NOAA Science Seminar Series

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Evaluating the Wave Attenuation Capabilities of Nature-Based Infrastructure

Presenter(s): Jackson Evans, CCME II Graduate NERTO Intern, NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (CCME II) NOAA Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program (EPP)

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Connect with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/gdz-ueco-jtm

Dial: (US)+1 650-817-8753 PIN: 333563 094#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/gdz-ueco-jtm?pin=3822989308429

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioning available.

Abstract:

The results presented are from the NOAA EPP CSC NERTO graduate internship in-residence at NOAA project conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Brandon Puckett, with the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Service in the Beaufort Lab, Charleston, SC. Coastal communities increasingly face shoreline erosion, sea-level rise, and coastal hazards, creating a need for protection strategies that enhance resilience while maintaining ecological function. Nature-based infrastructure, including living shorelines, provides an alternative to hardened shorelines, but wave attenuation can vary among designs and environmental conditions. This study evaluated wave attenuation across multiple living shoreline designs in coastal North Carolina and examined structural and hydrodynamic drivers of performance. Paired pressure sensors were deployed seaward and landward of Natrx™, QuickReef™, Oyster Catcher™, and rock sill structures to measure incident andtransmitted waves. Observations were processed through quality control, water-level calculations, and spectral wave analysis. GIS and statistical models were used to compare designs and identify drivers of attenuation. Wave attenuation differed substantially among designs. Natrx™ at Carrot Island exhibited the greatest average attenuation (67%), followed by Quick Reef™ (55%)and Rock Sill (47%). Oyster Catcher™ averaged 20%, while Natrx™ at Pine Knoll Shores showed little overall attenuation. Performance also varied with water depth and relative freeboard, demonstrating that both design and environmental conditions influence wave transmission. These results are from a NOAA EPPCCME-II NERTO graduate internship conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. Brandon Puckett of the National Ocean Service. The NERTO aligns with CCME-II goals by advancing applied coastal research and training the next generation of scientists to address coastal resilience challenges. This research supports NOAA's mission by providing science to inform shoreline management, restoration, and resilience planning for coastal communities and resource managers.

Bio: Jackson Evans was supported as a NOAA Cooperative Science Center Graduate Scholar with the NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (CCME II). He recently completed his M.S. in Integrated Environmental Science at Bethune-Cookman University. Previously, he earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Marine Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research interests center on marine ecology, habitat conservation, and quantitative approaches to coastal management. For his master's research, Jackson investigated long-term changes in blue crab populations and seagrass habitat in Florida's Indian River Lagoon. He integrated fisheries and habitat datasets with spatial, temporal, and statistical analyses to examine how estuarine habitat changes influence blue crab size, abundance, and distribution. This research aligns with NOAA's mission by advancing understanding of coastal ecosystems and supporting conservation and management of marine resources. Jackson also completed a NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity (NERTO) with the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) at the NOAA Beaufort Laboratory in North Carolina. His project evaluated wave attenuation by nature-based coastal infrastructure, including multiple living shoreline designs. He conducted wave-gauge data processing and QA/QC, GIS and drone-derived elevation analyses, data visualization, and statistical modeling to examine how structural design and hydrodynamic conditions influence shoreline protection. This work supports NOAA priorities in coastal resilience, nature-based infrastructure, and science-informed management. Jackson plans to pursue a career at the intersection of marine and fisheries science, coastal resource management, and environmental policy. His long-term goal is to conduct applied research that translates ecological science into actionable information for coastal and marine resource management.

For more information access the webpage for the Cooperative Science Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards andNERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov withthe word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Shark Depredation in the Gulf of America Bottom Longline Reef-fish Fisheries

Presenter(s): Kyle King, CCME II Graduate NERTO Intern, NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (CCME II) NOAA Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program (EPP)

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Connect with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/siz-inmm-zmx

Dial: (US)+1 301-845-5284 PIN: 528798 715#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/siz-inmm-zmx?pin=5557835251112

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioning available.

Abstract: Shark depredation—the partial or whole removal of captured fish from fishing gear by sharks prior to landing—has been anecdotally reported as increasing in Gulf of America reef-fish fisheries, leading to increased fishing effort, damaged gear, and loss of target species. This study utilized National Marine Fisheries Service commercial reef-fish bottom longline observer data from 2006-2025 to quantify shark depredation, evaluate spatial and temporal trends, and assess the influence of environmental and fishery operational variables on depredation probability using predictive modeling techniques. Shark depredation was documented in 12.3% of all sets (n =14,365) and exhibited a positive trend over the last two decades. Depredation was positively associated with increased gear soak time and negatively associated with bottom depth. Seasonally, depredation varied, with fall having the highest proportion of sets with depredation. Spatial analyses indicated that depredation “hotspots” were not fixed geographic locations but were influenced by variation in fishing effort and environmental conditions. While depredation is expected to continue to increase, these insights are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. This project establishes a baseline shark depredation rate in Gulf of America commercial reef-fish bottom-longline fisheries and provides context for the mechanisms underlying shark depredation events. The results of this research are from the NOAA EPP CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentor Dr. John Carlson of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The NERTO aligns with the NOAA CCME-II award's goals of supporting fisheries sustainability, coastal resilience, and place-based conservation.

Bio: Kyle King is supported as a NOAA Cooperative Science Center Graduate Scholar with the NOAA Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (CCME II). He is an M.S. Graduate Research Assistant studying Marine Biology in the Movement Ecology Lab at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. His research focuses on shark depredation in the Gulf of America recreational fisheries and the evaluation of non-lethal shark deterrent technologies through applied fisheries techniques. As a NOAA CCME-II award beneficiary Kyle King completed a NERTO internship with NOAA Fisheries and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. He has also investigated long-term patterns of shark depredation in commercial reef-fish fisheries. His career interests include fisheries ecology, shark conservation, and the development of science-based management strategies that support sustainable fisheries.

For more information access the webpage for the Cooperative Science Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards andNERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov withthe word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: September NWS Alaska Climate Outlook Briefing

Presenter(s): Rick Thoman, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Ed Plumb (ewplumb@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/sep2026-climate-outlook/

Abstract: During this month’s Climate Outlook Briefing, Rick will review recent and current climate conditions around Alaska, discuss forecasting tools, and finish up with NOAA’s Extended Prediction Division forecast for October and look at the upcoming winter. Tune in online for a look at recent Alaska weather highlights and what may be ahead for Alaska’s seasonal climate.

Slides / Recordings / Other materials: A recording may be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Supporting Disaster Preparedness for Coastal Communities: Lessons from the Carolinas

NOAA Library Seminars

Introductory Comments: Allyssa Zebrowski, NOAA Disaster Preparedness Program, Southeast & Caribbean Regional Preparedness Coordinator.

Presenter(s): Frank Lopez, North Carolina Sea Grant, Extension Director. Merrie Koester, University of South Carolina Center for Science Education, Science Literacy, Communication, and Flood Hazard Risk Specialist.

Sponsor(s): NOAA Library and NOAA Disaster Preparedness Program

Seminar Contact(s): library.seminars@noaa.gov

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/6148415

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: Beginning in 2021, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, Disaster Preparedness Program teamed up with the National Sea Grant Office to support Sea Grant program projects enabling communities to reduce disaster impacts and reach post-disaster recovery more quickly. Two more of the projects selected for this partnership program have now concluded: North Carolina Sea Grant’s “Capacity Building for Health Equity in Communications During Disasters for Rural and Underserved Coastal Latino Communities,” and South Carolina Sea Grant’s “Kids Teaching Flood Resilience: Step Up! Get Ready! Respond!.” Project leads for these efforts will discuss their results and what others can learn from their experiences.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Lake Representation and the Future of Freshwater - NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory Seminar Series

Presenter(s): Eric Anderson, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder

Sponsor(s): NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory

Seminar Contact(s): psl.seminars@noaa.gov

Remote Access:

Google Meet video call link: https://meet.google.com/rwm-ebtk-kgn

Or dial: (US)+1 409-444-2714 PIN: 232 460 971#

More phone numbers: https://meet.google.com/tel/rwm-ebtk-kgn

Accessibility: Live closed captioning

Abstract: More than 80% of Earth’s surface freshwater is found in just its 10 largest lakes. Given their influence on weather and climate prediction and their role as climate sentinels, understanding the physical processes governing these systems is critical. Yet, Earth’s largest lakes behave in many ways more like inland seas or the coastal ocean than traditional lakes, occupying a unique space between hydrology and oceanography. Despite their importance to both the hydrosphere and atmosphere, their representation in numerical weather and water prediction varies widely, from 3D and 1D dynamic models to simple storage and routing components, or no representation at all. Their dynamic nature, including diverse thermal, mixing, and ice regimes, makes these lakes particularly challenging to model and to monitor using remote-sensing and in-situ observations. This talk will highlight recent advances in the physical modeling of Earth’s largest lakes, persistent observational and modeling gaps, and how these systems are changing in a changing climate.

Slides, Recordings, Other materials: Seminar details and speaker bio at https://psl.noaa.gov/seminars/Abstracts/2026/810.html. Seminar is not recorded. Slides available upon request at speaker's discretion.

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Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Planetary Boundary Layer Characteristics During Urban Heat Waves in the Washington, D.C.–Baltimore Area

Presenter(s): Justin Fleming, Graduate Fellow, NOAA Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI), NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology II (NCAS-M II) Cohort 4 Graduate Fellow at Howard University

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rgp-ibvo-fmq

Or dial: (US) +1 508-835-8024 PIN: 590 049 963#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/rgp-ibvo-fmq?pin=719738564152

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioning available.

Abstract: Extreme heat events are the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States and are projected to increase in frequency, intensity, and duration as the climate continues to warm. Associated impacts include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and increased cardiovascular stress, with densely urbanized environments facing disproportionately higher risks due to the urban heat island effect. This research focuses on the Washington D.C. I-95 urban corridor, a region that has historically lacked detailed comparative heatwave analysis despite its large and diverse population. The study has two primary objectives: first, to compare Heat Index (HI) and surface temperature as metrics for characterizing heatwave events, and second, to identify the dominant synoptic-scale patterns associated with these events. Building on the framework of Smith et al., who compiled sixteen heatwave indices (HI01–HI16) ranging from consecutive days above the90th percentile of mean temperature to National Weather Service Heat Index thresholds exceeding 90°F, this study defines heatwaves as three or more consecutive days exceeding the 90th, 95th, and 97th percentile thresholds. Using daily maximum temperature data from four weather stations (NAK, ADW, BWI, and DMH) spanning 1950 to 2025, results show that while Downtown Baltimore (DMH) exhibits the highest absolute summer temperatures, stations at BWI and ADW experience more frequent and intense threshold exceedance streaks, indicating that higher background temperatures do not necessarily correspond to greater persistence of extreme heat events. Furthermore, calculated Heat Index values are consistently higher than surface temperatures, with differences ranging from +5.2°F to +8°F at the 97th percentile, highlighting how elevated urban percentile thresholds may underestimate the physiological burden of extreme heat and reinforcing the importance of incorporating human-centered heat metrics into urban heat analyses. These findings carry important implications for public health, urban planning, and heat mitigation strategies. Next steps include using NARR data to analyze the synoptic conditions driving these heat events and determining whether HI more effectively captures vulnerability across specific demographics and urban neighborhoods in the region.

Bio: Justin Fleming is supported as a Cohort 4 Graduate Fellow through the NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M II). NCAS-M is funded by NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program (EPP). Justin is pursuing a Master of Science in Atmospheric Science at Howard University. His research was conducted through a NERTO graduate internship in collaboration with NOAA mentors Dr. Fantine Ngan and Dr. Alice Crawford of the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Air Resources Laboratory (ARL). His NERTO project, Planetary Boundary Layer Characteristics During Urban Heat Waves in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore Area, aligns with the NCAS-M II research pathway of Process-level Understanding and Enhanced Data Assimilation/Analysis Modeling Capacities. Through this project, Justin strengthened his understanding of NOAA’s mission, expanded his research expertise, and gained valuable experience conducting scientific investigations and participating in NOAA mission-aligned activities.

For more information access the webpage for the Cooperative Science Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards and NERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.
Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Investigating Arizona Dust Storms Using Ground-Based Remote Sensing and Meteorological Observations

Presenter(s): Joshua Finch, Graduate Fellow, NOAA Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI), NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology II (NCAS-M II) Cohort 3 Graduate Fellow at the University of Maryland Baltimore County

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zys-srse-kbv

Or dial: (US) +1 475-329-7452 PIN: 295 516 210#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/zys-srse-kbv?pin=8570142032817

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioning available.

Abstract: Dust storms are a significant weather hazard in Arizona, where strong convective outflows can rapidly loft dust and reduce surface visibility. During a 12-week NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity (NERTO) graduate internship with the National Weather Service Phoenix Weather Forecast Office, observations from multiple instruments were analyzed to investigate the development and evolution of Arizona dust storm events. The project focused on two strong dust storm cases with differing instrument availability, demonstrating how complementary observing systems can provide information on boundary-layer structure, precipitation, virga, cold-pool development, and dust transport. Observations included Doppler wind lidar, micropulse lidar, NEXRAD radar, radiosondes, surface meteorological measurements, PurpleAir particulate matter observations, and Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) cloud reports where available. Particular attention was given to the relationship between elevated precipitation and virga, evaporatively driven cold pools, and subsequent dust-producing outflow. Comparisons with ASOS observations also identified limitations in operational cloud reporting, including cases where elevated cloud layers associated with virga were not represented in the surface observations. These case studies demonstrate the value of combining remote-sensing and surface observations to better characterize dust storm environments and atmospheric processes that may not be captured by a single observing system.

Bio: Joshua Finch was supported as a Cohort 3 Graduate Fellow through the NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M II). The NCAS-M II award is funded by NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program (EPP). Joshua completed a Master of Science in Atmospheric Physics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. His graduate research focused on atmospheric remote sensing, including lidar observations of aerosols, clouds, and boundary-layer processes. During his 2026 NOAA EPP NERTO graduate internship at the National Weather Service Phoenix Weather Forecast Office, he investigated Arizona dust storm events using Doppler wind lidar, micropulse lidar, radar, radiosonde, air-quality, and surface meteorological observations. His research interests include atmospheric physics, remote sensing, severe weather, aerosols, and the application of observational data to better understand atmospheric processes.

For more information access the webpage for the Cooperative Science Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards andNERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.
Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov withthe word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: NEScapes: Northeast Seascapes Water Mass Model Development and Analysis.

Presenter(s): Haley Synan & Kim Hyde, NOAA NEFSC

Sponsor(s): U.S. Climate-Fisheries Seminar Series; coordinator is Vincent.Saba@noaa.gov

Location: Webinar

Abstract: TBD

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar weekly email: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the One NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information.

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Detecting Atmospheric Chemical Composition and Boundary Layer Relationship: Utilizing Aircraft Measurements During Summer

Presenter(s): Ivan Sloan, Graduate Fellow, NOAA Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI), NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology II (NCAS-M II) Cohort 4 Graduate Fellow at Howard University

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qmh-uzna-hjb

Or dial: (US)+1 262-546-7371 PIN: 526 250 304#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qmh-uzna-hjb?pin=2817822119106

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioning available.

Abstract: With the planetary boundary layer being the lower most layer of the atmosphere where most mixing and containment is, the chemicals we release may largely be contained within this layer. Certain gases such as ozone in high concentrations being so low in the atmosphere can pose health concerns in areas where it is prevalent. Understanding how the atmosphere’s structure interacts with the composition and placement of loose chemicals can help forecast, warn, or generally be aware of air quality events or concerns. The goal of this study was to examine the sources of emissions and observe the behavior of emissions to assist decision-making processes in spreading awareness about conditions or emergencies. Our campaign studied the region across the Northeast I-95 corridor, mainly spreading from northern Virginia to Boston. Using data recorded by the instrumentation during research flights and drives in order to determine the composition of the atmosphere during the busy sports seasons of the summer (World Cup 2026 and the NBA Finals), I found that water vapor and temperature are impacted by elevated chemical (namely NOx, methane, and ethane) levels and I verified small-scale atmospheric containment of chemicals within the planetary boundary layer.

Bio: Ivan Sloan is supported as a Cohort4 Graduate Fellow through the NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M II). NCAS-M II is funded by NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program (EPP). Ivan Sloan is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Atmospheric Science at Howard University. He has been supported since he first joined the Center as an undergraduate in Spring 2022. Ivan Sloan’s graduate research focuses on Process-level Understanding and Enhanced Modeling Capabilities. During the summer of 2026, Ivan completed a NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity (NERTO) as a graduate internship with NOAA’s Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) under the mentorship of Dr. Xinrong Ren and Mr. Phillip Stratton as part of the SOCCER-AQ campaign. Through this experience, he expanded his knowledge of atmospheric chemistry, gained hands-on exposure to field-based research, and developed a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts required to conduct successful scientific campaigns in support of NOAA’s mission.

For more information access the webpage for the Cooperative Science Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards and NERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.
Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Gaussian plume model calculations of point source emissions from aircraft measurements

Presenter(s): Nethaneel Taylor, Graduate Fellow, NOAA Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI), NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology II (NCAS-M II) Cohort 4 Graduate Fellow at the University of Texas El Paso

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/aki-pabb-jat

Or dial: (US) +1 252-574-6189 PIN: 783 802 550#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/aki-pabb-jat?pin=1266798911657

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioning available.

Abstract: The NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory conducts many aircraft measurements of the troposphere. Among these flights are isolated plumes of enhanced chemical concentration which are not always anticipated and can even represent transient emissions. Thus, the aircraft path is not always optimized to measure a fully dispersed plume. The aircraft may be too close to the point source for the plume to evenly mix throughout the boundary layer, or the aircraft may be too high above the ground for eddy covariance. Therefore, to calculate the flux of the full 2D plume and thus estimate the point source emission rate, the vertical structure of the plume must be modelled from fluid mechanics in a Gaussian plume model. We identify the largest plumes from the2025 Baltimore Air Quality and Marcellus Surveys and find that the Gaussian plume model does not always predict full mixing throughout the planetary boundary layer. Our calculation from the single largest plume gives a similar emission as the typical total-region emission.

Bio: Nethaneel Taylor is supported as a Cohort 4 Graduate Fellow through the NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M II). NCAS-M II is funded by NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program (EPP). Nethaneel Taylor is earning a MS in the Department of Physics at University of Texas at El Paso. This work resulted from the NERTO internship project conducted under Dr. Steve Brown with Dr. Nate Malarich at the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL). His NERTO, Gaussian plume model calculations of point source emissions from aircraft measurements, aligns with NCAS-M II's research pathway: Process-level Understanding and Enhanced Data Assimilation/Analysis Modeling Capacities. The project deepened Nethaneel Taylor’s understanding of NOAA and expanded technical competencies to conduct research and engage in NOAA mission-aligned activities.

For more information access the webpage for the Cooperative Science Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards andNERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.
Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Evaluation of GFSv17 Diurnal Precipitation and ElevationDependent 2-Meter Temperature Biases

Presenter(s): Peter Zachary H’Doubler, Graduate Fellow, NOAA Officeof Education, Educational Partnership Program with Minority ServingInstitutions (EPP/MSI), NOAA Cooperative Science Center for AtmosphericSciences and Meteorology II (NCAS-M II) Cohort 4 Graduate Fellow at HowardUniversity

Sponsor(s): NOAA EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Centers

Seminar Contact(s): Audrey.Trotman@noaa.gov and oed.epp10@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nbq-sytj-trr

Or dial: (US)+1 314-666-2169 PIN: 862 763 047#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/nbq-sytj-trr?pin=4865687878416

Accessibility: Google Meet closed captioningavailable.

Abstract: Cold and wet biases are common and long-standing overmountains in atmospheric and Earth system models and have been identified inpast and current NCEP operational Global Forecast System (GFS) and UnifiedForecast System (UFS). Despite their persistence, the cause of these biases hasyet to be explained. We will diagnose the comprehensive characteristics oftemperature and precipitation biases over the Rocky Mountains in theexperimental GFSv17, which is the first NOAA fully coupled earth system model developedfor global weather forecasting. The diagnostics will enable the identificationof the potential physical processes underlying the biases and thereby thedevelopment of improved parameterizations to reduce them. To deepen the processunderstanding, we will analyze Rocky Mountain biases in all worldwide GeneralCirculation Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project(CMIP). This CMIP analysis will provide a more comprehensive spectrum ofphysics realizations than an analysis of GFSv17 alone, providing a moreobjective understanding of the model performance. Once contributingparameterization deficiencies from CMIP, GFSv17, or both are identified, wewill conduct a sensitivity analysis using the regional Climate-Weather Researchand Forecasting model (CWRF) multi-physics ensemble to verify the root physicalcauses of these biases and thereby find an effective solution to reduce thebiases.

Bio: Peter Zachary H’Doubler is supportedas a Cohort 3 Graduate Fellow through the NOAA Cooperative Science Center forAtmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M II). NCAS-M II is funded by NOAA’sEducational Partnership Program (EPP). This NCAS-M II Cohort 3 Graduate Fellowis earning a PhD in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at theUniversity of Maryland College Park. This work resulted from the NERTOinternship project conducted at the NOAA Office of Modeling and Development(OMD) under the mentorship of Dr. Fanglin Yang and Dr. Jongil Han and withsignificant assistance from Dr. Christian Boyer. His NERTO, Evaluation ofGFSv17 Diurnal Precipitation and Elevation Dependent 2-Meter TemperatureBiases, aligns with NCAS-M II’s research pathway: Advancing the developmentof high-resolution models to enhance impact-based decision support. The projectgave Zach H’Doubler the opportunity to engage in NOAA mission-aligned researchthat allowed him to collaborate with others to deepen his understanding ofEarth system modeling at NOAA.

For more information access the webpage for the CooperativeScience Centers, https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/epp-msi/csc/20212022-awards andNERTO, www.noaa.gov/eppnerto/.
Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send ane-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov withthe word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for moreinformation. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Drought, El Niño, and California - NOAA Drought Seminar Series

Presenter(s): Michael Anderson, California State Climatologist; Principal Engineer Specialist, Water Resources

Sponsor(s): NOAA Research's Physical Science Laboratory and National Integrated Drought Information System, and the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center

Seminar Contact(s): Andrew.Hoell@noaa.gov

Remote Access:
Register before the seminar at:
https://noaaresearch.webex.com/weblink/register/rca6066f1b86ead3a1fb85d1e6160d129

Accessibility: Live closed captioning

Abstract: When El Niño is mentioned with respect to California, images of extreme storms from the winters of 1983 and 1998 often come to mind. Although El Niño does shift the distribution of precipitation outcomes towards wet, dry outcomes do occur. Of the seven events where the Relative Niño Index exceeded 2.0 during winter in California, three ended up with below average precipitation and below average snowpack. In this presentation, comparisons are made between the 7 very strong El Niño events exploring factors that separate wet and dry outcomes in California’s water year.

Slides, Recordings, Other materials: Available after the talk at https://psl.noaa.gov/drought/seminarseries.html

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email:

Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Presenter(s): Nicole Feldl, Associate Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, UC Santa Cruz

Sponsor(s): Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) Seminar Series

Seminar Contact(s): John Xun Yang, jxyang@umd.edu

Remote Access:

Webinar: https://go.umd.edu/essicseminarwebinars

Zoom Meeting ID: 918 7733 3086
Zoom password: essic
US Toll: +13017158592
Global call-in numbers: https://umd.zoom.us/u/aMElEpvNu

Abstract: Since the 1970s, simulations of climate change have predicted warming that is greatest in polar regions. This polar-amplified warming is ubiquitous, though uncertain in magnitude, in climate models subjected to increases in greenhouse gases and has been variously attributed to the ice-albedo feedback, associated with the retreat of reflective sea ice in summer; the lapse rate feedback, associated with vertically nonuniform atmospheric warming in winter; and changes in energy transport by atmospheric circulations. Uncertainty in projections of Arctic climate change arise in part from incomplete understanding of the interconnected nature of these processes. In this talk, I present a new implementation of an idealized model to isolate the role of sea ice loss in driving polar amplification and global climate consequences. I introduce a framework for uniting feedback analysis and feedback locking and with it highlight a midlatitude cloud contribution to Arctic warming. Lastly, I reconcile disparate answers to a fundamental question: is polar amplification an inherent feature of a moist circulating atmosphere or is it dependent on the presence of sea ice? The three parts of the talk illustrate a crucial coupling among high-latitude feedbacks that operates across the seasonal cycle, involves ocean-atmosphere interactions, and relies on the presence of ice thermodynamics to capture the seasonality of polar warming.

Accessibility / Slides: Closed captions available via Zoom

Miss a seminar? All ESSIC seminars are posted on our YouTube channel within a week of the event: https://www.youtube.com/@ESSICUMD

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Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the One NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information.

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: One North, Two Fire Seasons: A Review of the 2026 Wildfire Season in Alaska, Yukon, and Northwest Territories

Presenter(s): Rick Thoman (Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness), Heidi Strader and Jonathan Chriest (Alaska Interagency Coordination Center Predictive Services), and Mike Smith (Canadian Forest Service)

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Ed Plumb (ewplumb@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/2026-fire-season-review/

Abstract: The 2026 wildfire season told two very different stories across Northern North America. Alaska and the Yukon experienced another relatively quiet fire season, while the Northwest Territories faced a fourth consecutive summer of widespread, high-impact fires and smoke. What weather and climate patterns drove these dramatically different outcomes, and what lessons can they offer for understanding wildfire across the North?

Join the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP) and the Alaska Fire Science Consortium (AFSC) for a regional review of the 2026 wildfire season. Rick Thoman of ACCAP will provide the broader weather and climate context that influenced fire activity across the region, while meteorologists from the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC) Predictive Services and Canadian wildfire experts will review how the season unfolded in Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Together, they will discuss notable fires, operational challenges, lessons learned, and what this year's contrasting fire seasons may reveal about wildfire across Northern North America.

Slides / Recordings / Other materials: A recording can be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: The California Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library Project: Decoding California’s Intertidal Zone One Species at a Time

NOAA Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Susie Theroux, Principal Scientist, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP)

Sponsor(s): NOAA Omics and NOAA Library

Seminar Contact(s): Nicole Miller (nicole.miller@noaa.gov) and Library Seminars

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/6194537

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: California's intertidal zone is home to an estimated 4,000 taxa, yet fewer than half of these species have sequences available in global DNA reference libraries. The California Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library Project aims to build a comprehensive barcode library for California's intertidal invertebrates and algae. The project brings together dozens of researchers, managers, and taxonomic experts to collect, identify, voucher, and sequence thousands of intertidal species. Beyond filling reference library gaps, the project is advancing method standardization and best practices across the sample processing pipeline, including pilot studies on macroalgal DNA extraction, long-read sequencing, mitogenome skimming, and eDNA sample collection in the intertidal zone. This presentation highlights the importance of intensive biodiversity surveys for uncovering novel diversity, resolving species ranges, and establishing a critical baseline for future biodiversity monitoring.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Improving Pacific salmon abundance forecasts with empirical dynamic modeling

NOAA Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Anna Poulton, Postdoc, Fisheries Collaborative Program, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz

Sponsor(s): NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and NOAA Library

Seminar Contact(s): Dr. Bai Li (bai.li@noaa.gov) and Library Seminars

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/6191139

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: We applied empirical dynamic modeling (EDM), a nonlinear data-driven forecasting method, to forecast adult abundance for a large number of Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (O. kisutch), and pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) populations along the U.S. Pacific Coast. Even simple EDM models typically matched or slightly outperformed baseline methods; furthermore, the median forecast skill of EDM greatly increased when either data from multiple populations were used in a hierarchical framework, or if a few widely available environmental variables (e.g., marine climate indices) were included. We additionally used the resulting models to show that populations throughout the study region exhibit some notable similarities in underlying population dynamics.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Highlights from Nancy Foster 2022: Illuminating deep waters off Puerto Rico

NOAA Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Andrea Quattrini, Expedition Chief Scientist, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Sponsor(s): NOAA Ocean Exploration and NOAA Library.

Seminar Contact: library.seminars@noaa.gov

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/6191260

Abstract: In 2022, a team explored the biodiversity of deep waters off Puerto Rico while training the next generation of scientists and conducting public outreach. Using the ROV Global Explorer, deployed from the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, we surveyed benthic biodiversity across submarine canyons, ridges, and banks. Despite limited ROV dives, we discovered and described new species, designated neotypes, analyzed eDNA, and generated genomic data from species not collected since the early 1900s. Genome skimming (i.e., low-coverage sequencing) allowed us to recover mitogenomes, nuclear ribosomal RNA, and ultraconserved elements for coral systematics while building a reference barcode database for eDNA analyses. These data also revealed intragenomic and intergenomic variation in reference barcodes. The expedition continues to generate new discoveries and insights into deep-water biodiversity.

Accessibility: Captions are available during the live presentation and once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channel automatic captions are added. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Library YouTube channel.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: October Alaska Climate Outlook Briefing

Presenter(s): Rick Thoman, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Ed Plumb (ewplumb@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/oct2026-climate-outlook/

Abstract: During this month’s Climate Outlook Briefing, Rick will review recent and current climate conditions around Alaska, discuss forecasting tools, and finish up with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecast for November and look at the upcoming winter. Tune in online for a look at recent Alaska weather highlights and what may be ahead for Alaska’s seasonal climate.

Slides / Recordings / Other materials: A recording may be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Introduction to IARPC: Collaborating to Enhance Arctic Research

Presenter(s): Toni O’Boyle (IARPC Secretariat), Elizabeth (Liz) Hoy (NASA Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems Office), Mike Loranty (Colgate University), and additional speakers TBD

Sponsor(s): NOAA/OAR/Climate Program Office and the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness (ACCAP)

Seminar Contact(s): Ed Plumb (ewplumb@alaska.edu) & Genie Bey (genie.bey@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://uaf-accap.org/event/introduction-to-iarpc/

Abstract: The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (or IARPC) brings together leaders from 18 agencies, departments, and offices across the U.S. federal government on shared research priorities in the Arctic. IARPC also runs IARPC Collaborations: a platform connecting federal government researchers, non-federal researchers, and Arctic communities—including those overseas—to work together on pressing Arctic research issues.

Join this session to hear from a few IARPC co-leaders about their team’s focus areas and activities, and learn how you can get involved with IARPC!

Bio(s): Toni O’Boyle supports the implementation of the five-year Arctic Research Plan by facilitating interagency coordination and federal–non-federal collaboration. She provides hands-on support to IARPC Collaboration Teams and Communities of Practice, builds connections and capacity across the IARPC network and with external partners, and manages the IARPC Collaborations website.

Liz Hoy's research focuses on geography and disturbance mapping in the high northern latitude regions of North America, utilizing GIS and remote sensing to understand environmental change. Recent work includes analyzing methane hotspots in fire-disturbed areas of the Alaskan tundra and developing satellite-derived burn severity metrics for boreal forests.

Mike Loranty is a physical geographer who combines remote sensing, field observations, and data analytics to study ecosystem dynamics. His research focuses on vegetation-permafrost interactions and wildfire in Arctic and boreal ecosystems, at landscape to continental scales.

Slides / Recordings / Other materials: A recording can be found after the meeting at the URL listed above.

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar Series weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: GeoBlue Planet Fisheries Workshop: Ocean Data to Support Global Sustainable Fisheries Management

Presenter(s): Hassan Moustahfid, NOAA

Sponsor(s): NOAA Ocean Color Coordinating Group (NOCCG)

Remote Access: https://meet.google.com/hnd-zams-bgo

Seminar Contact(s): Cara.Wilson@NOAA.gov

Abstract: Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs) are increasingly challenged to manage fisheries under growing climate variability, shifting species distributions, and ecosystem change. To address these challenges, the GEO Blue Planet Fisheries Workshop, held in London, UK (21–22 April 2026), convened representatives from RFMOs, RFBs, ocean observing programs, and scientific institutions to explore how ocean data and Earth Observation products can better support fisheries decision-making.

The workshop focused on identifying the opportunities, barriers, and capacity needs associated with integrating ocean observations, ecosystem indicators, and predictive models into fisheries management processes. Discussions highlighted common challenges across regions, including limited technical infrastructure, insufficient access to tailored ocean information, lack of long-term environmental datasets, and weak institutional connections between science providers and fisheries managers. Participants emphasized that successful adoption of ocean data requires not only technological solutions but also sustained capacity building, ocean literacy, and stronger science-policy partnerships.

A key outcome was the development of recommendations for a regionally tailored “Minimum Viable Ocean Data or MVOD” framework to support fisheries management and ecosystem-based approaches. Participants also identified priority actions to improve information flow from ocean observing systems to management bodies and proposed pilot projects in the Indian Ocean/Bay of Bengal and West Africa/South Atlantic regions. The workshop concluded that strengthening institutional bridges between ocean science and fisheries governance is essential for enabling RFMOs and RFBs to incorporate environmental information into sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries management.

Slides / Recordings / Other Materials: Slides can be found at this link about 24 hours after the live webinar: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/star/PastSeminars_NOCCG.php

Subscribe to the One NOAA Science Seminar weekly email: Send an e-mail to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/star/OneNOAASeminars.php. For more information visit: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/star/NOAAScienceSeminars.php

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Spatiotemporal variability of Mid-Atlantic Bight oceanography and ecology: Perspectives from an autonomous ‘ecoglider’ program.

Presenter(s): Grace Saba, Rutgers University

Sponsor(s): U.S. Climate-Fisheries Seminar Series; coordinator is
Vincent.Saba@noaa.gov

Location: Webinar

Abstract: TBD

Subscribe to the NOAA Science Seminar weekly email: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov with the word 'subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the One NOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information.