Atmospheric Radiation Measurement

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is a multi-laboratory interagency program that was created in 1989 with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The ARM Program is part of DOE's effort to resolve scientific uncertainties about global climate change with a specific focus on improving the performance of general circulation models (GCMs) used for climate research and prediction. These improved models will help scientists better understand the influences of human activities on the earth's climate.
In pursuit of its goal, the ARM Program establishes and operates field research sites, called Cloud and Radiation Testbeds (CARTs), in several climatically significant locations. Scientists collect and analyze data obtained over extended periods of time from large arrays of instruments to study the effects and interactions of sunlight, radiant energy, and clouds on temperatures, weather, and climate.

The DIS/IS division provides technical support to the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program in the following areas:

• Responsible for design and implementation of the world-wide communications infrastructure required to operate the measurement network. This includes on-site lans and instrument communications as well as wide area communications.
• Development of plans and proceedures for the routine operation of ARM data systems and communications infrastructure in a manner that ensures recovery of high quality data in a cost effective and timely manner.
• Development and implementation of software and techniques to visualize the measurement data in near real-time for both quality control and educational outreach purposes.