Satellite Analysis of Pyro-Convection and Chemical/Transport Processes in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere
NRL is using satellite data to study how forest fire smoke injected into the upper atmosphere affects weather, climate, and atmospheric chemistry.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available for those living >50 miles from host lab. Typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship at Naval Research Laboratory to study satellite data on pyro-convection and chemical/transport processes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, focusing on impacts of forest fire smoke on climate and atmospheric chemistry.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a Ph.D. earned within 5 years; requires contacting Research Adviser prior to applying; health insurance provided.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on the analysis of satellite remote sensing data to study pyro-convection phenomena, specifically the injection of forest fire smoke into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by pyro-cumulonimbus (pyroCb) convection. The research aims to improve understanding of atmospheric circulation, climate, and chemistry in the UTLS, a region with historically sparse observations.
NRL leverages expertise in aerosol phenomenology, meteorology, and satellite data analysis, including nadir imaging satellites (GOES, AVHRR, MODIS, MISR, NPOESS), aerosol indices (TOMS, OMI), and advanced satellite sources such as lidar (CALIPSO) and radar (Cloudsat). The project involves unifying diverse satellite products and blending profiles of atmospheric constituents like water vapor, ozone, aerosols, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. Combining satellite data with meteorological datasets, the research seeks to develop new insights into pyroconvection and related eruptive events such as volcanic activity, with implications for climate modeling and atmospheric chemistry.
