UC Merced Magazine | Volume XVIII, Issue IV

(Continued from page 19)

properties. Dust particles are important to our understanding of the Earth's radiative budget — the overall balance between the incoming energy from the sun and the outgoing thermal (longwave) and reflected (shortwave) energy from the Earth. But it remains unclear exactly whether dust’s overall radiative effect is to warm or cool the global climate system,” Adebiyi said. “My project will investigate how largely overlooked pathways of interaction between desert dust, clouds and radiation will influence our understanding of how the Earth's climate system works.” Monitoring Valley Air Just how harmful is the quality of air in the San Joaquin Valley? Professor Asa Bradman and other scientists are conducting research to find out. UC Merced’s Health Sciences Research Institute (HSRI) was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the California Department of Justice to study the effects of vehicle emissions on public health and the environment. Over the past couple of years, the research team has been installing PurpleAir monitors in Fresno, Modesto and Stockton to analyze the particulate matter in the air. “These low-cost monitors are ingenious. The air goes through the device and depending on how many particles are in it,

laser beams are scattered,” said Bradman. “Then the device measures that scatter and converts it into a concentration. So, if there is more stuff in the air, you get more scatter.”

Data quality is an important part of the research.

“To calibrate the monitors, we rack several monitors together on a roof and make sure they all track each other before deploying them,” said Bradman. “We also work closely with community groups in the Valley, including the Central California Asthma Collaborative in Fresno, to calibrate the devices against the nearest regulatory grade monitors.” This year, extra monitors will be installed at Modesto City Schools campuses, which will ensure coverage of most of the San Joaquin Valley and also provide educational opportunities for students. “Historically, there hasn’t been much research on air quality in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Bradman. “A lot more research is happening right now. Next year, we plan to host a conference at UC Merced that will bring together the community, researchers and policy makers to identify next steps to improve air quality and public health." Once placed in the field, the data is downloaded every day.

Professor Asa Bradman Professor Sandie Ha

How Dust Particles Influence Climate Change In order to better predict how climate will change in the future, it’s important to understand the role that particles in the atmosphere play. Life and Environmental Sciences Professor Adeyemi Adebiyi is studying the interactions between desert dust particles and radiation — from the sun and the Earth's surface, respectively. He represents UC Merced as one of 24 researchers across the country selected to receive part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s $15.3 million for Atmospheric System Research projects. “There are particles in the air that only cool the climate, but a select few also warm it. Desert dust is one of the particles that can do both, depending on its location and

UC Merced was established in the Valley, for the Valley. Our extraordinary students – many of whom call the region home – are learning from world renowned faculty to help cultivate healthy societies throughout California and across the globe. You can ensure our Bobcats have the tools to address KHDOWK GLVSDULWLHV DQG ȰQG VROXWLRQV WR VRFLHW\ǽV PRVW pressing issues by supporting Boldly Forward: The Campaign for UC Merced. IN THE VALLEY, FOR THE VALLEY

UC Merced was established in the Valley, for the Valley. Our extraordinary students – many of whom call the region home – are learning from world renowned faculty to help cultivate healthy societies throughout California and across the globe. You can ensure our Bobcats have the tools to address KHDOWK GLVSDULWLHV DQG ȰQG VROXWLRQV WR VRFLHW\ǽV PRVW pressing issues by supporting Boldly Forward: The Campaign for UC Merced. IN THE VALLEY, FOR THE VALLEY

To learn more, please visit boldlyforward.ucmerced.edu

Information courtesy of Professor Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook.

20

UC MERCED MAGAZINE // UCMerced.edu