Simulator for Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction Research by Scripps
The Scripps Ocean Atmosphere Research Simulator (SOARS) is a groundbreaking installation that enables scientists to study the complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere under controlled conditions, focusing on the effects of human activities on global climate and marine ecology.
SOARS offers four distinct research modes: Aerosol, Ecological, Wind/Wave, and Polar/Tropical.
In the Aerosol research mode, SOARS creates a pristine system free of pollutants and organic materials, allowing for precise air-sea gas interchange and surface studies. This mode is instrumental in understanding how human activities are changing the chemistry of the ocean and atmosphere.
The Ecological research mode introduces pollutants and induces phytoplankton blooms to study the effects of climate change and varying environmental conditions on marine ecological communities.
The Wind/Wave research mode generates waves up to 1.2 meters high and simulates gale force winds up to 96 kilometers (60 miles) per hour (17 meters per second), providing valuable insights into the impact of extreme weather events on marine ecosystems.
The Polar/Tropical research mode allows for water temperatures ranging from 1 to 30 Celsius and air temperatures from -15 to 30 Celsius, simulating polar and tropical environments. This flexibility allows scientists to explore the effects of climate change on a global scale.
These modes enable SOARS to investigate key areas such as controlled simulation of aerosol-cloud interactions and aerosol-radiation interactions, the impact of aerosols on boundary layer dynamics, and the effects of altered weather patterns on marine ecosystems.
SOARS is open for research to both UC San Diego and external researchers, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of ocean-atmosphere research. The SOARS team consists of atmospheric chemists, microbiologists, and physical oceanographers, bringing together a diverse range of expertise to tackle complex research questions.
For those interested in learning more about SOARS, there are several educational videos available, including "The Ocean Simulator Making Waves in Climate Science" and "SOARS: An Insider's Look at Scripps Ocean Atmosphere Research Simulator The Lab at Scripps Oceanography That is Making Waves".
Contact details for SOARS management are provided for those wishing to engage in research or collaboration. With its powerful research capabilities and interdisciplinary approach, SOARS continues to make significant contributions to our understanding of the complex pathways by which human activities modulate atmospheric chemistry and physics, thereby impacting global climate systems and marine ecological health.
[1]: Source for Aerosol research mode information. [3]: Source for educational and collaborative research use information. [5]: Source for information about conducting research with SOARS.
- By utilizing the Aerosol research mode, SOARS contributes to the understanding of climate science, as it investigates the effects of human activities on the chemistry of the ocean and atmosphere.
- Leveraging the Polar/Tropical research mode, SOARS provides insights into environmental-science, exploring the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems across various global locations.
