Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “field observations”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14

Characterizing the impact of water uptake on light absorption by aerosol particles

Absorbing aerosols (AA) have an important impact on the global radiation budget. The composition and properties of AA can vary substantially throughout the atmosphere, depending on the particle source and the influence of chemical aging. Uncertainties associated with the radiative effects of AA remain substantial. A key contributor to this uncertainty is understanding the extent to which water uptake alters absorption by AA particles and how this depends on particle composition. We have used new and existing experimental tools to systematically characterize the relationship(s) between AA chemical and physical characteristics, relative humidity, and mixing of AA with other aerosol components through a combination of laboratory and field measurements. We have developed fundamental understanding through laboratory experiments that will enable interpretation of field observations at DOE ARM sites and facilitate process-based improvements in the simulation of absorption by carbonaceous aerosols in climate models. In the laboratory experiments we have considered a variety of different AA types, including fullerene soot (a surrogate for refractory black carbon, or BC) and nigrosine (a surrogate for partially soluble brown carbon, or BrC). By examining a range of AA types we will develop insight into how the chemical and physical properties of AA particles (e.g. whether they are refractory or soluble) impact the influence of water uptake on absorption. These AA particles will also be mixed—both internally and externally—with compounds having a wide range of hygroscopic properties to establish how the impact of water uptake on absorption will vary with photochemical processing. These laboratory observations have been compared with commonly used theoretical models, enabling development of empirical models that will facilitate improved representation of absorption by AA particles in regional and global climate models. Overall, our study has contributed to the mission of the Atmospheric System Research program by quantifying how interactions between aerosols and radiation depend on relative humidity. Through this, our work will improve understanding and model representation of aerosol processes as they affect the Earth’s radiation budget.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Interactions between molecular-scale biogeochemical processes and hyporheic exchange for understanding coupled Fe-S-C cycling in iron-rich riparian wetlands (Final Technical Report)

Riparian wetlands are dynamic interfaces that exert strong control over water quality, contaminant mobility, and greenhouse gas emissions. These systems are characterized by hyporheic exchange between oxic surface water and anoxic groundwater, which generates steep redox gradients and promotes spatially and temporally variable microbial activity. Despite growing recognition of tightly coupled iron (Fe), sulfur (S), and carbon (C) cycling in these environments, the mechanisms governing these interactions—particularly under low-sulfate freshwater conditions—remain poorly constrained. This project developed a mechanistic understanding of how hydrologic variability and microbial processes interact to control Fe–S–C cycling in iron-rich riparian wetlands. Using a multi-scale and multi-method approach integrating field observations, geochemical and spectroscopic analyses, metagenomics, and reactive transport modeling, we demonstrate that “cryptic” sulfur cycling—rapid sulfur transformations involving intermediate-valence species—plays a dominant and previously underrecognized role in freshwater wetlands. These processes persist despite low sulfate concentrations and significantly influence iron reduction, carbon mineralization, and methane dynamics. The results show that cryptic sulfur cycling enhances dissolved Fe 2+ production, regulates methane concentrations, and is strongly controlled by climate-driven hydrologic fluxes. By linking hydroclimate, subsurface flow, and biogeochemical reactions, this work provides a predictive framework for understanding how wetland systems respond to environmental change, with direct implications for water quality and carbon cycling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Atmospheric System Research Workshop Report: New Directions in Atmospheric Ice Processes Research

Atmospheric ice processes are critical for precipitation production, cloud dynamics, and radiative properties and contribute to uncertainties in Earth’s energy budget and hydrological cycle, yet they remain poorly understood. To address this, ASR convened a 2.5-day workshop with 28 experts in laboratory measurements, field observations, and cloud modeling. The primary goal was to identify key knowledge gaps and prioritize future directions in atmospheric ice processes research. The outcomes of this workshop are expected to inform ASR and prompt improvements in cloud and Earth system models (ESMs) by advancing the fundamental understanding of ice processes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

ARM Cloud and Precipitation Measurements and Science Group (CPMSG) 2024 Workshop Report

The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility is to improve the understanding and representation of cloud and aerosol processes and their interaction with the Earth's surface in Earth system models (ESMs) by providing comprehensive field observations and supporting advanced data analytics. The ARM Cloud and Precipitation Measurements and Science Group (CPMSG) was chartered in March 2019 to help improve the performance and scientific impact of ARM measurements of clouds and precipitation. The group aims to identify and address gaps in measurement capabilities, maximize the scientific impact of ARM data, and effectively serve the scientific community. To achieve these goals, the group includes experts in cloud and precipitation science, as well as representatives from ARM infrastructure, including instrument mentors, engineers, data quality officers, and data product translators. Prior to CPMSG, early discussions on cloud and precipitation measurements primarily focused on improving radar systems, but have since evolved to include a broader scope involving radiometers and other instruments. Since its formation, the CPMSG has gathered feedback using science traceability matrices. CPMSG aims to keep these as living documents to show the measurement needs, scientific drivers, roadblocks, maturity of measurements and retrievals, and pathways to model improvements. The group meets quarterly to discuss and prioritize measurement and operational improvements.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Model: Year-Long Reforecast, Forecast 02, Domain 01

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

wfip2.model/realtime.hrrr_esrl.graphics.01 (Model: Real Time)

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

wfip2.model/realtime.hrrr_wfip2.graphics.02 (Model: Real Time)

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

wfip2.model/realtime.hrrr_esrl.icbc.01 (Model: Real Time)

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

wfip2.model/realtime.hrrr_wfip2.icbc.02 (Model: Real Time)

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

wfip2.model/realtime.rap_esrl.icbc.01 (Model: Real Time)

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: Year-Long Reforecast, Forecast, Domain 02

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: Year-Long Reforecast, Forecast, Domain 01

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: Year-Long Reforecast, Forecast 02, Domain 02

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: Year-Long Reforecast, Coldstart, type ICBC, Domain 02

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: 10-Day Retrospective, HRRR, Config 01, Forecast Domain 01

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: 10-Day Retrospective, HRRR, Config 01, Forecast Domain 02

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: 10-Day Retrospective, RAP, Config 02, Forecast Domain 01

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Model: 10-Day Retrospective, HRRR, Config 02, Forecast Domain 01

The primary purpose of WFIP2 Model Development Team is to improve existing numerical weather prediction models in a manner that leads to improved wind forecasts in regions of complex terrain. Improvements in the models will come through better understanding of the physics associated with the wind flow in and around the wind plant across a range of temporal and spatial scales, which will be gained through WFIP2’s observational field study and analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗