate capabilities to address DOE mesoscale sciences and bioimaging challengesJune - Little Big Parameter
Factoring in small-scale winds has a big impact on global climate dust simulationsJune - Hiding in Plain Sight: A Less-Explored Secret of Secondary Organic Aerosols
The importance of a molecular-bonding process that can improve climate modeling, discovered by PNNL scientistsJune - Why We Care about Carbonaceous Aerosols
Researchers make the most of CARES data to unravel carbon-containing atmospheric particlesMay - Beijing's Growing Urban Area Spells Rain Change for Region
Urbanization increases atmospheric particles enough to impact clouds and change precipitation patternsApril - More Frequent Extreme Precipitation Ahead for Western North America
Researchers charge global warming with projected significant increases in the frequency of both extreme precipitation and landfalling atmospheric riversMarch - Pollution Stifles Wind, Squelches Rain
Air pollution in Chinese plains suppresses downwind mountain-valley breezes and precipitationMarch - Method Fills Gaps in Monsoon Understanding
Researchers employed "UQ" technique to identify the missing pieces in modeling the East Asian monsoonMarch - Maladaptive Soil Microbes Warn of Rocky Road Ahead
A 17-year-long experiment shows that climate shifts change how well the underworld of soil bacteria functionsMarch - Busted: Revealing Mismatches in MJO Modeling
PNNL research uncovers the sources that prevent modeled precipitation from matching real-world resultsMarch - A Summer of Science on Cape Cod
Scientists gain insights into aerosol properties near the North American coastMarch - Today's Clouds: They Aren't Reliable Reporters
Researchers found that using today's clouds to understand clouds of the past poses problemsMarch - An Improved Compact Picture of Particles
New model technique, specific to carbon-containing aerosol particles, sharpens climate modelMarch - Birth and Growth of an Aerosol
PNNL scientists more accurately model the formation and growth of tiny particles that influence clouds and climateFebruary - The Dark Side of Cold Clouds
Tiny particles of soot deform after giving birth to cloud ice and droplets, challenging climate modelsJanuary - Buoy Makes Splash, Measures Wind
PNNL outfitted platform with advanced weather instruments to gauge wind energy researchJanuary - Research Serves Up Stream Heat to Strengthen Water-Energy-Land Dialogue
PNNL developed new way to understand stream temperature in an integrated Earth-human systemJanuary - Study Finds How to Reduce Soot Pollution in Russia
PNNL researchers recommend steps to reduce diesel-burning emissions in RussiaJanuary - The Down and Dirty About North American Snowpack
Simulation surprise reinforces value of reality checksJanuary - Location Matters: Atmospheric Particle Travels Traced
Where particle droplets are forming affects clouds and Earth's incoming and outgoing energyJanuary
2016
Staff Awards and Honors
- Easter, Ghan, and Rasch Land in Top One Percent of Geosciences Research
PNNL scientists achieve influential ranking in highly cited researchers listDecember - Balwinder Singh Received DOE Modeling Group Commendation
November - NOAA Appoints Phil Rasch to Modeling Working Group
November - Yu, Zhu Research Graced Chemical Communications Back Cover
October - Will Shaw Appointed to the JRSE Editorial Advisory Board
September - Yaling Liu Awarded Elizabeth Sulzman Publication Award from Ecological Society of America
August - Po-Lun Ma Honored with DOE Commendation
August - Richard Moss to Guide Next Phase of US National Climate Assessment
June - Richard Moss Attains Honor as a National Research Council Associate
June - PNAS Cover Features Research by Three PNNL Atmospheric Scientists
June - Bond-Lamberty Joins Editorial Board of ERL
June - Glantz, Yu and Yao Recognized by NNSA for Chemical Mixture Methodology Contributions
June - Xiao-Ying Yu Leads Team, Granted New Patent
June - Yun Qian Receives 2015 Editors' Citation for Excellence in Refereeing at JGR-Atmospheres
June - DOE Honors Edmonds' Role on Energy Report
June - Richard Moss Invited to Join NOAA's Science Advisory Board
June - Ovchinnikov to Join AMS Cloud Physics Committee
May - Ghassem Asrar Selected Chair of ERA4CS Expert Panel
April - PNNL Team Contributes to Outstanding Project Award at EPA
April - Bond-Lamberty to Join Plant and Soil Editorial Board
February - Phil Rasch Selected for Eos Editorial Advisory Board
February - Long-Lived Traveling Particles to be Tracked
PNNL researcher awarded project to study climate-relevant particlesFebruary - Ruby Leung Appointed ACME's Chief Climate Scientist
January
2016
Newsmakers
- Ghassem Asrar Quoted in EOS on Way Forward
December - PNNL's Steven Smith Quoted on Coolant's Hot Topic
November - Rasch, a Sailing Scientist, Shares Climate Change Insights
June - PNNL Climate Scientist Chand Consulted for ClimateWire Story
June - Huffington Post Chats with Ghassem R. Asrar
June - PNNL Researcher Ben Kravitz's Opinion Sought on 'Far Out' Climate Solutions
May - Bailey, Bond-Lamberty, Jansson in Yale Environment 360
April - Climate Scientist Rasch is Expert for Michigan Engineering Article
Help with understanding geoengineeringMarch - Susannah Burrows' Biogenic Research Featured in Earth Magazine
March - Hailong Wang's Soot-in-Snowpack Research Highlighted in NPR Story
February - Bond-Lamberty Provides Carbon Storage Insight for The Washington Post
February - Samson Hagos Research Featured in Climate Central Post
February - Kravitz Provides Geoengineering Insight for Slate
February - Gokul Iyer Quoted in News Outlets on Emission Reduction
January - Leon Clarke Quoted in Nature
January - RedOrbit, US CLIVAR and others Feature Yoon's Research
January
2015
Research Highlights
- Century-long U.S. Building Trends in Floor Space and Household Size
PNNL study developed new dataset assessing construction, housing stock, and floor spaceDecember - Clouds Re-gathered by Wind Shear
Changing wind forces at different altitudes determines weather systems, PNNL researchers foundDecember - Laying a Foundation for International Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Energy efficiency cooperation through effective exchanges on building energy codesDecember - Can Paris Pledges Avert Severe Climate Change?
PNNL study shows that Paris emissions reduction pledges reduce risks of severe warmingDecember - Pollution Changes Clouds' Ice Crystal Genesis
PNNL found dust particle surface reshaped during atmospheric passage, altering ice-forming abilityNovember - Storm Clouds Take Rain on Rollercoaster Ride
PNNL's new modeling technique describes water's up and down journey inside turbulent storm cloudsNovember - California: A Coming Century of Fire?
Researchers use risk analysis and modeled climate change to assess fire risk in The Golden State's futureNovember - Irrigation Methods Drain Water Availability
Pumping water for irrigation likely to increase drought vulnerability in certain regions, PNNL shows via modeling expertiseNovember - Angling for an Answer
PNNL researchers find fast, accurate method to compare climate effectsNovember - When the Wind Comes Sweeping Down the Plain
The low-level jet, often rain's windy escort, explained with new modeling techniquesOctober - California, Here We Come: Floods and Drought
Pacific Ocean patterns fueled by climate warming may launch more extreme weatherOctober - Too Many Variables Can't Spoil the View
New technique highlights the most important details in land-use analysisOctober - West Coast Flooding on the Horizon
PNNL researchers find more atmospheric rivers will hit western North AmericaOctober - Soot Sources, a Savvy Study, and the Tibetan Plateau
Climate model tagging technique tracks snowpack-melting particlesOctober - The Color of Smog
New study shows the molecular details of how organic aerosol helps heat up and color the haze over megacitiesSeptember - Proud Model: Rolling on the River
New capability for global streamflow simulation uses data from world's riversSeptember - Sizing Up Cyclones
PNNL scientists develop better approach to predict the intensity of tropical hurricanesSeptember - Good Is Not Enough:
Improving Measurements of Atmospheric Particles
PNNL finds new approach that extends existing methods to challenging-conditionsSeptember - Nailing Down the Jet Stream
First-of-a-kind framework diagnoses the behavior of the jet stream in climate modelsSeptember - A Zoom Lens for A Global Climate Model
PNNL scientists look more deeply at smaller areas to improve climate modeling globallySeptember - Demystifying Aerosols
PNNL researchers show that higher-resolution climate models can provide more accurate information on important particle-cloud interactionsAugust - Viewing Precipitation Through the Modeling Lens
PNNL researchers find six model parameters individually influence precipitation in a global modelAugust - Scientists Estimate Soot Released from Diesel Burning in Russian Arctic
Detailed research inventory will help inform policies that could slow Arctic meltingJuly - Sea Critters Rule the Clouds
Microscopic phytoplankton cultivate half the summer cloud droplets over the Southern OceanJuly - Air Pollution Amplified Extreme Weather, Floods in China
PNNL researchers find mechanism that ties human-caused air pollution to catastrophic floods in southwest ChinaJuly - Better Views of Slimy Substances
3D imaging of biofilms shows interactions of cells, structure, and environmentJuly - New Research Nabs #1 Particle Pushers
PNNL global model treatments reveal much larger climate impact from burning vegetation and biofuel emissionsJune - Nighttime View of Earth Reveals Size of Urban Sprawl
PNNL researchers develop global urban extent map from nighttime satellite imaging dataJune - From Fire to Ice
Volcanic ash proves inefficient cloud ice makerMay - Clouds' Role in Sunlight Stopping
Research shows type and frequency of tropical clouds important for simulations of surface energy impactMay - Finding the Missing Particles
Years of results regarding secondary organic aerosols reduce uncertainty in climate projectionsMay - Tibetan Glacier Holds Sooty Secrets
Researchers measure historical trends of soot in a southeastern Tibetan glacier and identify emission sources in a climate modelMay - The Devil's in the Details
Advanced design to represent cloud turbulence improves simulations in a multi-scale modelApril - Beyond Boundaries: Remote Heat Rouses Hurricanes
Sea surface temperature in North Atlantic and Mediterranean waters triggers tropical cyclones afarApril - Unlocking Cloud Gridlock
Handling climate-important cumulus clouds, regardless of model scaleApril - Cold Snaps Linger Despite Climate Change
Extreme cold episodes will continue despite climate warming trends according to researchers' analysis of winter temperature distributionsApril - Trading Off Climate Models' Issues
Higher resolution alone will not fix models' daytime precipitation cycle problemsApril - Atmospheric Rivers, Finely Modeled
Researchers improve simulation of extreme precipitation in global climate modelsApril - Tracking Down Time Missteps
New technique targets numerical errors related to time evolution in weather and climate modelsApril - We're On Fire Now
Scientists developed global model on the role of human activity and weather on vegetation firesMarch - Does Death Stalk the Forest?
No, say scientists: current forest models are at odds with real-world observationsMarch - The Two Faces of Aerosols
New modeling approach shows current climate models may be off in estimates of some key pollutantsMarch - Sailing Through Uncharted Waters to Discover Catalysts' Secrets
In the last 5 years, scientists have come a long way in characterizing reactions in aqueous environmentsMarch - The Cost of Limiting Global Warming
Study finds real-world choices affect cost of emissions reduction, and shift them from emerging to industrialized countriesMarch - Electricity Needs Water: A State-by-State Assessment
Scientists model the future of water required to generate U.S. electricityMarch - Climate Change Speed-Up
Increasing temperature change over next several decades will accelerate, according to new researchMarch - Soot and Dust: A Better Picture of the Impact on Snow
Study shows tiny particles have mighty power, heating and melting snowMarch - A Breath of Cold Air
Scientists discover the truth behind the role of cold air pools in climateFebruary - A Burning Issue: Following Soot to the Arctic
A new way to quantify and track soot from its source to destinationFebruary - Simulating Across Scales
New model simulates water flow from pores to ecosystemFebruary - Tall Clouds from Tiny Raindrops Grow
Factors as small as raindrop physics may affect the accuracy of state-of-the-art climate modelsFebruary - Even at High Humidity, Aerosols Stick Around
Slowly evaporating particles refute assumption used in air quality and climate modelsFebruary - Born by Bubbles, Destined for Clouds
Scientists identify ocean biology that affects sea spray chemistry, atmospheric particlesJanuary - Particle's Warming Impact Brought to Light
Measuring the impact of light-absorbing particles on Earth's snowpack, glaciers, and ice coverJanuary - How Sea Spray Particles Evolve in the Atmosphere
Carbon-rich chemicals coat sea salt particles, altering their structure and possibly changing the atmosphereJanuary
2015
Staff Awards and Honors
- Yun Qian Selected for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Editorial Board
December - Leon Clarke Honored by the Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium
Recognition for his contributions to the modeling communityNovember - Meredydd Evans' Building Energy Codes Projects Highlighted by DOE
November - Rasch, Ghan, and Easter Named to 2015 List of Highly Cited Researchers
PNNL scientists achieve ranking in geosciences researchSeptember - Robert Houze Jr., Cloud and Convective Systems Expert, Joins PNNL
September - Yun Qian Directed International Workshop
Topic Addresses Uncertainty Quantification in Climate ModelingAugust - Hagos Contributes to State of the Climate Report
August - Katherine Calvin Honored for Early Career Exceptional Achievement
August - Phil Rasch and Alex Guenther Elected Fellows of the American Geophysical Union
July - Cleaner Exhaust for a Cleaner Arctic
July - Workshop Shows the Sky's the Limit on Atmospheric Particle Research
July - Jiwen Fan Wins Prestigious Ascent Award
July - Yu Invited to Join Advisory Group for Emergency Exposures
June - Susannah Burrows Honored by DOE for Outstanding Contribution
June - Hailong Wang, Editor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
May - Flynn, Schmid Receive NASA Group Achievement Award
May - Ruby Leung Invited to Advise and Guide Climate Modeling Directions
April - Ruby Leung Named to AGU Atmospheric Sciences Fellows Selection Committee
April - Kravitz to Provide Climate Modeling Expertise to ESD Editorial Board
April - Kate Calvin Appointed to National Research Council Study Team
April - Xiao-Ying Yu Led Team Winning Federal Excellence in Technology Transfer Award
January - Leung and Kravitz Named Top Authors for AGU Journals
January - Cloud Research Featured on Cover of JGR Atmospheres
January
2015
Newsmakers
- Fan's Research Featured in Global Times
October - Arizona State University and PNNL Announce Agreement
Collaboration to tackle energy, climate science, and sustainability challengesOctober - Top-10 Paper Co-Authored by PNNL's Ben Bond-Lamberty
July - Jiwen Fan's Research is News in Science, Nature and BBC
July - Yu Receives Secretary of Energy Moniz Recognition
June - Gao's Research Featured in Nature Climate Change
June - Hagos MJO Paper Featured in Eos
April - Yang Gao Invited Blog Author for Earth Day at Weather Underground
April - Kravitz Talks Geoengineering with Grist
March - Climate Change Authority Steven J. Smith Quoted in The New York Times
March - Steven J. Smith Quoted in Climate Central, Scientific American, The Guardian, NBC News
March - Ben Kravitz Quoted in The New York Times Op Talk
February - Rasch Quoted in Tri-City Herald on Cooling Planet Ideas
February - Burrows Quoted in Scientific American on Youth Science Competition
February - Haewon McJeon Quoted in New York Times
February
2014
Research Highlights
- The Bright Side of Arctic Clouds
Atmospheric particles can brighten cold clouds as well as warm onesDecember - On the Right Track for Tropical Clouds
Scientists find the cause of moisture buildup that initiates and propels the Madden-Julian OscillationNovember - Double Bonus: Win-Win for Atmospheric Particle Properties
New method scores particle characteristics from two existing measurementsNovember - Powerful Brakes Applied by Cyclones' Cold Wakes
Storms' lingering cold water paths restrict intensity of following tropical cyclonesNovember - Mountains and Winds Confound Particle Distribution
New field data reveals unexpected atmospheric agitatorsNovember - Particle Profusion Conclusion
Global model comparison project finds large diversity of organic aerosol representationsOctober - When Nudge Comes to Shove
Model experiments develop technique to understand how tiny atmospheric particles change elusive ice cloudsOctober - Global Natural Gas Boom Alone Won't Slow Climate Change
Comprehensive analysis shows that natural gas could displace both coal and low-emitting energy sources over the long termOctober - Dust Takes Detour on Ice-Cloud Journey
Pollution-coated particles bypass ice formation, but influence cloudsOctober - Cloud Catching Requires Persuasive Parameters
Scientists determine which modeling parameters are most influential in simulating cloudsOctober - Fast and Rigorous: Finding Surface Reflectivity by Looking Up at Clouds
New method efficiently estimates surface reflectivity from incoming sunlight bounced back by cloudsOctober - Off-shore Power Potential Floating in the Wind
Buoys loaded with advanced weather instruments will predict offshore power potentialSeptember - More Haste, Less Waste
Scientists developed a more efficient way to crunch climate numbersSeptember - Predicting Cyclones: Small Errors Add Up to Big Difference
Scientists uncover a reason for the unpredictability of Indian Ocean cyclonesAugust - Geoengineering: Opening a Dialogue on the Future
A multi-model assessment looks at potential climate effectsAugust - Modelers Clear Pathways for the Water-Carbon-Energy Cycle
Breaking down differences in modeling soil water substantially shifts carbon stored in landAugust - Water Scarcity and Climate Change through 2095
Model projections reveal future water availability based on multiple climate change scenarios and policiesAugust - Research Masters the Misunderstood Mixed-Phase Cloud
Eleven-model study reveals new insights in understanding Arctic cloudsAugust - Night Lights Guide Urban Mappers from the Sky
Promising new approach enables efficient, automatic mapping of urban areas from night lightsAugust - Tropical Tempests Take Encouragement from Environment
Scientists find 30-year trends in conditions that ripen Bay of Bengal tropical cyclonesJuly - Dust Increases Cloud Cover
Scientists find an unexpected culprit encouraging cloud formationJuly - Predicting Atmospheric Particle Population's Weight Gain
New modeling framework improves understanding of organic particles' climate-relevant propertiesJuly - Understanding How Sooty Snow Does Dirty Work
Scientists sight better simulations of soot's sway on Arctic climate warmingJune - The Secret to Downscaling
Promising new approach allows global and regional climate models to share process informationJune - Bubbling to the Top
Scientists show how organic matter in sea spray contributes to atmospheric particlesJune - Researchers Find Common Ground for Water and Land Process Modeling
Hydrologic modeling is improved by defining basic computational units of land surface models to follow subbasin boundariesJune - Checking Up on Tropical Sunlight
Understanding how well surface point measurements represent regional meteorologyJune - Tagging Tiny Particles in Turbulent Clouds
New modeling technique reveals how pollution particles alter swelling storm cloudsMay - Profiling Clouds' Inner Life
Subgrid modeling pinpoints cloud transformation to uncover true reflective powerMay - Water Woes Projected in U.S. Southwest
Regional water availability reductions ahead according to research that reveals spring drying trendsMay - Teaching a Climate Model to Course Correct
Scientists developed a feedback technique to manage uncertainties in solar geoengineeringMay - Looking at Clouds from All Sides Now
Merging cloud and precipitation radar data provides a better view of tropical rain cloudsApril - Uncovering Global Effects of Clouds on Climate
Multi-scale model provides global view of Asian pollution impacts on Pacific storm trackApril - Agriculture's Growing Effects on Rain
Research shows the impact of land-use change on African monsoon precipitationApril - Clarifying the Uncertain
Efficient method for revealing key uncertainties proves viable in regional integrated assessment analysisApril - Bioenergy Crops Resilient to Climate Change, Grain Not So Much
New research links global crop data in climate change model accounting for emissions mitigationMarch - Indian Monsoon Reacts to Deserts' Whims
Study shows distant desert dust strengthens Asian summer monsoonMarch - Lessons from an All-Ocean World
Long-standing modeling challenges doused in simulations of important precipitation featuresMarch - Regional Analysis at the Climate, Energy, Water, and Land Nexus
The new PRIMA integrated framework addresses crucial scientific questions and environmental decisionsMarch - Looking at the Future of China's Building Energy Use
Energy codes could help cut 22 percent from building energy consumption by end of centuryFebruary - In Situ Chemical Imaging at the Sub-Biofilm-Scale Now Possible
Provides new look at naturally wet microbial community behaviorFebruary - Adding Varoom to a Community Land Model
New study finds accurate parameters to rev up water and energy flux modelingFebruary - Models Put a Global Spin on U.S. Agricultural and Land Use Practices
Why growing crops for food rather than energy in the Midwest can help mitigate climate changeFebruary - Distant Desert Dust Increases Snowpack in California
Local pollution's influence less impressive on Sierra Nevada Mountains' precipitationFebruary - Climate Model Must Do Dusty Duty
Approaches for modeling dust size matters in how it affects the climateFebruary - The Overambitious Other Carbon
Brown carbon works both sides of the climate equationJanuary - Model Parameter Proving Ground
Testing an atmospheric model's radiative flux sensitivities at the top of the atmosphereJanuary - The Long and Short of Modeling Water Resources Management
A new module for Earth system models fills the gap across scalesJanuary - Microfluidic Probe Allows Real-Time Imaging of Electrode-Liquid Electrolyte Interface
New probe also couples electrochemistry and imaging approaches to observe interface kineticsJanuary - Brewing Up a Storm
Depth of warm ocean water encourages development of Northeast Pacific hurricanes across yearsJanuary - Understanding Carbon's Past and Future
Quantifying the human influence on the carbon cycleJanuary
2014
Staff Awards and Honors
- Stephanie Waldhoff Co-Authored Science Perspective on the Social Cost of Carbon
December - Ghassem Asrar Named Co-Chair of Scientific Council
December - Jian Lu Authored Chapter in Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences
December - Ben Kravitz Receives IUGG Early Career Scientist Award
November - Geffen Elected to UCAR Board of Trustees
November - 2014 Key Scientific Accomplishments Report Now Available
October - Charlette Geffen Appointed Member of EPA Board Subcommittee
October - New Project is the ACME of Addressing Climate Change
Researchers joining project to build next-generation Earth climate modelAugust - Jiwen Fan receives PNNL Award for Early Career Exceptional Achievement
July - Kassianov Brings Climate Physics Expertise to Atmosphere Editorial Board
July - PNNL Team Wins R&D 100 Award for SALVI
July - Five PNNL Researchers Named Most Cited
July - Window into Liquid Analysis Earns PNNL an R&D 100 Award
SALVI enables real-time imaging of liquid samples by more than one analytical instrumentJuly - Ghassem Asrar Awarded AGU Ambassador for 2014
July - Malone Authors Federal Report: Behavioral Change Key to Reducing Environmental Footprint
July - Ghassem Asrar Featured in International Innovation
June - Fan Appointed to JAMES Search Committee
June - PNNL Scientists Contribute to the Third National Climate Assessment
May - Riihimaki Recipient of Lab Director Honor, Fitzner-Eberhardt Award
April - Bond-Lamberty Appointed to Global Change Biology Editorial Board
April - PNNL Research Plays Key Role in IPCC Conclusions
Science contributions propel the report's new reduction in climate's sensitivity to carbon dioxideMarch - PNNL Contributes Scenario Expertise to Model Comparison Experiments
March - Jian Lu Joins Climate Dynamics Editorial Board
March - Thomson Joins Scientific Steering Committee of the Global Land Project
March - Steven Smith Selected for ERL Editorial Board
February - Allison Thomson Appointed to ERL Editorial Board
January
2014
Newsmakers
- Will Shaw Quoted in Virginian-Pilot on Wind-Measuring Buoy
December - Will Shaw Quoted in Wired on Measuring Wind
November - Haewon McJeon Quoted in Scientific American, The Guardian, The Times of London on Nature Publication
November - Ian Kraucunas Comments in Yale Climate Connections Podcast
November - Phil Rasch Quoted in Forbes on Great Climate Modeling
October - Ben Kravitz Quoted in IOP News Blog for Geoengineering Work on Climate Change
September - Yoon Quoted Nationwide on Melting Sea Ice
September - Kraucunas Quoted on Science Politics and Climate Change
August - Yu Research Paper Achieved 3000 Downloads
July - Burrows Quoted on Sea Spray Research in IOP News Blog
July - Rasch, Guenther Make Highly Cited Researchers 2014 List
July - Leon Clarke and Jae Edmonds Quoted on IPCC Report Conclusions
May - Dooley Quoted in National Geographic on Coal Impacts
April - LA Times Cites PNNL Climate Modeling in Geoengineering Article
March - PNNL Research Makes Top Ten in Journal of Hydrometeorology
February
2013
Research Highlights
- Plugging Water's Effects in an Earth System Model
Adding irrigation in a land model reveals challenges, points to future stepsDecember - Building a Structure for Efficiency
Research is laying the foundation for improving energy use in rural ChinaDecember - Analyzing How Climate Effects Buildings
Specially integrated model casts climate change impacts on buildings energy use in new lightDecember - Polar Impress
Scientists improve detection of Arctic cloudsDecember - Testing a Land Model's Water Cycle Simulation Skills
Uncertainty exposed and characterized in model's hydrologic parametersDecember - Cooler Days, Warmer Nights
Study shows why pollution results in larger, deeper and longer lasting storm cloudsNovember - With Our Sites in the Sky
ARM's Aerial Facility provides extensive datasets, new upgrades extend capabilitiesNovember - Adaptation Science and Preparing for Change
Climate and social scientists propose preparedness approach to climate changeNovember - Forest's Past Indicates Future Ability to Withstand Climate Change
Study reveals how well spruce forests survive environmental stresses, store carbonOctober - Testing a Relationship: Arctic Warming and China's Summer Monsoon
New research links Arctic warming to China's environmental trends in recent decadesOctober - Digging into Climate Models' Needs with SPADE
New framework uncovers resolution-dependent behavior in climate modelsOctober - A Whole Earth Model
Tracking interactions between the Earth's air, land, ocean, ice, chemistry and biologyOctober - Cutting Greenhouse Gases to Curb Climate Change also Saves Lives
Global analysis shows the air pollution benefit of climate policyOctober - Water-stressed Globe Will Face Increased Thirst, Study Finds
Climate research shows Middle East and India at risk for greater water scarcitySeptember - 2013 Key Scientific Accomplishments Report Now Available
September - Computer Simulations Show Effects of Engineering the Climate
Idealized geoengineering techniques evaluated for impact on global warmingSeptember - Nailing Down Ice in a Cloud Model
Comparing ice cloud properties calculations puts cloud model house in orderSeptember - The Long and Rich Life of Tropical Clouds
Understanding environmental conditions that help tropical clouds flourishAugust - Catch-24: Reflecting on Pollution Particles
Measuring daytime changes in airborne particles shows true 24-hour reflected sunlight averageAugust - Soot, Methane Reduction Benefit Smaller Than Thought
Focus on greenhouse gases needed to limit climate changeAugust - Ahoy Aquaplanet: Identifying Model Resolution Shortcomings
Climate modeling approaches compared in all-ocean world for high-resolution revealJuly - The Brass Ring of Climate Modeling
Simplifying simulations of aerosol indirect effectsJuly - Irrigation's Impact on Clouds and Climate
Water for agriculture in climate model increases model fidelity, shows influence on shallow cloud formationJuly - New Imaging Tool Directly Measures Liquid Surfaces
Basic scientific insights of interest for energy storage, environmental cleanupMay - Crossing the Atmosphere's Next Frontier
New atmospheric modeling paradigm breaks previously accepted notionsMay - Microfluidic Devices Move from Application to Fundamental Science
Frequently used in sensors, these small devices are helping scientists obtain chemical images of delicate liquidsMay - At the Junction of Humid and Sticky
Relative humidity determines viscosity of carbon-based atmospheric particlesMay - Fires, Hurricanes and the Climate
Research shows how natural disturbances affect climate change response strategiesMay - Rain and Cloud Resistance
Tropical western Pacific regional cloudiness appears to form on its own scheduleMay - Wind and Cold Carry Dust to New Heights
Desert dust fuels heat pump effect over the Tibetan PlateauMay - Fair-Weather Clouds Hold Dirty Secret
New study reveals particles that seed small-scale clouds over OklahomaApril - Atmospheric Bit Players Take Stage
Influence of particles on regional water cycle and climate over CaliforniaApril - When Pollution Gets a Whiff of Trees
City and tree emissions mix it up causing poor air qualityApril - Reining in Rain's Reign
A unique calibration technique uncovers the details of precipitation in a climate modelApril - Making the Case for Regional Modeling
Tackling global environmental issues means adopting smaller, regional approachApril - Clouds Pull Rank in the Tropical Atmosphere
A decade of data discloses the influence of clouds on the tropical energy balanceMarch - Water for Power
Reducing power plant greenhouse gas emissions and the effect on water useMarch - Rivers Run Right Through It...The Model
New river-routing model improves simulations of water movement within the Earth's systemMarch - Reaching Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Concentration Goals
Technology improvements reduce cost of reaching goals, but not essential to meet themMarch - Water Supply and Demand
Scenarios to project global demand water use over the 21st centuryMarch - A Long Way from Home: Saharan and Asian Dust and Particles End Journey in California
Study shows that aerosols from one side of the world influence rainfall in anotherMarch - A Decade and Counting
An assessment of atmospheric research in the equatorial western PacificMarch - 20 Years Serving Science
The ARM Climate Research Facility has amassed climate data and key accomplishments over the last two decadesFebruary - The Short and the Long of Storms
Tracing a storm's life with a trifecta of dataFebruary - Dust Dries Clouds by Gobbling Up Water Vapor
Scientists show how different cloud seeds can influence the greenhouse effectFebruary - Extraterrestrial Effects on Climate? Not So Much.
The influence of cosmic rays on cloud droplet formation explored in a global climate modelFebruary - Feng Receives Thesis Award from Chinese-American Ocean-Atmosphere Association
January - Soot is Warming the Planet
Sunlight-absorbing black carbon emissions from human activities now #2 in climate warmingJanuary - Marginal Lands Are Prime Fuel Source for Alternative Energy
Natural vegetation equals feedstocks for biomass productionJanuary - Cotton-Ball Clouds Contained
New modeling method captures clouds' shading effectsJanuary
2013
Staff Awards and Honors
- Bond-Lamberty Authors Perspective on Global Vegetation Research
December - Ben Bond-Lamberty, Section Editor for PLOS One
November - Ghassem Asrar Named Director for Joint Global Change Research Institute
November - PNNL Scientists Contribute to International Climate Change Report
October - New and Improved Community Atmosphere Model Proves Hot Topic
October - Ruby Leung Joins Washington State Academy of Sciences
August - Alex Guenther, International Leader in Atmospheric and Ecosystem Research, Joins PNNL
August - Phil Rasch Recipient of Climate Modeling Distinguished Achievement Award
July - Ghan, Wang Contribute Expertise in a Community Atmosphere Model
June - PNNL Researchers Discuss Increasing Interest in Scientific Fields via Women @ Energy
April - Jim Dooley to Serve on the Technical Program Committee for GHGT12
March - Xiaohong Liu, Editor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
March - Jim Dooley Authored Thoughtful Editorial on Avoiding Scientific Plagiarism
February - Chun Zhao Served as Guest Editor of Aeolian Research
February - Steven Smith Contributes Expertise for Concentrating Solar Power Technology
February - Visiting Postdoc Fellow Receives Young Scientist Paper Award
January
2013
Newsmakers
- Kravitz Quoted in ClimateWire and Science on Geoengineering Studies
December - Ian Kraucunas Quoted in Ensia
October - Smith Paper Featured in Science Magazine Editor's Choice
October - Meredydd Evans Quoted in Concentrated Solar Power Today
September - Ruby Leung Authored Regional Climate Model Article in EOS
September - Climate Modeling of Geoengineering: Meeting report featured in EOS
August - Ben Bond-Lamberty Blogs for PLOS Biology
August
2012
Research Highlights
- Slow Trumps Fast in Changing the Summer Monsoon
Pollution's gradual impact on sea surface temperature more important than quicker impact on clouds, air and landDecember - Lord of the Wings: Elevated Particles a Rising Star
Aircraft instrument puts important particle-climate properties on stageDecember - A Shortcut to Aerosol Signatures
Scientists find a way to distinguish the aerosol particle signal from the weather noiseDecember - The Middle Child of Tropical Clouds
Mid-level tropical clouds form differently during active and break monsoon periodsDecember - Pollution Hitches Ride to Arctic
Pollution from fossil fuel and forest fire burning tucks inside other atmospheric particlesNovember - Tropical Clouds: From Jekyll to Hyde
Revealing the environmental conditions that push tropical clouds from fair-weather to stormyNovember - Invisible Giants in the Sky
Unexpectedly large sunlight reflecting impact of big particles in a clean skyNovember - When Clouds Hang Out with Pollution
Clean sky clouds more susceptible to pollution's pressureOctober - Connections for the Building Energy Efficiency Community
Online database facilitates collaboration and communication in building energy efficiency effortsOctober - Getting Collaborative About Climate
International climate research team finds working together yields best resultsOctober - Partly Cloudy With a Chance of Aerosol
Satellite images reveal that clouds affect the particles surrounding themOctober - Dimming the Sun's Light
Planet's sensitivity to greenhouse gases will determine how much shading could be needed to slow temperature riseOctober - 2012 Fundamental & Computational Sciences Accomplishments Report Now Available
October - A-Tisket, A-Tasket, The Greenhouse Gas Basket
Ranking methane's impact on future climate changeSeptember - Caught in the Act: Atmospheric Organic Particles' MO Revealed
Elusive atmospheric compound revealed in the laboratorySeptember - Dust Achieves Lofty Aspirations
Disposition to form ice crystals is measured and modeled for a new-fangled frameworkSeptember - How to Catch Aerosols in the Act
Scientists use satellites to measure how pollution particles affect cloudsAugust - A Chemistry Tale of Two Carbons
Comprehensive field study of urban and natural emissions interacting to affect climate changeAugust - Fresh Water Feeds Hurricanes' Fury
Hurricanes and tropical cyclones become up to 50 percent more intense when passing over oceans inundated with fresh waterAugust - Pollution Weakens Monsoon's Might
Local, global emissions suppress South Asian summer rainfallJuly - Bytes for Bits
Researchers develop a new, efficient aerosol module for climate modelsJune - Pollution + Storm Clouds = Warmer Atmosphere
Computer modeling reveals new insights on interactions between pollution particles and stormsMay - Desert Dust Intensifies Summer Rainfall in U.S. Southwest
Particles cause atmosphere to heat up, strengthening monsoonMay - Building a Framework, Brick by Brick
Regional stakeholder input helps construct better models for climate change decisionsMay - Invisible Tropical Clouds
Scientists use new method to zero in on source of tropical cloudsApril - Triple Play for Liquid Probing
Technical advance allows researchers to watch liquid surfaces interactApril - Methane Mitigation Seminar for Russia's Oil and Gas Production
March - Taming Uncertainty in Climate Prediction
Using the uncertainty quantification method in precipitation modelingMarch - Clouds Get in the Way
Measuring how climate models calculate the effects of clouds on Earth's warmingMarch - A Finger in the Wind
Overview of weather and atmospheric conditions during study of natural and urban emissionsMarch - A Better Picture of Clouds
Capturing the effects of pollution bits on clouds and climateFebruary - Gauging Water's Future
Earth system model tested to estimate watershed runoffFebruary - Driving Change in Technology
Public policy moves energy technology transformationFebruary - The Proof is in the Clouds
Accuracy of new WRF-Chem version validated by studying cloud behaviorJanuary - Predicting Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Scientists put climate model through paces, find shortcomingsJanuary - Worldwide Water in the Balance
Tropical clouds hold clues for the global water cycleJanuary - Case Closed on Nauru Island
Scientists capture, tag, archive clouds' effect in tropicsJanuary
2012
Staff Awards and Honors
- Richard Moss Authors Report for NOAA
Global sea level rise scenarios for the U.S. National Climate AssessmentDecember - PNNL to Map the Wind as Part of DOE Offshore Wind Demonstration Project
$625K initial investment to assess wind meteorology using dual Doppler technologyDecember - Collaboration Leads to Best Paper at International Conference
November - Tony Janetos Selected as Ecological Society of America Fellow
October - Elizabeth Malone Appointed to Associate Deputy Editor of Climatic Change
October - PNNL Scientists Involved in Producing Reports by the National Academies
October - Project Won to Lead Black Carbon Research in Russian Arctic
Selection based on expertise in greenhouse gas emissions assessment, mitigation techniquesSeptember - Steven Ghan Editor-in-Chief for JGR-Atmospheres
September - Mohamad Hejazi, Editor of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Systems Engineering
September - L. Ruby Leung Appointed Editor of Journal of Hydrometeorology
August - Charles Long Receives 2012 World Meteorological Organization Väisälä Award for Research on Fractional Cloudiness
August - Hibbard and Skaggs Contribute to the National Climate Assessment
July - Meredydd Evans Joins Committee for Energy Codes
May
2011
Research Highlights
- Cutting Air Pollution Got Boost from Weather
Scientists compared emission controls versus weather during Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesDecember - Cloud Droplets, Ready for Prime Time
An open casting call for cloud droplets realizes big rewardsDecember - A Dance of Aerosols
Study shows plant-sourced particles pick and choose their partnersDecember - The Pollution, Cloud, Climate Connection
November - Division of Labor
Replacing hand-weeding of soil plots reduces effort to identify emitted carbon sourcesNovember - The Birth of a Cloud Droplet
Comparing simulations of how atmospheric particles become cloudsOctober - 2011 Fundamental & Computational Sciences Accomplishments Report Now Available
October - The Future of Clean Air
Century-scale scenarios connect clean air with prosperitySeptember - Putting the Pieces Together
Understanding Arctic clouds develops a picture of global climate changeSeptember - Clearing the Air
Research points to regional strategies to reduce urban air pollutionSeptember - Ice Heating Up Cold Clouds
In a heated battle, ice crystals win the competition for cloud water vaporSeptember - Tally a Twofer in Cloud Characterization
Measuring both atmospheric particles and sky cover in one fell swoopSeptember - Mastering the Mysteries of the MJO
Capturing a complete picture of a planetary-scale weather patternSeptember - From Earth to Table to Air
Understanding regional nature of agricultural CO2 can help shape greenhouse gas mitigation strategiesAugust - Brightening Clouds
Atmospheric scientists evaluate a technique for reflecting more sunlight back to spaceAugust - Weaving a Common Thread
Research points to lowest-cost strategies to limit the effects of greenhouse gas emissionsAugust - Following the Aerosol Trail
A simplified method to accurately show pollution particles in climate modelsAugust - Carbon Cycle Expert Presents Progress on Climate Modeling
Understanding how the ecosystem affects the carbon budgetJuly - Connecting the Dots on Aerosol Details
Multi-scale model calculates human-caused aerosol indirect effectsJuly - Looking for Aerosol in All the Right Places
Climate models must account for small-scale aerosol variabilityJuly - Cloud Composition Cliffhanger at Point Reyes National Seashore
A whodunit solved for the chemistry and particle make-up of cloudsJune - Tiny Particles, Big Impact
New tools for understanding aerosols craft a more certain future for climate change projectionsJune - World-renowned Expert Discusses Super-Parameterization
Representing clouds in global climate modelsMay - A Shared Approach for Climate Insight
Presenting the aerosol research community a common modeling testbedMay - Clouds and Earth's Warming or Cooling
Clouds' effect on sunlight energy at Earth's surface depends on the wavelength of lightMay - Morning Commute: Year 2065
Integrated modeling provides look into the future of passenger vehiclesMay - Down-and-Dirty Details of Climate Modeling
Scientists built a multi-scale climate model to better account for polluting aerosolsMay - Stories of Discovery and Innovation-
A Sooty Tale
Black carbon from combustion processes accelerates climate change effects.April - Fair-weather Clouds Over Small Cities Affect Regional Climate
Pollution causes an increase in light reflected by clouds at more locations than previously thoughtApril - Heating Up the Arctic
Most complete dataset ever collected helps scientists understand aerosols' impacts on cloudsApril - Saharan Dust Impacts West African Monsoon Precipitation
Using regional model simulations to predict precipitation patternsMarch - Integrated Regional Earth System Research Helps to Understand Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Issues in the U.S. Midwest
March - Keeping Carbon in Check
Novel technique to monitor soil organic carbon over large areasMarch - Polluted Snow Causes Early Runoff, Stronger Monsoons in Asia
March - Worldwide Sulfur Emissions Rose Between 2000-2005, After Decade of Decline
Shipping, China top emissions growth in new analysis of 150 years of emissionsFebruary - New Carbon Model Improves Understanding of Emission Sources
Novel simulation shows airborne carbon caused by regional impactsFebruary - Slow Evaporation May Account for Particles Previously Thought to be Missing
New work will help researchers refine atmospheric climate modelsJanuary - Aerosols Become More Clear
Researchers examine the uncertainty of organic aerosols on climateJanuary
2011
Staff Awards and Honors
- Gourihar Kulkarni Awarded Competitive Small Business Technology Transfer Grant
November - Hui Wan Appointed Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow
October - Jae Edmonds Receives Highest Battelle Honor
September - Climate and Aircraft Team Receive NASA Group Achievement Award
August - Elizabeth Malone Appointed to Committee on Himalayan Glaciers
July - Steve Ghan Selected as PNNL Laboratory Fellow
July - Richard Moss Appointed Chair of National Research Council Committee
July - Nate Engle Awarded AAAS Congressional Fellowship
June - PNNL Research on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Featured at Cancun International Climate Negotiations
January - César Izaurralde elected 2010 AAAS fellow
January
2010
Research Highlights
- Forging Cloud Anvils
Pollution particles enlarge and extend the lifetime of storm cloudsDecember - Electricity from the Sun
New methods to examine the potential of concentrating thermal solar powerDecember - Check Out the Fundamental & Computational Sciences Achievements for 2010
December - Glacier Melt and Human Vulnerabilities in Asia
Planning now for climate change effects on the Greater Himalayan regionNovember - Power Plant Pollution's Bedtime Story
Aerosol particles form in nighttime plumes from coal-fired power plantsNovember - Cold Skies
Researchers increase our understanding of how ice clouds formNovember - Focusing on Aerosols Through the Macro Lens
Small-scale features inform large-scale impacts in climate change modelsOctober - Shifting Showers
Researchers demonstrate how honeycomb clouds exhibit self-organizationOctober - Saving Tropical Forests
Agricultural improvements aid in reducing emissions and in keeping food affordableOctober - In Search of Haze
Researching the Effects Aerosol Particles have on the Earth's ClimateAugust - Clouds + Mineral Dust = Rain
Researchers size up ice nuclei to more accurately model climate changeAugust - Rahul CARES Features Insider Look at Aerosol-Climate Field Study
May - New Insights Show Promise for Emissions Capture, Storage
May - Even Soil Feels the Heat
Soils release more carbon dioxide as the globe warmsApril - Scientists Characterize Poorly Understood, Climate-Influencing Atmospheric Particles
Particle adsorption, shape, and coatings revealed by team using SPLAT IIApril - Future Climate Scenarios: Getting a Better Look at the Big Picture
New approach to climate change could change how societies generate and use energyMarch - PNNL Chief Scientist Addresses Congress on Geoengineering
Dr. Phil Rasch joins other panelists discussing the potential benefits, risks and costs of geoengineeringFebruary - Cracking the Codes of Building Energy Efficiency
U.S. and China launch collaboration on building energy codes compliance and trainingFebruary - If a Tree Falls in the Forest. . .
Scientists face carbon modeling challenges from increased natural disasters, plagues and manmade disturbancesJanuary - Jiwen Fan helps Demystify Pollution's Impact on Storm Clouds
Past studies showed conflicting conclusions, and now we know whyJanuary
2010
Staff Awards and Honors
- Jae Edmonds to Serve on NRC Study Committee
December - L. Ruby Leung to Serve on NRC Study Committee
December - FCSD Intern Wins at Poster Competition
December - Jerry Allwine to Receive Prestigious Helmut E. Landsberg Award
October - Kathy Hibbard Appointed Chair of the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Program Committee
October - Charles Long to Serve on The Open Atmospheric Science Journal Editorial Board
October - César Izaurralde Appointed as Editorial Board Member of a New Peer-Reviewed Journal
September - International Climate Change Assessment Gains Five PNNL Scientists
August - Steve Ghan Re-appointed to Journal of Geophysical Research Editorial Board
August - Tony Janetos Selected as Laboratory Fellow
July - Jim Dooley Briefs White House Task Force on Status of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage
June - Chuck Long Appointed to International Radiation Commission Committee
June - Steven Smith Served Key Role in National Academies Workshop on Climate Change Mitigation
May - Jim Dooley Edits Special Issue of the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control
March - William Gustafson Awarded Early Career Grant for Climate Research
February
2009
Research Highlights
- Computer-simulated Thunderstorms with Ice Clouds Reveal Insights for Next-generation Computer Models
December - Oh, the Secrets Ice Crystals Will Tell!
Studying ice crystals to understand the cloud-climate connectionDecember - Better-than-new LIDAR provides 24/7 atmospheric aerosol data
December - PNNL Testbed Gives Science Community a Better Tool for Climate Modeling
Objective, quantifiable "reality check" for evaluating new atmospheric processes in modelsNovember - Not Your Father's Biology
New biology needed to solve energy, ecosystem problemsNovember - China Shows Promise in Carbon Capture and Storage
Country has enough geologic storage capacity to meet demand for at least a centuryNovember - Check Out the Fundamental & Computational Sciences Achievements for 2009
September - Check Out Advancing the Frontiers of Science Brochure
September - Rain, Rain Gone Away
Pollution in eastern China "reins in" light rainSeptember - What's Up with Those Ice Clouds?
Aircraft emissions could influence climate change through cloud formationAugust - Northern Exposure
Most aerosols in the Arctic region "hitchhiked" there from other places in the world.August - PNNL Scientists Help Inform Nation's Climate Change Research Agenda
Top six research challenges in integrated assessment and a path forward to address themAugust - Terrestrial CO2 Economically Important in Greenhouse Gas Control
Policies protecting forests could lower costs of cutting atmospheric carbon dioxide, Science article saysJune - PNNL's Tony Janetos Co-authors White House Climate Report
New report summarizes climate change science and impacts on United StatesJune - Climate Study Takes Close-up Look at Washington State
PNNL experts help supply science basis for action strategiesJune - Thawing the Mystery of Extra Ice Crystals
June - Clouding the Issue
Causes of global dimming and brightening more complex than previously thoughtJune - Lead in Clouds: A Bad News/Good News Scenario
Everyday activities pump lead into the atmosphere and may affect climate change, according to a recent article in Nature Geoscience.May - Thin is In
Researchers wait out severe weather to learn about thin clouds—up close and personal.March - Satellite Will Get a Better "Look" at Airborne Particles
New measurement method named as one of the most noteworthy contributions to atmospheric scienceFebruary - Trading Waste Heat for Energy in China
Combined heat and power can make the world's most populous country more energy efficient, cleanerFebruary - Paying Less to Tackle Climate Change
Advanced technologies could make climate stabilization better, faster, and cheaperJanuary - Soot + Snow = Climate Change
Regional climate models reveal how soot-covered snow affects climate and water availability in the western United States.January - Future CO2 Pipeline Not as Onerous as Some Think
Most large coal power plants in the United States are within 50 miles of existing sites that could store carbon dioxide.January - The Heat is On
Even with cutbacks, some amount of global warming is inevitable.January
2009
Staff Awards and Honors
- L. Ruby Leung Appointed to Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee
December - Phil Rasch Honored as AAAS Fellow
December - Kerri Pratt Awarded NOAA Fellowship
November - Jerome Fast Appointed NCAR Affiliate Scientist
November - L. Ruby Leung elected AMS Fellow
October - PNNL Researchers Honored by Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum
October - Sally McFarlane receives PNNL Award for Early Career Exceptional Achievement
July - Beat Schmid Receives Dual Honor from DOE Office of Science
April - Sally McFarlane Receives Alumna Award
March
2008
Research Highlights
- Check Out the Fundamental & Computational Sciences Achievements for 2008
December - Seeking and Destroying Algorithm Errors
Scientists at PNNL found and corrected previously unrecognized errors of up to 30% in commonly used atmospheric computer models.November - Climate Researchers Say "Hola" to Chile for Six-Week Field Study
October - MOSAIC Adds a Piece to the Air Pollution-Climate Change Puzzle
PNNL's new atmospheric aerosol model produces accurate and efficient predictions of climate-relevant aerosol properties in record time.October - Using Mother Nature to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
September - Getting the Dirt on Nitrogen in Agroecosystems
September - New Institute Aims to Outpace Climate Change
Tiny particles in the air hold the secrets to better climate change predictions and energy management decisions. A new collaboration aims to unlock those secrets.September - Tony Janetos on Climate Change Impacts
July - U.S. Climate Change Effects Revealed
June - Adding Chemistry to the Relationship
Scientists everywhere have a more accurate tool for understanding climate change predictionsMay - SPLAT Makes its Mark in Flying Research Laboratory
After a flight-ready makeover, one of the world's most sophisticated instruments is helping researchers uncover the secrets of the atmosphereApril - I Can See Clearly Now
A mathematical tweak dramatically improves air pollution detection on cloudy days.April - Forecast: Cloudy and Hot
March - Arctic Clouds Get a Reality Check
New scheme for cloud microphysics shows promise for improving climate modelsFebruary
2008
Staff Awards and Honors
- Ruby Leung Elected AAAS Fellow
December - Tomlinson to Lead National Research Aircraft Committee
Getting more mileage from "frequent fliers"November - Phil Rasch joins PNNL as Chief Scientist for Climate Science
October - Jim Dooley Appointed Associate Editor of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Journal
October - Jim Dooley discusses Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage on Energy Policy TV
July - Aircraft Operations Receive Gold Standard Recognition
July - Staff Recognized at Science Team Meeting
May - James Dooley gives Capitol Hill briefing
April - Charles Long Appointed to The Open Ocean Engineering Journal Editorial Advisory Board
January
2007
Research Highlights
- Compilation of Fundamental Science Accomplishments Now Available
December - Remodeling Atmospheric Organic Aerosols
Study reveals discrepancy in approach commonly used to model organic aerosol formation at global scalesDecember - Keeping Aerosol Research on the Straight and Narrow
Strategy Paper Describes Complex Path from Field Measurements to Climate ModelsSeptember - PNNL Scientists, Computer Model Make Key Contributions to Major Climate Report
MiniCAM one of three models used to analyze greenhouse gas emissionsAugust - Shallow Clouds Make the Case for Remote Sensing Instrumentation
July - Landmark Report Documents Role of Technology in Addressing Climate Change
A combination of new and better technologies could slash costs of reducing greenhouse gases by trillions of dollars in this century, a new report says.June - Greenhouse Gas: Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Prehistoric lava flows hold great promise for addressing climate changeMay - Researchers Record a Tropospheric Trifecta in February
April - On Thin Ice
Despite advances, retrieval algorithms for ice clouds remain slipperyFebruary - Data from Saharan Dust Storm Reveal Model Deficiencies
Simultaneous surface and satellite measurements lead to first assessment of radiative impacts of a dust stormJanuary - $1 Million Grant Supports Soil Science for Mitigating Greenhouse Gases
PNNL researchers contribute expertise ranging from basic research to economic analysisJanuary - Tony Janetos Helps National Research Council Outline Future of Space-Based Earth Observations
January
2007
Staff Awards and Honors
- James Edmonds Elected AAAS Fellow
November - Richard Moss Elected AAAS Fellow
November - Anthony Janetos Elected AAAS Fellow
November - Izaurralde Selected Soil Science Fellow
November - Researchers Contribute to Nobel Peace Prize for Climate Change Awareness
November - Chuck Long Co-author on "Hot" Paper about Solar Brightening
November - Leung, Janetos, and Edmonds Invited to National Academies Workshop on Climate
October - Jae Edmonds Appointed Chief Scientist
September - Steve Ghan Invited to Speak at Upcoming Gordon Research
August - Jerome Fast Presents Aerosol Research as Invited Speaker at Gordon Research Conference
August - Cliff Glantz Awarded for Exceptional Service to DOE Emergency Management
July - PNNL Staff Members Help Shape Global Understanding of Climate Change
June - Jae Edmonds Authors Chapter in Working Group III Report for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
May - Janetos Authors Chapter in Working Group II Report for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
April - Larry Berg and Mikhail Pekour Recognized for Contributions to Security at Rose Bowl
March - Jim Dooley Appointed to Program Committee on Greenhouse Gas Technologies
March
2006
Research Highlights
- PNNL Wins Contract to Manage DOE Aerial Vehicles Program
November - The Houston Triangle: Where Air Quality, Not a Ship, Disappears
Field campaign investigates hydrocarbons and aerosol concentrations in industrialized environmentOctober - International Workshops Focus on Equity of Geographical Representation in Climate Models
South America the first of many climate regions discussedOctober - Tipping the Balance Toward Harmony with Nature
Predictions of land uses analyzed to evaluate estimates of soil carbon sequestrationAugust - An Eye on Sky Imaging Systems and Techniques
June - Sharing Space for the Sake of Science
May - Mountain Snow Projected to Melt Dramatically in Some Regions, Moderately in Others
May - Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Technologies Analyzed for Role in Addressing Climate Change
May - PNNL Joins MILAGRO Project in Mexico City
PNNL participated in an international research collaboration to study the far-reaching, long-lasting effects of aerosol emissions on climateApril - Tropical Clouds Hold Clues to Global Climate
March - Haze Dynasty
In China, cloud-free days do not mean sunshine; smog is to blameJanuary
2006
Staff Awards and Honors
- Steve Ghan Appointed to Journal of Geophysical Research Editorial Board
November - Chuck Long Influences International Direction for Meteorological Measurements
October - Janetos Named to Lead Joint Global Change Research Institute
August - Jim Dooley Joins Editorial Board of International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control
June - Richard Moss Completes Six Years of Service with U.S. Global Change Research Program
March - Richard Benedick Joins National Research Council Committee
March
2005
Research Highlights
- How Vulnerable Are We To Climate Change?
October - Air quality in West going south
October - Calculations for Rising Global Temperature Vary Significantly Based on Greenhouse Gas Emission Models
July - Correction Method for Infrared Detector Confirmed; Error in Clear Sky Bias Condition Remains Unresolved
June - Earth Lightens Up
May - ARM Observations Validate Climate Model for Tropical Cirrus Clouds
January - ARM Program Research Improves Longwave Radiative Transfer Models
January
2005
Staff Awards and Honors
2004
Research Highlights
- A "Little" Respect: Droplet Nucleation Finally Included in Global Climate Model
November - Continuous Dataset of Water Vapor Measurements Throws Water on Assumptions of Cirrus Cloud Formation
November - For Estimates of Cloud Optical Thickness, Simple Equation is Good Enough
October - Cloud Phase Determination Using Ground-Based AERI Observations at SHEBA
June - Evaluation of Simulated Clouds and Radiation at the ARM Site
June - Island-Induced Cloud Plumes Influence Tropical Atmospheric Measurements, Surface Radiation
June - The Consequences of Uncertainty: Addressing Climate Sensitivity and Climate Stabilization
May - New Method for Evaluating Cloud Processes and Cloud Effects in Climate Models
May - Global warming to squeeze Western mountains dry by 2050
February - Better understanding of the sensitivity of the earth's climate system to changes in greenhouse gases critically important
January