Remote sensing with multiple satellite sensors for interdisciplinary science investigation of Arctic sea ice and halogen chemical processes

Abstract: The drastic reduction of perennial sea ice in the Arctic since 2000 has transformed the Arctic sea ice cover composition. This is particularly important during the winter-spring transition, as it is the polar sunrise period for halogen photochemical processes to occur in the Arctic troposphere. To investigate impacts of sea ice reduction on the atmospheric chemical processes, we conducted the interdisciplinary science BRomine, Ozone, and Mercury EXperiment (BROMEX) in March-April 2012 around Barrow, Alaska, extending out inland and offshore over the Beaufort Sea and the Chukchi Sea with a number of measurements continuing to the present. Key results we be shown in this lecture, including discoveries that lend science support to the Minamata Convention, a global treaty to curb mercury pollution.

Bio: Nghiem is science applications development lead of JPL’s Radar Science and Engineering Section. His research encompasses active and passive remote sensing, development of advanced satellite radars and radiometers, electromagnetic scattering and emission modeling, Earth science and applications. Nghiem has published more than 220 scientific articles including refereed journal papers, book chapters and conference papers. He received the 1999 Lew Allen Award for Excellence in recognition of his pioneering research in the areas of polarimetric scatterometry for Earth science remote sensing and contributions to future advanced satellite instrument concepts. He is a recipient of the 2006 NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for developing scientific applications of scatterometry in land, ice and snow processes. He received the 2008 NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for his contributions to understanding the melt state of the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica, its significance in Earth science missions, and its implications in climate change.

Date/Time: 
04/13/2016 - 17:30
Presenter: 
Son Nghiem
Location: 
Caltech’s Sharp Lecture Hall