8 March 2006
The Chemical Sciences Division is in the midst of its participation in the 2006 field deployment of the Winter Storms mission. Flights will continue during the next two weeks to study atmospheric chemistry and meteorology in the subtropical jet region.
Background: Headed by NWS and occurring from January to mid-March, Winter Storms is aimed at collecting atmospheric data during severe winter storms originating over the Pacific Ocean that affect the continental U.S. Data are gathered during flights of the NOAA Gulfstream IV aircraft. The base of operations moves from Alaska to Hawaii this week.
The Chemical Sciences is doing research related to ozone transport and the jet stream, adding a chemistry/dynamics "twist" to the Winter Storms mission objectives. A CSD ozone instrument has been operating onboard the GIV since January, and CSD scientists are providing meteorological analyses and flight planning.
Significance: The data from this year's mission, along with observations from the previous three years of CSD's and the former Aeronomy Lab's participation in Winter Storms, are providing insights into the dynamical influences on ozone abundances in the troposphere and stratosphere. The current mission will help to reveal any signatures that El Niño may have. The research contributes to the Climate Forcing Program of NOAA's Climate Goal.