Collaborative Research - Theme II

Weather and Atmosphere - Collaborative Research

1. CLN measurements aid state and federal air quality management agencies to understand the transport and impact of pollutants in their forecasts of ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Lidar observations within the network will aid in the determination and impact of regional and long-range transport of pollutants into the eastern US states and Caribbean.
2. The East Hampton Roads Aerosol Flux (EHRAF) was conducted in May 2014 at HU with the participation of CREST partner UMBC to examine small-scale aerosol transport using aerosol, Raman, and Doppler lidars, and rawindsonde launches. Studies show evidence that nighttime turbulence triggered by low level jets can cause the aerosol and water vapor content of the boundary layer to be transported vertically and form a well-mixed region containing the cloud condensation nuclei that are necessary for cloud formation. Research findings were recently published (2 students (1 CREST funded) co-authors) in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres.
3. UMBC Campus PI has been a guest speaker, since 2014 in the HU CREST Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) and has instructed students on weather balloon soundings as part of their summer research experience. Talks have focused on dissemination of CLN research and inter-campus recruitment. As a result, two former CURE students form UMBC joined the HU and UMBC atmospheric graduate programs.

Outcome:

Lidar observations during dust and smoke events have been highlighted in UMBC's daily diary of US air quality, the UMBC Smog Blog ( http://alg.umbc.edu/usaq). In addition, CLN list server continues to be supported (cln@lists.umbc.edu). This electronic mail distribution list allows an immediate communication between CREST institutions, state and federal agencies prior and during air quality events. A total of 13 UMBC CREST funded students (10 undergrads and 3 graduates) have benefitted from these activities since 2014. Intercampus recruitment activities by Theme II faculty, include active participation of students and faculty at the UPRM Career fair, and professional meetings as AMS, SHPE, etc. UMBC (Dr. Ruben Delgado) has participated with CCNY and HU faculty in NSF (CCNY, P.I. Dr, Jorge Gonzalez, “Science and Technology Center for Human and Environmental Implications of Coastal/Urban Environment Flows) and NASA (HU, P.I. Dr. William Moore, “Hampton University Center for Atmospheric Research and Education”) proposal calls. Publications listed from joint CLN activities are listed below:

1. “Using lidar networks to explore aloft plume properties”, B. Gross, Y. Wu, F. Moshary, R. Delgado, R. Hoff, J. Su, R. Lee, P. McCormick, SPIE Newsroom, doi: 10.1117/2.1201412.005717, 2014.
2. “Lidar Remote Sensing of Cloud Formation Caused by Low-Level Jets”, J. Su, M. Felton, L. Lei, P. McCormick, R. Delgado, A. St. Pé, Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres,121, doi:10.1002/2015JD024590,2016.Inter-CSC:

Future:

Continuation of concerted lidar operations among sites and pursue funding opportunities within NOAA and state and federal agencies in need for remote sensing observations of meteorological, energy and air quality parameters for improvements of forecasts, as well as to educate the next generation of STEM students.