Advancing the representation of atmospheric chemistry of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model

Research Opportunity at the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Title:

Advancing the representation of atmospheric chemistry of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model

Research Area (s):

Air

Public Health

Lab, Region/Center, Office:

Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Office of Research and Development

Opportunity Location:

Research Triangle Park, NC

Opportunity Funding (Duration):

• National Science Foundation Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity (6 months maximum)
• Other Programs (contact research lead)

Project Description:

Sulfate is an important component of atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) and is formed in the atmosphere from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Sulfur can be emitted from natural as well as anthropogenic sources. Significant reductions of anthropogenic SO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion have occurred during the past decades. While the anthropogenic sulfur emissions are decreasing, natural sulfur emissions remain mostly unchanged. Ocean is the largest natural source of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) emissions. Thus, the impact of natural DMS emissions needs a careful examination. The oxidation of DMS in the atmosphere leads to SO2 and sulfate. The USEPA develops and maintains the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model which includes emissions and representation of atmospheric chemistry of DMS. However, recent studies identified a new reaction product from DMS oxidation which is not included in CMAQ. Other studies suggest that cloud processing of DMS and its reaction products may be important which is also not included in CMAQ. The intern will update the representation of DMS chemistry in CMAQ and perform model simulations to better understand the impact of DMS emissions on SO2, sulfate, PM2.5. The research will be conducted at EPA’s state-of-science modeling facilities.

Fellowship Goal and Learning Objectives:

Goal:  The fellow will learn, update, and apply CMAQ model and perform analysis of model results to advance the understanding of the impact of DMS emissions on air quality. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the atmospheric chemistry of DMS
• Update the representation of atmospheric chemistry of DMS in CMAQ
• Conduct model simulations, analyze model results, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of air quality modeling
• Ability to work both as a part of a team and independently

Qualifications:  Graduate student or Ph.D. in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or any other related field)

Point of Contact or Research Lead:

Golam Sarwar (sarwar.golam@epa.gov)