Air Resources Laboratory
The Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) carries out research on processes that affect the quality of the atmosphere, both physical and chemical. Many of these processes are related to trace substances, among which carbon dioxide, water, and ozone figure prominently. ARL studies the biogeochemical cycles of these trace substances, and their effects and interactions with the radiative regime at the earth’s surface. ARL operates research-grade measurement stations at which the exchange of carbon dioxide and water vapor between the air and the biosphere is directly measured, and other stations at which the infrared and ultraviolet as well as visible components of the surface radiation balance are monitored. ARL focuses not only on the development of deterministic models to describe the relevant processes, but also on the often dominant role of random variability that cannot be explained by current understanding. Research in all of these areas involves physical and numerical studies, leading to the development of specialized models. The laboratory provides scientific advice to elements of NOAA and other Government agencies on climate issues, and on the role of natural variability.
ARL has research units in the following locations. The groups italicized have programs related to this particular thematic grouping of Climate Research.
- Headquarters Division - Silver Spring, MD
- Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division - Oak Ridge, TN
- Atmospheric Sciences Modeling Division - Research Triangle Park, NC
- Field Research Division - Idaho Falls, ID
- Special Operations and Research Division - Las Vegas, NV
- Surface Radiation Research Branch - Boulder, CO
For more information contact:
Air Resources Laboratory
1315 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-0295
http://www.arl.noaa.gov
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