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2 pages, 186 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science

by Ari D. Preston and David E. Reed

Atmosphere 2023, 14(5), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14050904 - 22 May 2023

Viewed by 1030

Abstract

Engaging students in research is critical to their development as atmospheric scientists [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

12 pages, 3387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lightning Cessation Guidance Using Polarimetric Radar Data and Lightning Mapping Array in the Washington, D.C. Area

by John J. Drugan and Ari D. Preston

Atmosphere 2022, 13(7), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13071111 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1469

Abstract

Polarimetric radar data and total lightning data are used to develop lightning cessation guidance for isolated cells in the Washington, D.C. area. A total of 23 non-severe thunderstorms during the 2015–2017 warm seasons are analyzed. Radar and lightning data are superimposed using the [...] Read more.

Polarimetric radar data and total lightning data are used to develop lightning cessation guidance for isolated cells in the Washington, D.C. area. A total of 23 non-severe thunderstorms during the 2015–2017 warm seasons are analyzed. Radar and lightning data are superimposed using the Warning Decision Support System–Integrated Information software to develop cessation algorithms. This includes using the hydrometeor classification algorithm to locate graupel for each convective cell. Results show that the three best-performing cessation algorithms use thresholds of (1) Z_H ≥ 40 dBZ at −5 °C, (2) Z_H ≥ 35 dBZ at −10 °C, and (3) graupel at −15 °C. Lightning is not expected 15 min after the threshold is no longer met for each algorithm. These algorithms are recommended only for isolated cells in the Washington, D.C. area. Further study needs to be completed to draw conclusions for other convective cell types and different geographic regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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10 pages, 1815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Chemical Reactions on the Oxidative Potential of Humic Acid, a Model Compound of Atmospheric Humic-like Substances

by Yohei Koike and Takayuki Kameda

Atmosphere 2022, 13(6), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13060976 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2259

Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) contains various chemicals, some of which generate in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS). Owing to their high reactivity and oxidation ability, ROS can cause various diseases. To understand how atmospheric PM affects human health, we must clarify the PM [...] Read more.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) contains various chemicals, some of which generate in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS). Owing to their high reactivity and oxidation ability, ROS can cause various diseases. To understand how atmospheric PM affects human health, we must clarify the PM components having oxidative potential (OP) leading to ROS production. According to previous studies, OP is exhibited by humic-like substances (HULIS) in atmospheric PM. However, the OP-dependence of the chemical structures of HULIS has not been clarified. Therefore, in this study, humic acid (HA, a model HULIS material) was exposed to ozone and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and its OP and structures were evaluated before and after the reactions using dithiothreitol (DTT) assay and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), respectively. The OP of HA was more significantly increased by UV irradiation than by ozone exposure. FT-IR analysis showed an increased intensity of the C=O peak in the HA structure after UV irradiation, suggesting that the OP of HA was increased by a chemical change to a more quinone-like structure after irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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23 pages, 10557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Particulate Matter (PM10) Behavior in the Caribbean Area Using a Coupled SARIMA-GARCH Model

by Esdra Alexis, Thomas Plocoste and Silvere Paul Nuiro

Atmosphere 2022, 13(6), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13060862 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3258

Abstract

The aim of this study was to model the behavior of particles with aerodynamic diameter lower or equal to

10 μ

m (PM10) in the Caribbean area according to African dust seasonality. To carry out this study, PM10 measurement from Guadeloupe (GPE) and [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to model the behavior of particles with aerodynamic diameter lower or equal to

10 μ

m (PM10) in the Caribbean area according to African dust seasonality. To carry out this study, PM10 measurement from Guadeloupe (GPE) and Puerto Rico (PR) between 2006 and 2010 were used. Firstly, the missing data issues were addressed using algorithms that we elaborated. Thereafter, the coupled SARIMA-GARCH (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic) model was developed and compared to PM10 empirical data. The SARIMA process is representative of the main PM10 sources, while the heteroskedasticity is also taken into account by the

G A R C H

process. In this framework, PM10 data from GPE and PR are decomposed into the sum of the background atmosphere (

B_{t}

= anthropogenic activities + marine aerosol), African dust seasonality (

S_{t}

= mineral dust), and extreme events processes (

C_{t}

). Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) helped us to choose the best model. Forecast evaluation indexes such as the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), the Mean Absolute Scale Error (MASE), and Theil’s U statistic provided significant results. Specifically, the MASE and U values were found to be almost zero. Thus, these indexes validated the forecasts of the coupled SARIMA-GARCH model. To sum up, the SARIMA-GARCH combination is an efficient tool to forecast PM10 behavior in the Caribbean area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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15 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Precipitation Variability and Probabilities of Extreme Events in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Latakia Governorate-Syria as a Case Study)

by Ahmad H. Y. Abu Hammad, Ala A. M. Salameh and Riad Qara Fallah

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010131 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2621

Abstract

This study aimed at analysis of the general-index change for the mean annual and seasonal precipitation in six stations in Latakia Governorate (Syria). The data of precipitation were collected for 40 consecutive years (1970–2010) in order to figure out the extent of the [...] Read more.

This study aimed at analysis of the general-index change for the mean annual and seasonal precipitation in six stations in Latakia Governorate (Syria). The data of precipitation were collected for 40 consecutive years (1970–2010) in order to figure out the extent of the changes and variability in precipitation rates and the impact of this change on changes in the potential density that might cause extremely high or low precipitation rates according to Gumbel distribution of the extreme precipitation rates. Results revealed a decrease of the annual precipitation rates in all stations, the reduction in precipitation ranged from 46 to 210 mm during the whole period of the study. Spring, however, recorded the highest and statistically significant reduction, which reached 46–210 mm, while winter precipitation increased by 21–82 mm. Spring also has witnessed a decrease of about 3–9% of the total annual precipitation as compared to winter precipitation which increased by 5–8% of the total. The potential density of extremely high winter precipitation rates increased in all stations as indicated from Gumbel distribution in winter, and a greater increase took place in the probabilities of occurrence of the extremely low spring precipitation rates. This shows significant probability of occurrence of drought during spring season. By contrast, probabilities of winter precipitation rates increased more, thus winter is relatively more humid than before and spring is relatively drier than before. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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16 pages, 3387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Traffic and Meteorology on Urban Particle Mass and Particle Number Concentrations: Student-Led Studies Using Mobile Measurements before, during, and after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns

by Otto Klemm, Antonia Ahrens, Margarethe Arnswald, Raika Bethke, David Frederik Berger, Katharina Blankenhaus, Lisa Blauth, Bettina Breuer, Sophia Buchholz, Felix Burek, Laura Ehrnsperger, Sarah Funken, Ella Henninger, Janik Hohl, Nadine Jöllenbeck, Philipp Kirgasser, Maike Kuhls, Bastian Paas, Lea Andrea Roters, Carsten Schaller and Hanna Schlüter Show full author list Hide full author list

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010062 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3178

Abstract

A series of student-led research activities were performed using a cargo bicycle equipped with air chemistry instrumentation to study the dynamics of aerosol particles in urban air before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown periods. The studies examined a high-traffic route and a [...] Read more.

A series of student-led research activities were performed using a cargo bicycle equipped with air chemistry instrumentation to study the dynamics of aerosol particles in urban air before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown periods. The studies examined a high-traffic route and a low-traffic route around the city center of Münster, Germany. A complex picture emerged for how the particle number concentrations (PN) and particle mass concentrations (PM, specifically PM10) were affected by the day of the week, the route selected, the meteorological conditions, and the traffic intensity. Traffic had the most impact on PN through the multitude of exhaust plumes from motorized vehicles. The impact of traffic on PM10 was rather low, which is also mirrored in the general pattern of the low response of PM10 to the pandemic lockdown in Germany. Instead, PM10 responded more to the day of the week. Presumably, PM10 responds either to a specific traffic component, such as commercial low-duty vehicles, or to other business, such as construction activity. Meteorological conditions exert their impact mostly through the relative humidity, which affects particle growth. As such, future research could examine PN and PM10 responses over all seasons of the year. In any case, this student-led study in which high-resolution data were acquired deepened our understanding and broadened our view on particle dynamics in urban air. Well-trained university graduates will contribute to meeting further challenges in studying and combatting air pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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11 pages, 8130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Humidity Pretreatment Devices on the Loss of HCl Gas Emitted from Industrial Stacks

by Han-Nui Gil, Trieu-Vuong Dinh, Jee-Hyun Lee, Byeong-Gyu Park, In-Young Choi, Sang-Woo Lee, In-Young Kim and Jo-Chun Kim

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010033 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2841

Abstract

A high humidity at a high temperature presents a common challenge in monitoring the air pollutants emitted from stationary sources. Thus, humidity removal is a pivotal issue. In this study, the effect of humidity pretreatment devices (HPDs) on hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas emitted [...] Read more.

A high humidity at a high temperature presents a common challenge in monitoring the air pollutants emitted from stationary sources. Thus, humidity removal is a pivotal issue. In this study, the effect of humidity pretreatment devices (HPDs) on hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas emitted from an incinerator stack was investigated. A conventional cooler (HPD_CL), and poly-tube (HPD_NP) and single-tube (HPD_NS) Nafion^™ dryers were used as HPDs in this study. HCl concentrations varied at five and 10 parts per million in volume (ppmv). Low (i.e., ~4%) and high (i.e., ~17%) humidities were generated at 180 °C. The removal efficiencies of humidity and the loss rates of HCl by the devices were determined. The removal efficiencies of humidity by HPD_CL and the two dryers were found to be similar, at approximately 85% at a low humidity and 95% at a high humidity. In terms of HCl loss rates, HPD_CL revealed the highest loss rates in all conditions (i.e., >95%), followed by HPD_NP and HPD_NS. At normal room temperature (i.e., 25 °C), the HCl loss rates of HPD_NP were >40% at a low humidity and >70% at a high humidity, while those of HPD_NS were >10% at a low humidity and >60% at a high humidity. The performance of the two dryers improved when they were heated to 80 °C. However, this temperature caused damage to the dryers, which reduced their lifetime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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14 pages, 3948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of a Simple Domeless Net Radiometer for Demonstrating Energy Balance Concepts in a Laboratory Activity

by Henrique Da Ros Carvalho, Kevin J. McInnes and James L. Heilman

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1620; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12121620 - 5 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4557

Abstract

Even though energy balance concepts are fundamental to solutions of problems in a number of disciplines in the agricultural and life sciences, they are seldom demonstrated in a laboratory activity. Here, we introduce a simple domeless net radiometer to demonstrate how the surface [...] Read more.

Even though energy balance concepts are fundamental to solutions of problems in a number of disciplines in the agricultural and life sciences, they are seldom demonstrated in a laboratory activity. Here, we introduce a simple domeless net radiometer to demonstrate how the surface temperature of an object aboveground is regulated by the properties of the surfaces and environmental conditions. The device is based on the early designs of all-wave net radiometers and is composed of a foam disc with its opposing surfaces coated with either white or black paint. Temperatures of the disc’s surfaces are monitored using thermocouple temperature sensors. Using a combination of solar irradiance, albedo of the ground surface, air temperature, and wind speed measurements, the temperatures of the disc’s surfaces can be calculated by means of an energy balance model. We found good agreement between calculated and measured temperatures. In addition to demonstrate important physical concepts under natural outdoor conditions, we believe that the proposed laboratory activity will benefit students by allowing them to gain some experience and practical skills in working with environmental sensors, programming data acquisition systems, and analyzing data. Stimulating students’ creativity as well as developing their analytical and problem-solving skills is another goal of the proposed activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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19 pages, 1995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development versus Adaptation? Facing Climate Change in Ca Mau, Vietnam

by Bruno Di Giusto, Thi Minh Nghi Le, Thanh Thao My Nguyen, Thi Thuy Hanh Nguyen, Nguyen Uyen My Vu and Joseph Paul Lavallee

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091160 - 9 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3705

Abstract

Climate change poses a dire threat to the Mekong River Delta, an important supplier of shrimp and rice to global markets. The southernmost province, Ca Mau, is threatened by sea level rise and land subsidence. Little is known of the expected combined impact [...] Read more.

Climate change poses a dire threat to the Mekong River Delta, an important supplier of shrimp and rice to global markets. The southernmost province, Ca Mau, is threatened by sea level rise and land subsidence. Little is known of the expected combined impact of these processes, or of the perceptions of farmers towards these threats. This study first projected the combined effects using the most accurate extant elevation data. Next, to assess perceptions, we interviewed 53 farmers from six communes within the province. We found that 43% of the province could be at risk of submersion by 2030, and 75% by 2050. The interviews revealed that the farmers were largely unaware of the imminence of submersion and did not fully comprehend the nature and magnitude of the underlying processes. Constrained by the requirements of their developmental trajectory, they were focused on short term threats to their livelihood (weather, salinization, pollution). Consequently, far from adapting to the larger threats, they are engaged in practices, such as groundwater extraction for aquaculture, that are hastening the demise of the region. Their plight offers warnings to similar regions around the world. We hope that our findings can inform the development of future outreach programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Student-Led Research in Atmospheric Science)

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