NCAR Aerosol Program (NAP)

Suspended particles (aerosol) play a crucial role in a number of atmospheric processes. Examples include the scattering and absorption of radiation, cloud formation and modification, visibility and the protection of scenic vistas, modification of oxidation processes, and short and long-term human health effects. The diversity of these processes is a distinguishing feature of aerosol research, as is the broad range of disciplines of aerosol researchers. Major advances in atmospheric aerosol research have been made when disparate groups are brought together to attack challenging research problems.


The NCAR Aerosol Program (NAP) was first proposed in 1997 in response to the diversity of aerosol research at NCAR. NAP's goals include:

  • To improve communication among NCAR researchers working in areas of aerosol science. This is currently accomplished through the Aerosol Research Discussion series, described below. Future activities may include annual research workshops on issues such as aerosol physical and chemical measurements, calibration, optical properties, and aerosol/climate interactions.
  • To promote and facilitate the aerosol research at NCAR. This can be accomplished through participation in the development of science plans and research themes within NCAR. It is also envisioned that NAP can serve as the means by which new scientific initiatives are formed within NCAR, e.g., the development of a focused research program on the indirect aerosol effect.

Listing of Aerosol Research Seminars in the Front Range

Click on the link above for an up-to-date listing of aerosol research seminars in the Front Range Region of Colorado.


Organization

NAP is led by Jim Smith of NCAR's Atmospheric Chemistry Division. There is also a NAP Advisory Council, currently consisting of representatives from local research centers with the expectation that this will provide a structure for national participation in NAP activities:


Front Range Aerosol Group Mailing List

This is a mailing list for NAP activities and for communicating aerosol-related issues in the Front Range. To receive information on subscribing to this list please contact Jim (jimsmith@ucar.edu).


Aerosol Research Discussion Series

The purpose of NAP's Aerosol Research Discussion (ARD) series is to bring together NCAR researchers and others from outside of NCAR on a bi-monthly basis, providing both researchers and students with opportunities to meet each other. The structure for the ARD is an informal 30-minute research presentation by an invited speaker, which would focus not just on past accomplishments but current challenges and interesting questions in aerosol research. Following this, participants will be invited to stay for a reception and poster session, for which students and early career scientists will be especially encouraged to participate. This is a true "community activity," with active participation from scientists at NOAA, University of Colorado, University of Denver, Colorado State, and other local labs.


Since its inception the ARD series has featured the following speakers:


Date

Speaker/Affiliation
June 2002 Brian Toon, Univ. of CO
October 2002 Jose Jimenez, Univ. of CO
January 2003 John Ogren, NOAA
May 2003 Dan Murphy, NOAA
January 2004 Mark Hernandez, Univ. of CO
April 2004 Chuck Wilson, Univ. of Denver
February 2005 Natalie Mahowald, NCAR


Coming up:


Date

Speaker/Affiliation

Title
April 14, 2005 Mike Hannigan, Univ. of CO The Air Quality Timeline
September 2005 Jeff Collett, CSU TBD




last revised: April 14, 2005; for questions/comments: jimsmith@ucar.edu.