Highlights
Atmospheric Sciences & Global Change
2018
Research Highlights
- Restoring Rain to a Model Amazon Forest
Simulations reveal terrestrial factors and airflow as contributors to climate model challenges in producing rainfall over the world's largest rainforest.December
- Catch and Release: How Hemispheres Handle Energy through the Seasons in a Warmer World
Increased energy contrast between hemispheres under future warming drives a north-south shift in atmospheric circulation, delaying the onset of tropical precipitation and summer monsoons.December
- Indian Monsoon Steers Tropical Cyclones across the Atlantic
Researchers identify internal variability of the Indian monsoon as a significant driver of Atlantic tropical cyclone tracks.December
- Measuring the Tropics' Bulging Waistline
Researchers find gains, losses in reviewing natural versus human factors shaping the expansion of the tropics since the late 1970s.December
- Eroding Gaps in Understanding the Global Carbon Cycle
A new process-based model represents global changes in sediment and particulate organic carbon levels due to soil erosion, an important missing piece in Earth system models.December
- Warmer Climate Brings Stronger Spring Storms to the United States
Simulations show North Pacific and North Atlantic subtropical high-pressure systems develop more during spring than summer under future warming.November
- Disentangling the Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions in the North Atlantic
Powerful new methodology illuminates large-scale influences on sea surface temperature that drive Atlantic Multidecadal Variability.November
- New Aerosol Modeling Approach Takes Cues from Lab Experiments
A dynamic empirical framework for secondary organic aerosols could help bridge a significant gap between measurements and model predictions.November
- Linking Local and National Government for Global Mitigation
Case studies in six cities of barriers to implementing building energy codes.October
- As Ecosystems Heat Up, Tundra Changes Speed Up
Understanding the functional traits of Arctic and alpine tundra plant communities will enable better model projections of how they transform in warmer conditions.October
- Atmosphere Outpaces Ocean in Driving Extreme Winter Weather along the U.S. West Coast
Researchers found that sea surface temperature, the more predictable element of the climate system, accounts for only 20 percent of extreme precipitation variability along the U.S. West Coast.October
- Effects of Water Management on Future Droughts from Atmosphere to Rivers: A Global Multi-Model Analysis
Water management may alleviate future agricultural droughts but intensify hydrological droughts.September
- Systematic Water Conservation Errors Reduced in E3SM Atmosphere Model
Improving water conservation in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model's atmosphere component has important implications for projecting sea level change.September
- From Gray to Green: An Aerosol Journey in the Amazon
Surrounded by the Amazon rainforest, aircraft measurements from the urban plume over Manaus, Brazil, reveal the life cycle of organic aerosol.September
- Tiny Processes in Clouds Drive Storm System Longevity over the Central United States
With improved cloud microphysics representing observed storm structures, models can better simulate long-lasting storms prone to produce flooding.September
- A Hydrological Emulator for Global Applications
New open-source software mimics complex global hydrological models with extraordinary computational efficiency.August
- Decoding the Ocean's Influence on Global Surface Air Temperature Patterns
A new study identified recurrent patterns of temperature response to energy changes at random locations.August
- Mission Possible: Estimating Cloud Area from Sky Images
A new method provides a previously unavailable data set that could help improve the representation of shifty shallow cumulus clouds in atmospheric models.August
- Hurricanes Gained Strength More Quickly in the Central and Eastern Atlantic Ocean Over the Last 30 Years
A positive shift in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and changes in the large-scale hurricane environment are behind the increase in magnitude of rapid intensification.August
- Pinpointing the Players in a Rapidly Warming Arctic
Researchers zero in on the radiative feedback processes that continue to drive warming in the Arctic.August
- The Shady Role of Shallow Clouds
Cloud shadows are found to influence shallow cloud size and water content.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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
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
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
2014
Staff Awards and Honors
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
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
2011
Staff Awards and Honors
2010
Staff Awards and Honors
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
2008
Staff Awards and Honors
2007
Staff Awards and Honors
2006
Staff Awards and Honors
2005
Staff Awards and Honors
2004
Staff Awards and Honors
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