NOAA Seminar Series: Implementation and Sustainability of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Program
2024-07-25 14:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Title: Implementation and Sustainability of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Program

Presenter(s):Wendy Prudencio
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm ET

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About Speaker: Wendy Prudencio
Abstract:
Tsunamis are natural hazards that are caused by other hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and meteorites. Tsunamis can be life-threatening, and therefore, mitigation and preparedness for these events are necessary. In 2001, the National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established the Tsunami Ready Program in coordination with the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) to assist coastal communities throughout the United States (Bernard, 2005). The Tsunami Ready Program promotes mitigation, awareness, preparedness, and response to tsunamis through community-based efforts. This program has paved the way for the International Tsunami Information Center to support the piloting, establishment, and ongoing implementation of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme. Implementation and sustainability of the Tsunami Ready Program are crucial to coastal communities in order to improve resiliency and reduce the impact on life, property, and livelihoods.
The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. Christa G. von Hillebrandt-Andrade of the International Tsunami Information Center Caribbean Office of NWS. The NERTO aligns with the NOAA CSC Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies II (CESSRST II) goal to Conduct NOAA mission-aligned collaborative research. The NERTO Implementation and Sustainability of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Program also deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA’s tsunami hazard mitigation strategies, which enhanced their capacity to support coastal community preparedness and resilience initiatives effectively

NOAA Seminar Series: Carbon Sequestration and Storage in Puerto Rico Mangroves
2024-08-28 11:00 - 12:00
Title: Carbon Sequestration and Storage in Puerto Rico Mangroves
Presenter(s): Jahnelle Howe
Date: Wednesday , August 28 2024 from 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Webinar Link : https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6094444959284406880
About Speaker: Jahnelle Howe
Abstract:
Mangroves are coastal forests that persist in the ocean-land continuum and provide critical habitats for fish and wildlife. They contribute to coastal resiliency by acting as natural barriers to storm surges and preventing erosion, flooding, and disasters. Mangrove ecosystems contribute to global carbon cycles by acting as a sink of atmospheric CO2, thereby having the potential to mitigate climate change. Blue carbon refers to the carbon sequestered in litter and soil in coastal ecosystems and the oceans, having a particularly high rate of carbon storage. However, due to anthropogenic and natural hazards and climate change, the loss of mangroves poses a risk of releasing sequestered carbon stored deep within the soil into the atmosphere once exposed. This work is particularly important for Puerto Rico as mangroves are essential for coastal protection from storms (wave action, erosion, lessening impacts to communities) and critical for economically significant artisan fishers. This study focuses on two mangroves in Puerto Rico, La Parguera and Laguna Grande, for blue carbon quantification and assessing whether extreme events, including hurricanes and environmental factors such as temperature and precipitation, impact these ecosystems and their capacity to sequester blue carbon. Furthermore, this study also reviews the socio-economic conditions influencing blue economy building and blue carbon sequestration related to coastal communities’ dependency on values and services provided by these ecosystems in Puerto Rico.

Climate Seminar Series: Re-defining extreme precipitation in a changing climate
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:00
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Event: NOAA EPP/MSI CSC Climate Change Seminar Series
Title: Re-defining extreme precipitation in a changing climate
Presenter: Kelly Mahoney, NOAA Research (Hosted by NCAS-M)
Date: September 12, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM
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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details to join the event
About the Seminar Series.
Join NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers for this lecture series featuring scientists from NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Research. These monthly seminars will be hosted by the lead institution, virtually or hybrid throughout the 2025-2025 academic year. For more information, please visit, https://research.noaa.gov/noaa-csc-24-25/

NOAA Seminar Series: Urban Study of Excessive Rainfall Rates
2024-10-10 11:00 - 12:00
Title: Urban Study of Excessive Rainfall Rates

Presenter(s): Melissa Crouch
Date: 10 October 2024 11:05 am – 11:35 am ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yat-nxrf-emf
Or dial: (US) +1 321-405-2803 PIN: 268 246397
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About Speaker: Melissa Crouch
Abstract: Warming atmospheric temperatures have the potential to increase the moisture content, leading to enough intensified precipitation and storms to induce flash flooding. Urban areas experience the worst of these events due to a lack of infiltration that affects drainage systems. This project is an analysis of these rainfall events. The objectives were to (1) use MRMS/FLASH data to help better anticipate urban flood events through good lead time, (2) use the data to refine flash flood guidance values, and (3) develop thresholds for improved issuance of severity of flood impacts. Particular focus was on the remnants of Ida on September 1st and 2nd, 2021, and the September 29th event of 2023. Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) data were matched with local storm reports (LSRs) to statistically summarize the patterns of precipitation and surface runoff estimates within New York City. Flash flood guidance (FFG) was used to interpret the results of the analysis, which concludes that, for all events, the quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) does not exceed FFG thresholds. The surface runoff simulations illustrate the exceedance of thresholds, posing the risk of flash flooding to occur. The work also helps in serving the needs of both meteorologists and hydrologists to improve lead time and calibrate thresholds for improved issuance of severity of flood impacts. The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. David Radell, Science Operations Officer at the National Weather Service at Upton, NY. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal to understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment. This Urban Study of Excessive Rainfall Rates also deepened the intern’s understanding of how urban landscapes (like NYC) influence flash flooding behavior and the importance of how these models help the public in making informed decisions on how to prepare for these kinds of events.

Climate Seminar Series: Advancing NOAA's climate Modeling and its application to Marine Ecosystem
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:00
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Event: NOAA EPP/MSI CSC Climate Change Seminar Series
Title: ADVANCING NOAA’S CLIMATE MODELING AND ITS APPLICATION TO MARINE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT, CLIMATE PROJECTIONS, AND SERVICE PROVISION
Presenter: Dan Barrie, OAR Climate Program Office (Hosted by CCME)
Date: October 10, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM
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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details to join the event
About the Seminar Series.
Join NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers for this lecture series featuring scientists from NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Research. These monthly seminars will be hosted by the lead institution, virtually or hybrid throughout the 2025-2025 academic year. For more information, please visit, https://research.noaa.gov/noaa-csc-24-25/

NOAA Seminar Series: Spatiotemporal variability of heat stress in the Imperial Valley using remote sensing and weather station data
2024-10-10 13:00 - 13:30
Title: Spatiotemporal variability of heat stress in the Imperial Valley using remote sensing and weather station data

Presenter(s): Stephanie Hurtado-Gonzalez
Date: 10 October 2024 1:05 pm – 1:35 pm ET

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Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jug-fjxk-hhc
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About Speaker: Stephanie Hurtado-Gonzalez
Abstract: Extreme heat is a persistent environmental and public health issue impacting all populations. Current research has vastly explored the impacts of heat stress on urban environments and the Urban Heat Island effect. Yet, more efforts are needed to study the impacts on agricultural lands and farmworkers. The Imperial Valley, CA is no exception to this as it has a desert climate, while also being one of the largest producers of winter vegetable crops. This study is focused on utilizing remote-sensed Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Landsat 8, in combination with weather station data, to evaluate and predict Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). As well as, exploring the components of WBGT. Monitoring heat stress through high-resolution remote sensing can address sub-field processes that are challenging to other systems such as MODIS and regional climate models with coarser spatial resolution. Results show that WBGT can be predicted from LST with a root mean square error of 5 F and that wet-bulb temperature (NWB) is the greatest predictor for WBGT. Future work will connect LST and WBGT data with physiological stress measurements, public health records, and interview responses from farmworkers. This research supports NOAA’s mission to understand and predict climate and weather changes by enhancing knowledge of climate change, weather patterns, and heat stress impacts. As well as the National Weather Service’s mission to protect lives and issue appropriately timely alerts to the public and emergency community. Research Questions:

How has WBGT changed over the study period? Are there any variations between weather stations?
What is the relationship between remotely sensed Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)?
Which variable within the WBGT equation plays the most significant role in determining WBGT?

The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor, Alexander Tardy of the National Weather Service office in San Diego, CA. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal of to understand and predict changes in climate and weather. The NERTO project titled ‘Spatiotemporal Variability of Heat Stress in the Imperial Valley Using Remote Sensing and Weather Station Data‘ deepened the intern’s understanding of addressing societal problems through the integration of remote sensing technologies with multidisciplinary research in environmental systems, socioeconomic drivers, and solutions.

NOAA Seminar Series: Merged LEO-GEO Tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide (tropNO2) Product for Air Quality Applications
2024-10-21 12:00 - 12:30
Title: Merged LEO-GEO Tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide (tropNO2) Product for Air Quality Applications

Presenter(s): Thomas Ely
Date: 21 October 2024 12:05 pm – 12:35 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yyu-ektc-gms
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About Speaker: Thomas Ely
Abstract: Air quality is a key societal issue and can be hard to predict in coastal cities such as New York City and Baltimore due to the effects of sea breeze. Air quality studies can benefit from more accurate retrievals of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from geostationary satellite sensors that show the transport and spatial distribution of pollution throughout the day. The objective of this project is to implement and test a methodology that can improve the quality of geostationary (GEO) satellite NO2 data using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite NO2 data. This methodology uses the Kalman Filter algorithm to merge the two datasets in a process similar to data assimilation, except that the background model field uses data from a GEO satellite sensor, which in this case is NASA’s Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) satellite sensor. LEO data from Sentinel5-Precursor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (Sentinel-5P TROPOMI) serves as observational information. The Kalman Filter adds TROPOMI measurements to the background, weighting each dataset based on their respective uncertainties, which can mitigate uncertainties in each of the original datasets, resulting in a more accurate tropospheric NO2 product that retains the high temporal resolution of TEMPO data. The merged TEMPO-TROPOMI product is compared against the Pandonia Global Network (PGN) ground-based tropospheric NO2 column retrievals to evaluate the performance of the merged product compared to the original products. This project demonstrated the feasibility of implementing the Kalman Filter for merging satellite datasets and generated a new tropospheric NO2 product that can be useful for local air-quality monitoring.The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. Shobha Kondragunta of NOAA NESDIS. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal to have students conduct NOAA mission-aligned research. The NERTO Merged LEO-GEO Tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide Product also deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA satellite product development and validation, as well as satellite sensor calibration.

NOAA Seminar Series: Implications of Tropospheric Mass Flux Reduction for the frequency and intensity of convective precipitation
2024-10-21 12:45 - 13:15
Title: Implications of Tropospheric Mass Flux Reduction for the frequency and intensity of convective precipitation

Presenter(s): Carlos Ordaz
Date: 21 October 2024 12:45 pm – 1:15 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hje-hbpt-pcx
Or dial: (US) +1 575-942-2063 PIN: 424 547 711#
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About Speaker: Carlos Ordaz
Abstract: Tropical precipitation will change with warming. Some results suggest that tropical precipitation extremes will increase at rates higher than Clausius-Clapeyron scaling of 7% per Kelvin. As a first step in building physical understanding of tropical precipitation changes, we apply the framework established by Pendergrass and Hartmann in their 2014 (PH14) trilogy to idealized cloud-resolving models in radiative convective equilibrium. PH14 introduce a way to understand changes to precipitation distributions in two modes: the shift and the increase mode. We explain the values of the shift and increase modes in terms of physical principles. The shift mode is captured to first order by Clausius Clapeyron scaling, while the increase mode is a combination of Clausius-Clapeyron scaling and the decrease of mass flux expected with climate change. This work contributes to a better process-level understanding of the physical mechanisms that influence tropical precipitation in a changing climate, which can in turn be used to improve NOAA’s models.The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor, Nadir Jeevanjee of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), Princeton. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSCCESSRST-II goal of furthering our understanding of the atmosphere. The NERTO Implications of Tropospheric Mass Flux Reduction for the frequency and intensity of convective precipitation also deepened the intern’s understanding of atmospheric physics.

NOAA Seminar Series: Characterizing Hub-height Wind Speed Dependence on Atmospheric Processes in an Offshore Wind Environment
2024-10-21 13:30 - 14:00
Title:Characterizing Hub-height Wind Speed Dependence on Atmospheric Processes in an Offshore Wind Environment

Presenter(s): Akarshna Iyer
Date: 21 October 2024 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ayt-tqzz-bsn
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About Speaker:Akarshna Iyer
Abstract: Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that has been growing in implementation and use over the past years. However, this situation is rapidly changing, with several new offshore leases being issued to advance offshore wind energy generation. NOAA and other organizations, including the DOE, have sponsored the third Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP3), a coordinated field campaign and analysis designed to improve offshore wind forecasting. This work focuses on the characterization of low-level jets (LLJs), jet streams found in the lower troposphere, that take place over Block Island, RI, and Nantucket, MA (two of the WFIP3 sites). The research questions this work seeks to answer are: Is the meteorology of the LLJ region consistent for multiple LLJ events? What is the meteorology pattern when an LLJ is present (offshore), and why? Individual LLJ cases were analyzed using observations from various WFIP3 remote sensing instruments. Preliminary results suggest, through analysis of the thermodynamic structure of the marine atmospheric boundary layer, that LLJs with predominantly southerly flow seem to correlate with warm air advection and periods of strengthened near-surface stability. The mechanisms that drive LLJs in regions off the U.S. East Coast are relatively unknown, making it an important area of study, especially since LLJ events seem to have larger errors in the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model’s wind forecasts. The presence of LLJs and their shear levels can affect overall wind power generation and cause unwanted damage to wind turbines. This research benefits the science community and society because improved wind energy forecasts will increase energy reliability. The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. David Turner of NOAA Research, Global Systems Laboratory (GSL), Boulder, CO. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal to conduct NOAA mission-aligned collaborative research; the mission is To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts. The NERTO deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA, and her results will inform future analyses of the HRRR using WFIP3 data, resulting in a faster understanding of errors within the HRRR as a function of weather conditions during low-level jet events.

NOAA Seminar Series: Phytoplankton monitoring and mapping using NOAA OAR/AOML satellite data products for urban waters ecosystems.
2024-10-21 14:00 - 14:35
Title: Phytoplankton monitoring and mapping using NOAA OAR/AOML satellite data products for urban waters ecosystems.

Presenter(s): Carolina Perez
Date: 21 October 2024 2:05 pm – 2:35 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yjc-yvec-nkm
Or dial: (US) +1 929-269-1887 PIN: 429 915 143#
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About Speaker: Carolina Perez
Abstract: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) significantly threaten coastal communities and public health, impacting marine ecosystems and local economies. These blooms indicate potentially toxic phytoplankton and reflect broader environmental issues such as eutrophication, runoff, and the effects of weather events on coastal areas. My research focuses on the monitoring of HABs in New York City waterbodies, specifically Randall’s Island and the Gowanus Canal, in collaboration with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)and the National Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN). The Gowanus Canal, a notable study area, was designated a Superfund site by the EPA in 2010 due to its severe contamination from runoff and combined sewage overflow.During my time at AOML, as part of my NERTO research project, I helped develop a research technique by combining satellite data and ground-based data to develop interactive web tools to enhance the real-time monitoring of marine ecosystems. While a NOAA AOML NERTO Intern, I contributed to enhancing sustainability and resilience for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. AOML’s Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Dynamics (OCED) branch employs satellite observations to analyze sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (CHL) levels in water bodies. Using the Environmental Research Division’s Data Access Program (ERDDAP), data on SST and CHL I was able to generate detailed maps of these parameters using MATLAB. Integrating satellite-based data with in-situ measurements offers a powerful approach to understanding the health of both open ocean and coastal ecosystems. Combining these data sources, the research aims to create synthesis products that examine algal blooms and their dynamics.The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentors Dr. Chris Kelble and Dr. Enrique Montes of the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Dynamics (OCED) branch. This NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC’s goal of Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies through the theme of Oceans and Coasts. The NERTO deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA’s research practices by giving me firsthand experience with the teamwork and dedication of a NOAA research team.

NOAA Seminar Series: Societal Data Insights: Data Integration for Inland Flooding.
2024-10-24 14:00 - 14:30
Title:Societal Data Insights: Data Integration for Inland Flooding.

Presenter(s): Isabel Lopez
Date: 24 October 2024 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xsy-nupc-von
Or dial: (US) +1 234-276-0398PIN: 436 710 044#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/xsy-nupc-von?pin=2132911046548
About Speaker: Isabel Lopez
Abstract: Urban recurrent flooding presents a complex challenge distinct from nuisance flooding, typically associated with coastal areas. Unlike nuisance flooding, which is often predictable and localized, urban recurrent flooding involves adynamic interplay of factors such as dense infrastructure, varied land use, and heterogeneous topography. These elements contribute to unpredictable flood patterns that are more difficult to model and manage. The complexity of urban environments amplifies the challenges in assessing flood risks and potential impacts, necessitating a more sophisticated analytical approach. This research adapts the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) to highlight areas prone to flooding based on flow direction and water accumulation. Additionally, it incorporates the Curve Number (CN) method to estimate runoff volumes from precipitation events, providing refined tools for measuring surface runoff and predicting flooding potential. Recognizing that urban flooding significantly impacts communities, this study integrates social data to capture the broader societal effects, particularly on vulnerable populations. The proposed framework is designed for flexibility, allowing its application across diverse urban areas with varying geographic and social characteristics. By combining geospatial analysis with social data, this research offers a comprehensive approach to flood risk assessment, providing valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners.The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentors Dr. Jonathon Mote and Dr. Kyle Metta of the Weather ProgramOffice (WPO) in Silver Spring, MD. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal to understand changes in climate and weather and to share that knowledge and information with others. The NERTO project enhanced the intern’s ability to integrate social data with physical data, providing deeper insights into developing methods that combine social, weather, and climate data for more comprehensive analyses.

NOAA Seminar Series: Historical Data Reconstruction for the California Coastal Currents using 3D Empirical Orthogonal Functions and Multivariate Regression
2024-10-24 14:35 - 15:05
Title: Historical Data Reconstruction for the California Coastal Currents using 3D Empirical Orthogonal Functions and Multivariate Regression

Presenter(s): Danielle Lafarga,
Date: 24 October 2024 2:35 pm – 3:05 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/new-qbkh-azj
Or dial: (US) +1 440-482-5511 PIN: 303 375 204#
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About Speaker: Danielle Lafarga,
Abstract: Many studies analyze ocean temperature variance, computing empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) one layer at a time(2D). However, surface phenomena like El Nio extend into deeper layers, exemplifying how crucial it is to examine their three-dimensional structure to fully understand their impact. This research aims to compute 3D EOFs for different areas of the Pacific Ocean to answer how much and what variability can be explored across ocean layers using ahigh-resolution, eddy-resolving model known as the Global Ocean Physics Reanalysis (GLORYS). The model’s fine resolution allows for detailed analysis of smaller-scale dynamics, such as those along the coasts of California, Oaxaca, and Costa Rica. Nevertheless, the volume of data presents a memory challenge for 3D calculations. To address this, we propose an algorithm that enables 3D EOF computation on computers with limited memory (16GB RAM), making high-resolution analysis feasible.Computing 3D EOFs is crucial for understanding our oceans and how ocean dynamics can extend through multiple layers. This research aligns with NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. By providing a more comprehensive view of ocean variability, the results also contribute valuable insights into the habitats of fish species protected by NOAA Fisheries, aiding in the preservation and management of marine ecosystems.The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor, Dr. Michael Jacox of NOAA SWFSC Environmental Research Division, and NOAA collaborator Dr. Michael Alexander of NOAA Atmosphere Ocean Processes and Predictability (AOPP) Division. The NERTO aligns NOAA CSCCESSRST-II’s goal of to understand and predict changes in climate and weather. The NERTO project deepened the intern’s understanding of remote sensing technology, big data computing, and participation in NOAA mission-aligned activities through extensive collaborations with NOAA employees.

NOAA Seminar Series: Identifying local and synoptic-scale meteorological and land cover conditions favorable for the occurrence of large fires in California
2024-10-24 15:15 - 15:45
Title: Identifying local and synoptic-scale meteorological and land cover conditions favorable for the occurrence of large fires in California

Presenter(s): E’lysha Guerrero
Date: 24 October 2024 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/dft-obqy-fhb
Or dial: (US) +1 650-535-0909PIN: 928 542 289#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/dft-obqy-fhb?pin=5001908281383
About Speaker: E’lysha Guerrero,
Abstract: Whilst global warming projections lead to continuous warming trends and California wildfire activity is expected to increase, the state of wildfire predictions will need to be enhanced to keep up with the ever-changing climate conditions. This research project aims to characterize meteorological and land conditions related to large wildfires in California and identify their connection to predictable climate patterns, potentially enhancing future wildfire predictions. We utilize historical wildfire perimeter data (2000 “2022) and apply the K-means Clustering Algorithm on localized meteorological variables to group wildfires based on similar conditions. Larger-scale synoptic meteorology is analyzed to identify potential predictors for future wildfire occurrences. The research questions addressed during the NERTO are: (a) What are the local regional and seasonal characteristics of California’s historically larger wildfires from 2000 – 2022? and (b) What are the typical large-scale circulation patterns associated with each California clustered group?The value of this research lies in its contribution to NOAA’s mission to understand and predict climate and weather changes, specifically through advancing wildfire prediction capabilities. The insights gained can improve both prediction models and wildfire management strategies, supporting NOAA’s broader goal of mitigating the impacts of extreme weather and natural hazards. Additionally, the use of machine learning techniques, like K-means clustering, fosters innovation in predictive skills, aligning with the NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory’s mission to develop new knowledge and tools for forecasting extreme events such as wildfires. The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. Andrew Hoell, Dr. Rochelle Worsnop, and Dr. Melissa Breeden of NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory, Boulder, CO. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal to understand and predict changes in climate and weather. The NERTO project deepened the intern’s understanding and increased the research skill sets of data acquisition, preprocessing, analyses, and validation techniques required for earth system science research.

NOAA Seminar Series: Remote sensing of extreme weather events on CDOM in Long Island Sound
2024-10-25 13:30 - 14:00
Title: Remote sensing of extreme weather events on CDOM in Long Island Sound

Presenter(s): Charlotte Rhoads
Date: 25 October 2024 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gnq-msir-wvj
Or dial: (US) +1 267-553-4621 PIN: 434 202 737#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/gnq-msir-wvj?pin=9872489736362

About Speaker: Charlotte Rhoads
Abstract: Coastal areas are critical in global carbon cycling, particularly as climate change alters carbon fluxes through rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise. These changes affect microbial activity, carbon remineralization, and transportation pathways, influencing the fate of carbon in coastal environments. Dissolved organic matter (DOM), sourced from land and sea, regulates ecosystem functioning, while colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) acts as an optical proxy for tracking DOM dynamics. Extreme weather events modify DOM quantity and quality, impacting harmful algal blooms (HABs). In Long Island Sound (LIS), a eutrophic estuary, high-resolution satellite remote sensing, and regionally optimized algorithms enable monitoring of DOM and its response to extreme precipitation events. By analyzing CDOM’s optical properties, such as aCDOM(300),DOC, S275″295, and SR, changes in DOM can be linked to carbon cycling and water quality. Increased DOM flux during heavy rains drives dinoflagellate blooms, posing threats to water quality and aquaculture. Identifying CDOM optical signatures of harmful dinoflagellates like Prorocentrumcordatum and Margalefidinium polykrikoides may allow for monitoring via remote sensing. The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentors Veronica Lance and Jonathan Sherman of NESDIS and Gary Wilkfors and Lisa Guy of NOAA Fisheries. The NERTO aligns with NOAACSC CESSRST-II’s goal of providing actionable remote sensing-based research to stakeholders. The NERTO deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA’s mission of managing and protecting coastal ecosystems and resources.

Seminar on Nature of Satellite Retrievals & Data Assimilation in NOAA's Rapid Refresh Systems
2024-10-29 12:30 - 14:00 | City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, 10031
The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.
Dr. Dave Turner, GSL Senior Scientist
Ill-posed Nature of Satellite Retrievals
For most remote sensors, what we observe is not what we desire. For example, we observe the spectral radiance, but what we really desire are thermodynamic profiles. Retrieval algorithms are used to convert what we observe into what we desire, but frequently additional information needs to be included in the process to constrain the solution. This seminar provides an overview of retrievals, demonstrating the iterative approach often used, the ill-posed nature of the problem, how additional observations can improve the solution, and more.
Dr. Amanda Back, GSL Data Assimilation Scientist
Data Assimilation in NOAA’s Rapid Refresh Systems
We describe the problem of initializing weather forecast systems from sparse observations and lay out the theory behind some popular solutions: variational, ensemble, and hybrid data assimilation. Examples from NOAA’s storm scale weather analysis and prediction systems, the operational High Resolution Rapid Refresh and next-generation Rapid Refresh Forecast System, are illustrated.
Date: October 29, 2024
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Steinman Exhibit Room (T-124), Grove School of Engineering
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Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 844 4764 6455
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Climate Seminar Series: The Expanding Reach of Ocean Acidification
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:00
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Event: NOAA EPP/MSI CSC Climate Change Seminar Series
Title: THE EXPANDING REACH OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
Presenter: Andrea Fassbender, OAR Pacific Marine Environment Lab (Hosted by CCME)
Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM
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About the Seminar Series.
Join NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers for this lecture series featuring scientists from NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Research. These monthly seminars will be hosted by the lead institution, virtually or hybrid throughout the 2025-2025 academic year. For more information, please visit, https://research.noaa.gov/noaa-csc-24-25/

Seminar on Integration of Vantage Points, Programs, and Approaches for Space-Based Earth Remote Sensing
2024-11-21 12:30 - 14:00 | City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, 10031
Integration of Vantage Points, Programs, and Approaches for Space-Based Earth Remote Sensing
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Date/Time: November 21, 2024 at 12:30pm
Location: Steinman Exhibit Room ST-124
Virtual Link: ZOOM
Presenter: Jack A. Kaye,
Bio: Jack is the Associate Director for Research of Earth Science Division at NASA HQ Science Mission Directorate
Abstract:
The vantage point of space provides a way to look at the Earth globally, with the ability to observe Earth’s interacting components (air, water, land, ice) and both naturally-occurring and human-induced processes. It lets us look at variability on a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, and, given the decades of accomplishment, has allowed us to characterize and document Earth System variability on time scales from minutes to decades. The size and complexity of the Earth mean that no one nation, program, vantage point, or observing technique can make all the needed observations to understand Earth’s recent evolution and provide needed information to support prediction about its future evolution. Integration across vantage points (space, airborne, surface) is important given their complementary nature (as well as supporting calibration and validation activities for current and future missions), as is that across programs (national, government/commercial), and approaches (e.g., active, passive). In this talk, a review of how NASA’s Earth Science Division integrates across vantage points, observing programs, and observing approaches will be presented, with recent examples provided.

Climate Seminar Series: An overview of the Tropospheric Ozone Pollution Project
2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00
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Event: NOAA EPP/MSI CSC Climate Change Seminar Series
Title: AN OVERVIEW OF THE TROPOSPHERIC OZONE POLLUTION PROJECT – USING BALLOON SONDES TO UNDERSTAND INFLUENCES ON AIR QUALITY
Presenter: Gary Morris, OAR Global Monitoring Lab (Hosted by CESSRST-II)
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM
Register: Click here to register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details to join the event
About the Seminar Series.
Join NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers for this lecture series featuring scientists from NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Research. These monthly seminars will be hosted by the lead institution, virtually or hybrid throughout the 2025-2025 academic year. For more information, please visit, https://research.noaa.gov/noaa-csc-24-25/

Climate Seminar Series: Sub seasonal to Seasonal Prediction of Extreme Events
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
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Event: NOAA EPP/MSI CSC Climate Change Seminar Series
Title: SUBSEASONAL TO SEASONAL PREDICTION OF EXTREME EVENTS: ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES
Presenter: Mark Olsen, OAR Weather Program Office (Hosted by NCAS-M)
Date: February 13, 2025
Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM
Register: Click here to register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details to join the event
About the Seminar Series.
Join NOAA’s EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers for this lecture series featuring scientists from NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Research. These monthly seminars will be hosted by the lead institution, virtually or hybrid throughout the 2025-2025 academic year. For more information, please visit, https://research.noaa.gov/noaa-csc-24-25/

Pre-Forum Seminar: Understanding NOAA Priorities
2025-02-21 14:00 - 15:00
Seminar: Understanding NOAA Priorities

Seminar Series focused on an orientation for the EPP/MSI 11th Biennial Forum, there will be another Pre-Forum session tomorrow (Feb 21, 2025). Dr. Steve Thur, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research & Acting NOAA Chief Scientist will address the community on Understanding NOAA Priorities. You may join the session via the following link: https://meet.goto.com/157277589.

Pre-forum Seminar: Conducting Informational Interviews
2025-02-26 16:00 - 17:00
As we prepare for the 11th Biennial EPP/MSI Education and Science Forum. The organizers of the Forum shared that there will a third pre-Forum session on: Conducting Informational Interviews, by Amara Davis, NOAA Office of Education.

Meeting Link:
https://meet.goto.com/825250709
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 825-250-709
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311

Seminar: Data Science Techniques and Climate Science
2025-03-22 15:30 - 17:00
Seminar: Data Science Techniques and Climate Science

Date: March 22, 2025 at 3pm
By: Douglas Rao, PhD
North Carolina State University
Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS)
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information

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Meeting ID: 297 638 988 331
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Seminar on Air Quality Modeling & Role of Clouds in Atmospheric Composition
2025-04-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Grove School of Engineering, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Seminar on Air Quality Modeling and Forecasting & Role Clouds play in Affecting Atmospheric Composition
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Date: April 1, 2025 from 3pm – 5pm
Presenter(s): Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Research Application Lab, NSF NCAR and Mary Barth , Senior Scientist, NSF NCAR
Zoom: https://ccny.zoom.us/j/84211573613?pwd=[REDACTED]
Abstracts:
Air Quality Modeling and Forecasting
Air quality science emerged out of the societal need to mitigate health effects of deadly smog events that occurred in North America and
Europe around the middle of 20th century. In the past 70 years, atmospheric chemistry has advanced so much that we are now capable of
predicting air quality in both the short-term (1-3 days) and long-term (climate time scales) and assessing the implications of air pollution for
public health and food security. Dr. Kumar will provide a very high-level historical overview of air quality research followed by fundamentals of
air quality modeling, development of an air quality forecasting system for New Delhi, and conclude with the future of atmospheric
chemistry modeling at NSF NCAR
Role Clouds play in Affecting Atmospheric Composition
The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of gases and aerosol particles that affect air quality, atmospheric radiation, and cloud properties, impacting climate and weather. Clouds, which cover ~60% of the globe at any given time, affect the concentrations of trace gases and aerosols within the atmosphere in many ways, including vertical transport to higher altitudes, removal via precipitation, and cloud chemistry. This talk will review our current understanding of how clouds affect trace gas and aerosol concentrations using data collected in and near thunderstorms during two aircraft field campaigns. The presentation illustrates the value of combining atmospheric chemistry models with observations to advance our understanding of the atmosphere

Seminar: AI Weather Prediction Models Developed in the Private Sector and explored at NOAA
2025-04-22 15:00 - 17:00
Seminar: AI Weather Prediction Models Developed in the Private Sector and explored at NOAA

Date: April 22, 2025 at 3pm

By: Jacob Radford, PhD
Research Scientist
Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere

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Meeting ID: 297 638 988 331

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Phone conference ID: 783 676 980#

Seminar: Economics Applications and the NOAA Mission Enterprise
2025-04-25 13:30 - 16:30
Join us for one of our social science seminars: Economics in the NOAA Mission Enterprise, , featuring CESSRST-II Faculty Member, Dr. Yusuke Kuwayama (UMBC) and Senior Economist at NOAA, Joe Conran.
This seminar will take place on Friday, April 25th, 2025 from 1:30-4pm EST- REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Seminar: Statistical Methods used in Social Sciences
2025-05-01 15:00 - 17:00
Seminar: Statistical Methods used in Social Sciences

Date: May 1, 2025 at 3pm
By: Cassandra Shivers-Williams, PhD
Social Science Deputy Program Manager
NOAA Weather Program Office

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Phone conference ID: 783 676 980#
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Tenant key: howard@m.webex.com
Video ID: 115 646 114 7
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Seminar: Data Science and Stewardship at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
2025-05-16 13:00 - 15:00
Data Science and Stewardship at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Seminar.
Description: This seminar will highlight how NOAA’s NCEI applies data science to safeguard and make environmental data accessible. You will explore how technologies like cloud storage, smart search systems, and organized data management empower researchers and the public to utilize environmental data for research and decision-making. See flyer for other details.
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NOAA Seminar Series: Mapping Cumulative Impacts of Essential Fish Habitat Consultations in the Pacific Islands Region
2025-08-11 15:00 - 16:00
Title: Mapping Cumulative Impacts of Essential Fish Habitat Consultations in the Pacific Islands Region

Presenter(s): Amy Carrillo
Date: 11 August 2025, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

Remote Access: Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/prg-psrb-moa
About Speaker: Amy Carrillo
Abstract: The cumulative impacts of federally funded projects, reviewed by the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) team, on EFH in the Pacific Islands region were visualized and evaluated. Using data from the Environmental Consultation Organizer (ECO), covering projects from 2017 to the present, interactive dashboards and a story map were created to visualize the spatial distribution and intensity of these projects across the region. Three tools were created, first a dashboard that displays all the EFH consultations as points covering the Pacific Island region to allow for visualization of project locations. Second, on Oahu, where each consultation action area is mapped as polygons, scored for adverse impacts on EFH, and supplemented with detailed information on the type of activity, impact level, and other relevant data. Finally, on Honolulu Harbor, presenting a story map of one of Oahu’s most heavily impacted and managed areas, which also hosts a large coral nursery. By processing over 500 project records and creating these tools, the project provides a comprehensive overview of the scale and impact of federal activities on EFH. The dashboards and story maps are designed to support decision-making by offering accessible tools for conservation efforts and the EFH team’s effective coastal resource management.

NOAA Seminar Series: Marine Heatwaves in the Tropical Atlantic: Detection, Characteristics, and Trends in a Warming Ocean.
2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:00
Title: Marine Heatwaves in the Tropical Atlantic: Detection, Characteristics, and Trends in a Warming Ocean.

Date: August 20, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET

Presenter(s): Keneshia Hibbert, CESSRST-II Graduate Fellow

Remote Access: : https://meet.google.com/jyf-ojbj-wzn

Abstract: Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged periods of anomalously warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that can have profound ecological and climatic consequences. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of MHW characteristics across the tropical Atlantic Ocean from 1982to 2024, employing a consistent methodology based on the framework established by Hobday et al. (2016). Daily SST data were analyzed against a seasonally varying climatological 90th percentile threshold to detect MHW events and quantify key metrics, including event frequency, duration, and spatial extent. Our domain-level approach identifies and tracks contiguous periods of elevated SSTs across the entire basin, applying strict temporal criteria to ensure scientific robustness. Results reveal distinct seasonal and interannual variability in MHW occurrence, with several multi-week events observed during the boreal summer and fall months. The spatial extent of MHWs was found to fluctuate considerably over time, occasionally covering large portions of the tropical Atlantic Basin. These findings provide a critical foundation for understanding the temporal evolution and physical characteristics of marine heatwaves in a region of high climate sensitivity. This work lays the groundwork for future efforts to investigate the role of large-scale climate modes and anthropogenic warming in shaping the dynamics of MHW in the tropical Atlantic.

NOAA Seminar Series: Spatial Resolution Impacts on Remotely Sensed Product Uncertainty and Representativeness
2025-08-28 13:00 - 14:00
Title: Spatial Resolution Impacts on Remotely Sensed Product Uncertainty and Representativeness
Presenter(s): Biajani Gonzalez, CESSRST II Graduate Fellow
Google Meet : https://meet.google.com/ugm-keyg-pgr

Abstract: Satellite remote sensing, while providing broad geographic coverage, faces limitations in spatial resolution for detailed benthic mapping, particularly in coastal regions such as Puerto Rico. Small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) offer a promising solution due to their ability to capture high-resolution imagery with flexibility. This study examines the impact of spatial resolution and classifier training strategies on the accuracy and consistency of benthic habitat classifications derived from drone-based imagery. It determines the optimal airborne sampling parameters ” balancing effective spatial resolution and flight parameters ” when using UAS for marine habitat mapping. Using high-resolution RGB orthomosaics (0.036 m/pixel) collected via UAS and upscaled to coarser resolutions (0.5 m to 10 m), we assessed the classification performance of coral, sand, seagrass, and substrate using Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers under four case-study scenarios. Spatial metrics (total area, patch count) and accuracy assessment indicators (self-transition and Critical Success Index) were applied to quantify classification degradation across scales and scenes. Results show fine-scale features, especially coral and seagrass, rapidly degrade beyond 1 meter, while more homogeneous classes, such as sand and substrate, remain relatively stable.
