Collow is lead author on two NASA GSFC GMAO Science Snapshots

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:11:21 -0400
gestar2

In response to recent events, Allie Collow (610.1/UMBC), along with fellow co-authors, created two highlights that were selected as Science Snapshots by the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at NASA Goddard.

The first highlight, titled "The Hottest July on Earth as Analyzed by MERRA-2," is authored by Dr. Collow, Natalie Thomas (610.1/UMBC), Mike Bosilovich, and Peter Jacobs. The researchers "take this [MERRA-2] analysis a step further to identify regions that were large contributors to the record-breaking heat in July as well as the connection to heatwaves. This is of particular importance due to differing impacts of heat to ocean ecosystems and human populated land surfaces."

The second highlight, titled "July - August 2024 Saharan Dust Transport," is authored by Dr. Collow, Janak Joshi (610.1/UMBC), and Bennett Erdman. Through the use of GMAO models (GEOS and GEOS-FP) along with satellite and ground-based measurements, the researchers can study the effects of the transport of the dust in the Saharan Air Layer, as it travels over the Atlantic to North and South America, and parts of the Caribbean. "Tracking this transport is crucial because the dust not only benefits marine life by supplying essential nutrients, but also harms humans by posing respiratory and cardiovascular health risks."