NOAA Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies

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 (America/New_York)
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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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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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/

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:
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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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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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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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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.

Seminar on the 2025 Joint Center Research and Development Project (JCRDP)
2025-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Grove School of Engineering, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Seminar on The 2025 Joint Center Research and Development Project (JCRDP) – Training, Dry Run & Intensive Observation Period
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Date: September 26, 2025 from 12pm
Presenter(s): Dr. Sen Chiao, Director of the NOAA Cooperative Science Center in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M) and a Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Howard University
Zoom: https://ccny.zoom.us/j/84211573613?pwd=[REDACTED]
Abstract:
Urban boundary layer dynamics and composition research is an area of overlapping capability and expertise for the two Cooperative Science Centers (CSCs), NOAA Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies (CESSRST) and NOAA
Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M). The two Centers have engaged with NOAA NESDIS and NWS, as well as NOAA Research (NOAA/OAR), to design a joint Collaborative Research and Development Project JCRDP with a focus on
interdisciplinary research and training on urban meteorology, air quality, urban ecosystems, and communities. This effort brings together the two Centers’ expertise in analysis, modeling, and observation capabilities to build a framework to study air
pollution causes and impact in the northeast corridor.
About Presenter:
Sen Chiao is the Director of the NOAA Cooperative Science Center in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M) and a Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Howard University. NCAS-M is a research-through-education enterprise led by Howard University and includes seven partner institutions. Before coming to Howard University, Sen served as the Meteorology and Climate Science department chair at San Jose State University. His current research work and interests include data analysis and numerical modeling, with emphasis on mesoscale modeling.

NOAA Seminar Series: Quantifying the accuracy of satellite-observed sea surface salinity against in situ observations by saildrones
2025-09-26 14:30 - 15:00
Title: Quantifying the accuracy of satellite-observed sea surface salinity against in situ observations by saildrones
Presenter(s): Andrew Dixon, CESSRST II Graduate Fellow
Google Meet : https://meet.google.com/rxj-wgmk-day
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 318-367-3080 PIN: ‪865 081 511#

Abstract:
Sea surface salinity (SSS) regulates upper-ocean stratification, influencing vertical mixing and the heat exchange critical to the development of tropical cyclones. Satellite salinity observations from NASA’s SMAP observatory offer global coverage and have been validated for general conditions in certain areas, but benefit from validation under storm conditions. This study uses NOAA Saildrones (uncrewed surface vehicles), capable of targeting specific storms and collecting near-continuous data, to compare in situ SSS with two SMAP products. Results show strong agreement with the 8-day averaged dataset and moderate but positive agreement with the near-real-time product. Collocations during storm encounters indicate that SMAP could be useful in tropical cyclone forecasting. By validating satellite data with uncrewed systems, this work advances NOAA’s mission of enabling a weather-ready nation through expanded hurricane predictions and fostering collaborations for future satellite data validation projects.
The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSCNERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor, Dr. Chidong Zhang of NOAA Research’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. The NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC CESSRST-II’s goal of conducting NOAA mission-aligned collaborative research to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. The NERTO “Quantifying the accuracy of satellite observed sea surface salinity against in situ observations by Saildrones” also deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA’s databases and development steps toward further use of uncrewed systems.

Seminar on Characterizing the Dust Storm: An Integrated Ground-Based, Satellite, and Model Study
2025-10-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Grove School of Engineering, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, United States
Seminar on Characterizing the ‘Godzilla’ Dust Storm: An Integrated Ground-Based, Satellite, and Model Study to Advance our Understanding of the Impact of African Dust on the Tropical Western Hemisphere
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Date: October 28, 2025 from 12:30pm
Location: Exhibit Room, Steinman Hall, Grove School of Engineering
Presenter(s): Dr. Olga L. Mayo-Bracero, Atmospheric Scientist, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Zoom: https://ccny.zoom.us/j/85976950243?pwd=[REDACTED] Abstract:
African dust transport across the Atlantic significantly impacts air quality, weather, and climate in the Caribbean and surrounding regions. However, gaps remain in understanding the intensity, variability, and health effects of these huge aerosol events. Addressing these uncertainties requires a comprehensive approach that combines multiple observational and modeling techniques to track dust movement and assess its impacts effectively. Long-term research and monitoring efforts in the Caribbean have been instrumental in improving our understanding of African dust transport and its regional consequences.
The unprecedented June 2020 “Godzilla” African dust event provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated approach using ground-based aerosol measurements, satellite observations, and forecast models. The NASA-funded CALIMA campaign built on prior research efforts, integrating data from nine Caribbean locations, satellite sensors (CALIOP, MODIS, MISR), and dust forecast models (NASA GEOS, WRF-Chem) to characterize dust transport and its impact on air quality. Surface and columnar measurements revealed severe air quality degradation across the Caribbean, southern United States, northern South America, and Central America, posing significant public health risks. Model evaluations exposed substantial discrepancies in dust forecasts, highlighting the need for improved prediction capabilities.
This study demonstrates the value of combining observational networks with satellite remote sensing and modeling to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of African dust transport to the western hemisphere. Strengthening such coordinated efforts is essential to refine forecasts, mitigate health and environmental risks, and better understand how transatlantic dust transport may evolve under a changing climate.
About Presenter:
Dr. Olga L. Mayol-Bracero is an atmospheric scientist and the Lead of the Aerosol Observations Group in the Environmental Science and Technologies Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), where she also serves as the Director of the Center for Aerosol Measurement Science (CAMS). She is the Lead Mentor of the Aerosol Observing Systems (AOS) of the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility and a participant in the DOE Atmospheric System Research (ASR) program. She joined BNL in August 2021. Before joining BNL, Dr. Mayol-Bracero was a Full Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Puerto Rico–Río Piedras (UPR-RP). There, she directed the Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosols Research Group and led both the Cape San Juan Atmospheric Observatory—a site that is part of NOAA ESRL’s aerosol network, NASA’s AERONET, Pandora, and MPLNET networks, and a WMO GAW regional station—and the Pico del Este Cloud Forest Station.
Dr. Mayol-Bracero’s research focuses on the temporal and spatial variability of atmospheric aerosols, including the characterization of African dust, biomass burning, marine, urban, and biogenic aerosols, with particular emphasis on tropical regions. Her expertise spans size-resolved aerosol composition and sources, carbonaceous aerosols (organic and black carbon), aerosol–cloud–precipitation interactions, and air quality.
She has extensive experience leading aerosol field projects and managing field atmospheric observatories, participating in numerous ground-based and airborne field campaigns across diverse environments, including the Maldives, the Amazon Basin, and the Caribbean region. Dr. Mayol-Bracero also holds several international leadership roles, serving as a member of the International Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP), the World Meteorological Organization’s Scientific Advisory Group on Aerosols, and the Americas Working Group of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) project. She is the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, one book chapter, and over 300 presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Mayol-Bracero earned her B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico–Río Piedras and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany.
