2005 Meeting Summary
Durango, Colorado
2004 Meeting Summary
Meredith, New Hampshire
Earth’s Radiative Energy Budget Related to SORCE
Science Meeting Summary
September 20-22, 2006
San Juan Islands, Washington * Rosario Resort, Orcas Island
Thank you for attending the very successful 2006 SORCE Science Meeting, motivated by the NASA/EOS Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE). The agenda consisted of invited and contributed oral and poster presentations. Below you will find .pdf versions of many of the presentations and posters that were given at the meeting.
| SCIENCE PROGRAM OVERVIEW |
Solar radiation is the primary energy source for many processes in Earth’s environment and is responsible for driving the atmospheric and oceanic circulations. Since its launch in 2003, the SOlar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) has measured solar irradiance at the top of the Earth’s atmosphere with unprecedented accuracy, precision, and spectral coverage across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum. The magnitude and spectral distribution of solar radiation is modified from the SORCE-measured values via scattering and absorption within the atmosphere and at the surface. Identifying and understanding those processes which perturb the distribution of solar and terrestrial radiative energy is essential in determining the climate response to changes in concentrations of various gases and aerosol particles from natural and anthropogenic sources, as is discerning their associated feedback mechanisms.
The theme of the 2006 SORCE Science Team Meeting was The Earth’s Radiative Energy Budget Related to SORCE. Several of the key questions and issues addressed included:
- What is the present state of knowledge of the Earth’s radiation budget from space, from within that atmosphere, and at the surface?
- What are the key processes that control Earth’s albedo?
- What are the key radiative forcing agents, of natural and anthropogenic origin, and how have their relative influences changed over the past three centuries?
- What are the important feedback mechanisms for regulating Earth’s climate?
- What is the sensitivity of climate to induced radiative forcing and over what time scales does climate respond?
- What is the role of the biosphere?
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View from Orcas Island looking at Mt. Baker on Washington state’s mainland. The elevation of Mount Baker is 10778 feet (3285 meters). |
Sessions included:
- SORCE Contributions to Earth’s Radiative Energy Budget
- Radiative Energy Budget
- Radiative Forcings
- Climate Responses and Feedbacks
FINAL MEETING AGENDA WITH PRESENTATIONS-- (download a .pdf copy) |
| POSTERS Below you will find .pdf versions of posters that were presented at the meeting. (Click on the presenter's name to see an abstract and click on the presentation title to download the presentation.) |
Subarna Bhattacharyya, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
A Wavelet Cross-Spectral Analysis of Solar/ENSO Connections with Indian Monsoon RainfallAntony Clarke, University of Hawaii, Honolulu
Biomass Burning and Pollution Aerosol over North America: Organic Components and Their Influence on Spectral Optical Properties and Humidification ResponseMatt DeLand, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Lanham, MD
Maintaining the Solar UV Database in the 21st CenturyFrank Eparvier, LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder
How TIMED-SEE uses FUV data for validation and calibrationJuan Fontenla, LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder
The Solar Radiation Physical Modeling SystemClaus Fröhlich, Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos, World Radiation Center, Switzerland
Comparison of the WRC-85 Solar Spectral Irradiance with RSSV1 and the SPM of VIRGO/SOHOBarry Knapp, LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder
SORCE Solar Irradiance Data ProductsGreg Kopp, LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder
Could You See an Earth-Type Planetary Transit of a Solar-Type Star? Another Use of TIM DataRobert Kurucz, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA
High Resolution Irradiance Spectrum from 300 to 1000 nmJeff Morrill, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC
A Model of Long-Term Variability of Solar UV and EUV IrradianceJulia Saba, Lockheed Martin, ATC Solar & Astrophysics Lab, Greenbelt, MD
Rapid Solar Cycle Onset – Potential New Climate Study Tool?Marty Snow, LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder
The LASP Interactive Solar Irradiance Database (LISIRD)Marty Snow, LASP, University of Colorado, Boulder
UARS and SORCE SOLSTICEs: Calibrations and ComparisonsMark Weber, University of Bremen, Germany
Solar UV/Vis/NIR Spectral Irradiance from SCIAMACHY and GOMEGuoyong Wen, NASA GEST and NASA GSFC, Baltimore, MD
Deriving Historical TSI Variations from Lunar Borehole Profiles
PREVIOUS MEETING SUMMARIES For detailed summaries of past SORCE meetings (2002 - 2005), please read the final published articles which are linked to this website in the blue menu bar on the left . We anticipate that the San Juan Islands meeting will be just as exciting!
SPECIAL EVENTS
Welcoming Reception
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.
Blakely Room (ballroom entrance)Join us for a special reception to kick-off for the 4th annual SORCE Science Meeting! Beverage tickets (wine, beer, soda) will be provided.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 4:45 – 6:30 p.m.
Following a brief overview of the 2006 posters, everyone is invited to wander through the poster area. To recognize a few local culinary specialties, we will sample appetizers with an Asian flare. Beverage tickets (wine, beer, soda) will be provided in your registration packet.
Cruise to Friday Harbor
San Juan Island
Thursday, Sept. 21
3:45 p.m. departure (sharp!)Please join us for a late afternoon cruise over to San Juan Island, 20 miles northwest of Orcas Island. After a 30-minute ferry ride, we will dock at Friday Harbor, San Juan Island’s bustling waterfront town. You will have several options before meeting the group for the annual Science Dinner at the San Juan Yacht Club at 6:30 p.m. There are many activities within walking distance, but you might also enjoy a short taxi ride outside of the downtown area. Maps and ideas will be provided at the SORCE Meeting. Excellent walking distance options include:
- Luxel Corporation Tour — Luxel has pioneered the development of ultra-thin foils for use as bandpass filters in the EUV and soft X-ray spectrum. They are the preeminent supplier for customers supporting X-ray and EUV research programs. Company president, Forbes Powell, will be heading a tour of their manufacturing facility. This tour will be limited so sign-up is required on the SORCE Meeting Registration Form (no charge; first-come, first-serve). From the boat dock, there is an approximate 1 mile uphill walk to Luxel. Taxi service may be available.
- The Whale Museum – Here you will discover what makes the San Juan Islands so special. You will learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with a special focus on the orcas living in the area. There is a fascinating collection of exhibits, and models and artifacts, including real whale skeletons. The Museum is conveniently located right at the Friday Harbor dock. A special tour has been arranged, so please sign-up for this activity on the SORCE Meeting Registration Form. The museum entrance and tour fee is $6 adults / $3 children.
- Walking Tour of Friday Harbor – You will be on your own to explore Friday Harbor’s quaint downtown, where you will find art galleries, gift shops (wonderful local lavender products), antique stores, and marine supply stores. There is plenty of viewing space to sit and watch boats and seaplanes come and go. There are also many quaint cafes (Washington state and coffee are inseparable!), as well as pubs to try the locally brewed ale.
LODGING / MEETING SITE
Rosario Resort and Spa
Orcas Island
60 rooms, $139/night
1-800-562-8820 or
1-360-376-2222
M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT
Listed on the National Historic Register, Rosario Resort and Spa is a premier destination for San Juan Island visitors.Inspired by its beautiful seaside location and intimate Pacific Northwest surroundings, this historic resort features sailing, sea kayaking, and whale watching, in addition to their lovely conference facilities. Rosario’s oldest structure and its centerpiece is the 1906 Moran Mansion, built and owned by shipping magnate, Robert Moran. With over 6,000 sq feet of teak floors, the mansion is adorned with unique pieces of Northwest history.
With pristine views of Cascade Bay, the Moran Mansion houses their conference facilities, restaurant, spa, boutique, lounge, music room, library, and museum. Overnight accommodations are spread across 8 acres of nearby evergreen-covered hillsides, a short 10-minute walk (½ mile) from the mansion. Although the SORCE room block does not include all of the different lodging options, you will want to go on-line to review them (guest rooms / accommodations) before calling to make your reservation.
Rosario Resort’s spa includes two pools, a fitness room, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a host of spa treatments (Avanyu Spa). For meals, Rosario’s features the freshest seafood and authentic local flavors in their four tantalizing on-property dining options (fine dining). Rosario Resort and Spa has been featured in Town & Country, Northwest Travel, Orange Coast, Small Market Meetings, and Sunset Magazine. For additional information visit their main website: http://rosarioresort.com. You might also want to visit their live webcam at http://rosario.rockresorts.com/info/htl.cam.asp.
Although Rosario Resort is a fantastic property, you might want to explore other Orcas Island options at: www.sanjuanislandsdirectory.com/orcas/olodging%20.htm.
TRANSPORTATION / DIRECTIONS
Getting to Rosario Resort, Orcas Island –
Rosario Resort & Spa is located on Orcas Island, 80 miles northwest of Seattle, Washington and 95 miles southwest of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the San Juan Islands of Washington state. The resort is situated on Cascade Bay, near the village of Eastsound and is accessible by water taxi, car ferry, boat, airplane, or seaplane. Water taxi and ferry services depart from the Washington mainland area in and surrounding Anacortes and Bellingham, Washington. Rosario’s website offers excellent options and detailed directions (Getting Here).
Eastsound ferry docks on
Orcas Island.We encourage you to make airline reservations early.
Driving. From Seattle drive 1.5 hours North on I-5 to exit 230 (near Burlington) and take Highway 20 West toward Anacortes – follow the signs to Anacortes/Ferry Terminal. The ferry route is well marked. Try to arrive at the San Juan Ferry Terminal one hour before the scheduled departure. The ferry to Orcas Island takes about 1-1/4 hours and costs about $40 one-way. Washington State Ferry information and schedules are available at 206-464-6400 or at their websites: www.sanjuanislandsferryschedule.com, or www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/. Immediately after disembarking the ferry on Orcas Island, go left following the majority of traffic for 11 miles. The road then becomes Olga Road, on which you will travel for another 6 miles. Rosario Resort Road will be on your right, just before the entrance to Moran State Park. For more detailed driving directions, visit the MapQuest website -- www.mapquest.com/. Rosario Resort and Spa is located at 1400 Rosario Road, Eastsound, WA 98245.
Flying. The air and seaplanes to Orcas Island depart from various airports near Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA). Popular commuter airlines flying into Orcas Island include San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air.
- Seaplane: Kenmore Air (800-543-9595) is today’s seaplane leader flying directly to the Rosario Resort Marina, where Rosario staff will welcome you. Kenmore Air offers a complimentary shuttle between Sea-Tac Airport and Lake Union in Seattle's downtown. This superbly scenic flight is 45 minutes. Your luggage weight is limited to 24 lbs., and the approximate cost is $200 round-trip.
- Standard airplane: Try Kenmore Air (800-543-9595) or San Juan Airlines (800-874-4434) for direct flights to Orcas Island from Seattle's Boeing Field. They have regularly scheduled daily flights for approximately $200 round-trip. Once you have landed at the Orcas Island Airport in East Sound, the Rosario shuttle will pick you up. Be sure to call ahead of time to request their shuttle service, providing them with your flight arrival information.
POST-MEETING TOUR
Whale Watching!
Friday, September 22, 1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Through an experienced local tour company, we have arranged a special narrated trip to see and learn about Orcas (Killer Whales), Minke Whales, and other marine wildlife of the San Juan Islands. Traditionally whale sightings occur about 90% of the time on any tour between May and September, and the time of day doesn’t matter. Besides experiencing the thrill of seeing one of these majestic creatures, we could also see bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and rare seabirds as we cruise the unspoiled pristine islands.
Cost: $55 adults, $35 children (under 14). Please register and pay for this tour on the Registration Form. The boat will depart from and return to Rosario Resort’s marina. Although there is outdoor and indoor (heated) seating, please where appropriate warm-weather clothing (layers are always good). For more information, visit the tour company website at: http://www.deerharborcharters.com/. Join us for this truly special event! There is a passenger limit, so please register early. This tour is not recommended for children under 4 years old.
SAN JUAN ISLAND ACTIVITIES A magnificent play ground, rich in beauty and nature. If you’ve never been to this part of Washington state, don’t miss this opportunity! The San Juan Islands are in the midst of spectacular and diverse natural beauty. Sheltered coves, lush forests, sunny meadows, and a marine paradise have welcomed visitors for hundreds of years. With over 172 named islands in the San Juan archipelago, there is something for everyone.
The horseshoe shape of Orcas Island means you are never far from a beautiful vista of the sea. As the biggest island in the county, the drives on Orcas are a little longer, and the pace a little slower (40 mph max). Bicycling, hiking, boating, kayaking, and art gallery shopping in the small villages are just a few favorite pastimes. There are also plenty of wildlife / whale watching tours, and Moran State Park boasts 30 miles of trails.
For more information on the Orcas Island and the other San Juan Islands, please visit http://www.orcasisland.org and http://www.guidetosanjuans.com/.
WEATHER September on Orcas Island can be anything – from brilliantly clear to thick fog. Both extremes can be beautiful! The trick is to “layer”, because you can never really predict the weather that might happen in one single day. The mean temperature in September is 57 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 48 and an average high of 66. You definitely want a light waterproof jacket. The average rainfall in September is only 1.6 inches. The following website could be helpful before you pack -- http://www.weather.com/. Eastsound is the town closest to Rosario Resort on Orcas Island, and its zip code is 98245.
SPECIAL NEEDS LASP is committed to making this Science Meeting accessible to all participants. If you require special arrangements, please contact Vanessa George.
