Beyond GEOS 105… what’s next?

Fall 2010 GEOS Climate Track Course: Laboratory Methods in Atmospheric Sciences Syllabus ATMO464 Instructor: Sarah Brooks Prerequisites: Chemistry 101 and 1 semester of Calculus (Math 171 or Math 151). Course Description: Classroom and laboratory course; introduction to chemical techniques used to monitor the atmosphere and other Earth systems; sampling strategies; survey of current literature focusing on development of new techniques. Learning Outcomes: Acquire basic instrument skills needed to conduct laboratory measurements. Learn what information can be obtained with various instruments used in atmospheric and environmental applications.

Rocky Mt. Biological Lab Research Opportunities mlpages&func=display&pid=124

What's Happening at the Lab NITROGEN POLLUTION WORSENS IN ROCKIES LAKES NOVEMBER 23, 2009 The impact of airborne nitrogen released from the burning of fossil fuels and widespread use of fertilizers in agriculture is much greater than previously recognized, according to research results published in the November 6th edition of Science and Ecology. It extends even to remote alpine lakes. Examining nitrogen deposition in alpine and subalpine lakes in Colorado, Sweden and Norway, James Elser, a limnologist at Arizona State University (ASU) and colleagues found that, on average, nitrogen levels in the lakes were high, even in those lakes far from urban and agricultural centers. James Elser and others used the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory as a base camp while studying nearby lakes in 2006.

Rocky Mt. Biological Lab Research Opportunities PROGRAM ONE: Advanced Independent Research/REU (with Senior Thesis Option)Advanced Independent Research/REU 10-week session: June 7 - August 15 This program targets rising seniors or students who have graduated. Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists. Students accepted through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program receive a $4,750 stipend, free room, board and travel. Minorities underrepresented in the biological sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. APPLICATION Deadline: February 15, 2010 for REU Awards and for RMBL financial support. APPLICATION Deadline: June 1, 2010 or until programs are filled, for students not receiving financial support. PROGRAM TWO: Independent Research and Course 10-week session: June 7 - August 15 Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists (75% time) while taking one of three field courses (25% time): 1) Methods in Field Ecology 2) Research Training in Wildlife Biology, or 3) Research Training in Field Botany. This program targets rising sophomores and juniors as well as students who wish to receive training in a particular area. APPLICATION Deadline: Feb. 15, 2010 for RMBL financial support. Independent Research and Course APPLICATION Deadline: June 1, 2010 or until programs are filled, for students not receiving financial support. =display&pid=124

Rocky Mt. Biological Lab Research Opportunities Mentor: Dr. Sarah Brooks, Texas A&M University Advanced Undergraduate Research/REU (10 week program) The focus of my research is to better understand the role of biogenic atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation processes. Under most conditions, clouds do not form as droplets of pure water, but instead form on tiny aerosol particles, referred to as Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN). Sources of CCN include direct emissions of pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as particles which form in the atmospheric following gas phase emissions from plants. A better understanding of biogenic aerosol-CCN linkages is needed to understand how cloud formation, the hydrological cycle and ecological changes may shift in response to climate change. There are opportunities for REU students to participate directly in the CCN measurements or to work on a related project such as: Pollen forecasting: What triggers a pollen outbreak? We are all familiar with pollen events, which leave our cars covered in yellow dust and cause those with allergies to sneeze. But what triggers these outbreaks? When and when do they occur? We will attempt to answer these questions by observing pollen counts daily at several locations, each next to a new RMBL weather station. When an “event” is observed, we will analyze the weather data to determine the conditions leading up to and at the time of the pollination, to look for possible predictors. Classification of Vegetation as Sources of Atmospheric Biogenic Aerosols We will measure plant phenology and weather conditions to look for provide connections between natural variability in local conditions and cloud formation and processing. This project will focus on wind-pollinating species including aspen, Engleman spruce, subalpine fir, trillium, and sedges.

RMBL June 2009

What are the natural sources of nuclei for cloud droplet formation? What is the role of pollen in cloud formation? How will this change with increased temperature due to climate change?

RMBL Measurements 2009

Preliminary Results Observations: a major increase in the total number of atmospheric aerosols on June 26, Possible causes- Temperature increased, causing increase in emissions of VOCs and aerosols from englemann spruce and sunalpine fir (Chemical analysis is underway…)

The new aerosols (after June 26) are more efficient at forming cloud droplets Thus, biogenic emissions cause clouds under drier conditions!