A number of naturally occurring and anthropogenic aerosol particles affect US Navy operations in nearly all parts of the world. Recently, the academic community and other agencies and countries have become interested in aerosol particles because of their potential climatic implications. As a result, aerosol particles are receiving more attention than ever before. This includes international aerosol field programs, the development of aerosol retrieval algorithms for existing satellites, and the deployment of several new satellite sensors designed specifically for aerosol detection. In response to this interest, NRL has developed and transitioned to operating a multi-component global aerosol simulation capability called NAAPS (the NRL Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System) and embedding a similar capability directly into the NRL Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS®). NRL research efforts combine satellite data streams, model simulations, and other available data through data assimilation systems to produce regional and global distributions for use in model initialization and in studies of direct and indirect aerosol forcing. Data received and processed daily at NRL include MODIS, MISR, GOES, MTSAT, AVHRR, TOMS, and surface weather observations. NRL also receives six-day global weather forecasts and three-day triply nested mesoscale weather forecasts for multiple regions of the world. This unique combination of daily satellite data and global and regional weather forecasting allow us to develop NAAPS and COAMPS® into one of the most complete real-time aerosol simulations in the world. The scientific challenges facing NAAPS and COAMPS® development include quantification of satellite-retrieved aerosols; developing methods for characterizing source regions and source strength in real time; efficient treatment of microphysics, chemistry, and optical properties; adapting data assimilation techniques to aerosol data streams; and allowing two-way interaction between the global and regional models. NAAPS and COAMPS® are validated and improved through the collection and use of field data, including that collected on ships and aircraft. Model development is closely tied to involvement in international field experiments in which we participate through measurements and modeling.

 

key words

Aerosol; Atmospheric composition; Atmospheric modeling; Remote sensing; Data assimilation; Earth observation;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants