Highlights
Atmospheric Sciences & Global Change Division
2015
Research Highlights
- 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
2015
Newsmakers
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