Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Andreas Beyersdorf, California State University, San Bernardino & Dr. Ann Marie Carlton, University of California
Graduate Mentor: Madison Landi, University of California, Irvine
In 2024, the SARP Aerosols group has been guided by Madison Landi, who has facilitated an introduction to the various members while also providing unique glimpses into the internship experience.
Maya Niyogi, Johns Hopkins University
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a significant player in atmospheric chemistry, where it influences both tropospheric ozone formation and reacts with volatile organic compounds, leading to harmful particulate matter. This pollutant is primarily emitted through human activities, making it a vital subject for policy and monitoring efforts. The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) satellite launched in 2023 for North American pollution monitoring. Although data has been publicly accessible since May 2024, some components remain in beta and unvalidated, hence the necessity for on-the-ground validation. In this study, we analyze the tropospheric NO2 readings from TEMPO and compare them with measurements from NASA’s SARP 2024 airborne campaigns. During six specific flights that included a detailed vertical spiral motion, we gathered significant vertical column data adjusted for ambient conditions to yield a comparison with TEMPO’s measurements. Statistical evaluations suggest we can confidently state that the satellite and flight data yield comparable values. This research addresses a significant gap by validating NASA’s TEMPO satellite with aloft NO2 metrics, thereby enhancing future research and project initiatives utilizing TEMPO data.
Benjamin Wells, San Diego State University
Black carbon, an aerosol released directly from burning biomass and incomplete fossil fuel combustion, has transitioned from being predominantly from natural origins to mainly anthropogenic sources since the industrial revolution. It is an intense absorber of solar radiation, contributing significantly to global warming. Beyond its climatic impact, inhalation of black carbon is linked to severe health consequences, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and increased mortality rates. This research analyzes black carbon data from 2016 and 2024 obtained through NASA SARP flights, juxtaposing these with data from the 2010 CalNex field campaign conducted over similar flight paths in the Los Angeles basin. The findings reveal a substantial increase in black carbon concentrations, from a previously reported range of 0.02 μg/m3 to 0.531 μg/m3 during the CalNEX campaign, to levels reaching 7.83 μg/m3 in 2024. This comparative analysis of vertical and spatial atmospheric profiles elucidates the escalation of black carbon emissions over the past decade, underscoring its detrimental effects on both climate and public health.
Devin Keith, Mount Holyoke College
The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) is a vital agricultural hub in central California, significantly contributing to the state’s $42 billion agricultural output, particularly in dairy, nuts, and berries. However, its geographical setting—bounded by the Sierra Nevada to the east and characterized by predominant easterly winds—facilitates air pollution accumulation. The study examines particulate matter constituents including ammonium (NH4), chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO4), nitrate (NO3), black carbon, and organic carbon, all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter and pose health risks by penetrating deep into the respiratory system, potentially leading to conditions like asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease. Using airborne data from the SARP 2024 mission aboard NASA’s P-3 aircraft, we track the spatial and temporal trends of these pollutants, comparing them with SARP 2016 data to evaluate changes in air quality over time. Public health data from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment indicates that identified pollution hotspots within the SJV correlate with elevated rates of asthma and cardiovascular diseases, revealing a pressing environmental justice issue exacerbated by socioeconomic factors.
Lily Lyons, Brandeis University
Aerosols significantly influence solar radiation’s interaction with the Earth, impacting photosynthesis critical for plant growth. This study investigates how atmospheric aerosol loading affects photosynthesis across diverse ecosystems, specifically in Yosemite, Sequoia, Garrett, and Talladega national forests. By analyzing aerosol optical depth (AOD), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and solar induced fluorescence (SIF), we aim to understand the interrelationship between these variables. The comparison of old growth sequoia ecosystems with Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests revealed that NDVI and SIF levels were substantially higher in the latter. Our findings indicate a weak correlation between SIF, NDVI, and AOD in the various locations considered. The higher SIF in mixed forests suggests rich understory biodiversity correlates positively with ecosystem productivity. This initial analysis paves the way for further research into different ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of understanding how aerosols alter plant photosynthesis and overall ecosystem health.
Ryleigh Czajkowski, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Air quality models serve as critical tools for simulating atmospheric conditions and tracing pollutant movements. The EPA’s Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model integrates meteorological data, emissions, and chemical transport predictions to analyze air pollution at various scales. The latest update (v5.4) incorporates new chemical mechanisms and atmospheric models. This research evaluates the performance of CMAQ by analyzing vertical distributions of formaldehyde (CH2O) and methane (CH4) in California’s Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley, comparing airborne measurements from NASA SARP 2017 with model predictions. Our findings provide insights into CMAQ’s effectiveness in capturing the vertical dispersion of these gases, thereby enhancing knowledge on air quality management and the dynamics of trace and greenhouse gases. By leveraging NASA data, we offer a thorough assessment of CMAQ’s capabilities and aid its ongoing refinement and functionality in addressing air pollution.
Alison Thieberg, Emory University
Contrary to greenhouse gases, anthropogenic aerosols exert a net cooling effect on the Earth by scattering incoming solar radiation. These aerosols, including black carbon and various salts, arise from both natural processes and human activities. This study tracks changes in the radiative forcing of aerosols in central and southern California, utilizing data from NASA SARP flights spanning from 2016 to 2024. By analyzing aerosol size, composition, and single scattering albedo, we estimate their radiative forcing efficiency. Results indicate a diminishing cooling effect from aerosols over time, with the Central Valley experiencing increased warmth attributed to aerosol changes. However, regions like Los Angeles and the Inland Empire are noted to have become cooler during this same period. This shift in the overall cooling effect of California’s aerosols suggests possible alterations in particulate size distributions or composition, leaning towards a greater presence of absorbing aerosols. This analysis provides vital insights into how aerosols influence radiative forcing across various Californian regions over recent years.
Click here to watch the Terrestrial Ecology Group presentations.
Click here to watch the Ocean Group presentations.
Click here to watch the Whole Air Sampling (WAS) Group presentations.
Source
www.nasa.gov