Tonight was one of those early summer nights that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. As the heat of the day subsided and the sun slid below the horizon, thunderstorms began firing about twenty miles south of Oak Ridge. These storms were far enough south to provide a calming light show without even a rumble of thunder. For me, there is nothing better in the world than watching a far off storm cross the horizon as twilight gradually fades into darkness.
I grabbed a beer out of the fridge, pulled out a chair on my front porch and watched a splendid show free of charge. :)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The First Day: Oh Boy!
Well, after touring the town of Oak Ridge over the weekend, it was finally time to get down to business and start my internship. I've been pretty light on the topic of what I will actually be working on this summer, but that was mostly because even I didn't know the full extent of it. So here it goes. Some of this may get a bit technical, but just stick with it, I actually think I explained it pretty well!
The ATDD (picture available tomorrow) has installed two separate TEOM particulate monitors within the Oak Ridge/Knoxville region. The TEOM is actually a pretty neat instrument when you figure out how it works. An inlet valve at the top of the instrument takes in air at a rate of 16.7 L/min (via a vacuum pump) and is then diverted into a 3 L/min flow and a 13.7 L/min exhaust flow. Before diverting, however, the instrument is able to filter out particles of certain sizes (in this case greater than 2.5 microns). The inlet valve contains a certain curved geometry that allows for the passage of smaller particles but blocks those larger ones that we are not interested in. By changing this geometry, we are able to change which sizes we filter out.
After the initial filtering process, the 3 L/min flow progresses to what is called the mass transducer. This is simply a small filter that is resting on an oscillating hollow tube. The 2.5 micron particles then collect on this filter. The instrument is able to measure the accumulated mass because of the basic concepts of a mass spring system. By adding mass to the oscillating filter, the frequency of the oscillation must change. Since we know the change in frequency that has occurred, we can compute the mass of particulate matter on that filter. In order to compute a concentration (which we are really interested in), the instrument simply divides the mass by the flow rate (3 L/min) and a constant time ratio to arrive at a number with units of (microgram/m^3). This calculation is done every two seconds and the baseline mass is adjusted each time (so that the mass doesn't just keep adding up as particulates accumulate). This allows for instantaneous data which tells us the concentration of 2.5 micron particles. The instrument, however, computes a whole bunch of different timed averages (15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 24 hour) in order to make the data more useful for analyzation.
After that long winded and involved description, lets get down to the important stuff. Why are we doing this?
Our first TEOM was installed next to the busy interchange of I-40 and Watt Road. Approximately 10,000 trucks per day pass this site, and trucks are constantly idling at the nearby truck stop. 2.5 micron particles are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels and other anthropogenic (aka human induced) sources. These particles and their health hazards will be discussed in an upcoming post. Therefore, it is believed that the concentration of these particles should be drastically higher along these populated industrial regions than in other areas.
For comparison purposes, a second TEOM was placed in the Walker Branch Watershed in Oak Ridge, TN. Let's just say that this instrument is basically in the middle of a bunch of nothing (aka, mountain ridge surrounded by trees). It is my job to analyze these two machines (in addition to other instruments in the region) and see if our hypothesis holds true.
In addition, daily weather conditions will be noted so that we can gain an increased understanding of how these particles behave in different atmospheric situations. Unstable conditions (think thunderstorm), for example, should allow for the transport and dispersion of these particles and not cause an extreme buildup within the local region. Strong and persistant high pressure, however, which is often common in the summer, should significantly hinder the transport of these particles and could create hazardous air quality levels. I guess we shall see!
My other project this summer involves traveling to Gulfport, MS with the research team for a 2-3 week period. This is a completely unrelated project that has nothing to do with air quality. I really don't know the complete details just yet, but it involves sea breeze circulations. I am actually really excited about this portion of the internship because it entails true field research, which I am extremely interested in.
So, to sum it all up, it looks like I will have 6-7 weeks of data analyzation mixed in with some field work in Oak Ridge, and 2-3 weeks of pure field research along the shores of Gulfport, MS.
In conclusion, this is my heart-felt thank you to all those big rigs and truck drivers who gave me the opportunity to study the byproducts of their amazing contributions to our planet.
The ATDD (picture available tomorrow) has installed two separate TEOM particulate monitors within the Oak Ridge/Knoxville region. The TEOM is actually a pretty neat instrument when you figure out how it works. An inlet valve at the top of the instrument takes in air at a rate of 16.7 L/min (via a vacuum pump) and is then diverted into a 3 L/min flow and a 13.7 L/min exhaust flow. Before diverting, however, the instrument is able to filter out particles of certain sizes (in this case greater than 2.5 microns). The inlet valve contains a certain curved geometry that allows for the passage of smaller particles but blocks those larger ones that we are not interested in. By changing this geometry, we are able to change which sizes we filter out.
After the initial filtering process, the 3 L/min flow progresses to what is called the mass transducer. This is simply a small filter that is resting on an oscillating hollow tube. The 2.5 micron particles then collect on this filter. The instrument is able to measure the accumulated mass because of the basic concepts of a mass spring system. By adding mass to the oscillating filter, the frequency of the oscillation must change. Since we know the change in frequency that has occurred, we can compute the mass of particulate matter on that filter. In order to compute a concentration (which we are really interested in), the instrument simply divides the mass by the flow rate (3 L/min) and a constant time ratio to arrive at a number with units of (microgram/m^3). This calculation is done every two seconds and the baseline mass is adjusted each time (so that the mass doesn't just keep adding up as particulates accumulate). This allows for instantaneous data which tells us the concentration of 2.5 micron particles. The instrument, however, computes a whole bunch of different timed averages (15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 24 hour) in order to make the data more useful for analyzation.
After that long winded and involved description, lets get down to the important stuff. Why are we doing this?
Our first TEOM was installed next to the busy interchange of I-40 and Watt Road. Approximately 10,000 trucks per day pass this site, and trucks are constantly idling at the nearby truck stop. 2.5 micron particles are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels and other anthropogenic (aka human induced) sources. These particles and their health hazards will be discussed in an upcoming post. Therefore, it is believed that the concentration of these particles should be drastically higher along these populated industrial regions than in other areas.
For comparison purposes, a second TEOM was placed in the Walker Branch Watershed in Oak Ridge, TN. Let's just say that this instrument is basically in the middle of a bunch of nothing (aka, mountain ridge surrounded by trees). It is my job to analyze these two machines (in addition to other instruments in the region) and see if our hypothesis holds true.
In addition, daily weather conditions will be noted so that we can gain an increased understanding of how these particles behave in different atmospheric situations. Unstable conditions (think thunderstorm), for example, should allow for the transport and dispersion of these particles and not cause an extreme buildup within the local region. Strong and persistant high pressure, however, which is often common in the summer, should significantly hinder the transport of these particles and could create hazardous air quality levels. I guess we shall see!
My other project this summer involves traveling to Gulfport, MS with the research team for a 2-3 week period. This is a completely unrelated project that has nothing to do with air quality. I really don't know the complete details just yet, but it involves sea breeze circulations. I am actually really excited about this portion of the internship because it entails true field research, which I am extremely interested in.
So, to sum it all up, it looks like I will have 6-7 weeks of data analyzation mixed in with some field work in Oak Ridge, and 2-3 weeks of pure field research along the shores of Gulfport, MS.
In conclusion, this is my heart-felt thank you to all those big rigs and truck drivers who gave me the opportunity to study the byproducts of their amazing contributions to our planet.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Welcome to Oak Ridge: The Secret City
Well, after an 11 hour drive through PA, DE, MD, VA, and TN, I finally arrived in Oak Ridge, TN late Friday night. After settling down in my apartment, pictured below, I traveled around the area and took a few photos.
Interestingly enough, right behind my apartment was my own little Walden Pond. I'm sure this will become a nice secluded spot to come and relax during some of my free time!
I also visited the American Museum of Science and Energy, located in Oak Ridge. This museum basically details the history of Oak Ridge and its prominent nuclear past. Even though I've only been here for a few days, you can tell that this town is highly in favor of nuclear energy (duh..didn't see that one coming).
For a really interesting read, I recommend looking at this short essay.
Here are some of the photos taken today.
Interestingly enough, right behind my apartment was my own little Walden Pond. I'm sure this will become a nice secluded spot to come and relax during some of my free time!
I also visited the American Museum of Science and Energy, located in Oak Ridge. This museum basically details the history of Oak Ridge and its prominent nuclear past. Even though I've only been here for a few days, you can tell that this town is highly in favor of nuclear energy (duh..didn't see that one coming).
For a really interesting read, I recommend looking at this short essay.
Here are some of the photos taken today.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Town of Oak Ridge
When I first applied for the internship in Oak Ridge, I had never even heard of this Tennessee town. Therefore, the next logical step for any college student was to ask Google. In a matter of moments, I discovered that Oak Ridge was not the typical southern town that I was expecting.
Oak Ridge is located in eastern Tennessee, approximately 15 miles west of Knoxville. The city was secretly established by the federal government in 1942 in order to develop nuclear weapons. Under the instruction of President Roosevelt, 60,000 acres were cleared and three plants were developed: K-25, Y-12, and X-10. The population of the town skyrocketed to 75,000, composed mainly of construction workers to build the facilities and scientists to work at the plants. Ultimately, this secret government town would produce the two atomic bombs (yes, those bombs) that would help end World War II.
By 1949, Oak Ridge was opened to the public and became renowned for its scientific research. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (perhaps the most popular research center in Oak Ridge) was established at the X-10 plant. K-25 is currently in the process of decontamination and Y-12 is still being used for nuclear weapons processing and storage.
Today, the population has dwindled to 27,000 (according to the 2000 census), but is still known for its scientific research.
Stay tuned for additional information and pictures as soon as I arrive in Oak Ridge (T-minus 3 days).
I leave you with this famous country band, who's inspiration came from this very town:
The Oak Ridge Boys!
Oak Ridge is located in eastern Tennessee, approximately 15 miles west of Knoxville. The city was secretly established by the federal government in 1942 in order to develop nuclear weapons. Under the instruction of President Roosevelt, 60,000 acres were cleared and three plants were developed: K-25, Y-12, and X-10. The population of the town skyrocketed to 75,000, composed mainly of construction workers to build the facilities and scientists to work at the plants. Ultimately, this secret government town would produce the two atomic bombs (yes, those bombs) that would help end World War II.
By 1949, Oak Ridge was opened to the public and became renowned for its scientific research. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (perhaps the most popular research center in Oak Ridge) was established at the X-10 plant. K-25 is currently in the process of decontamination and Y-12 is still being used for nuclear weapons processing and storage.
Today, the population has dwindled to 27,000 (according to the 2000 census), but is still known for its scientific research.
Stay tuned for additional information and pictures as soon as I arrive in Oak Ridge (T-minus 3 days).
I leave you with this famous country band, who's inspiration came from this very town:
The Oak Ridge Boys!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Southern Summer
When I first applied for the internship in Oak Ridge, I planned on living in a small Tennessee town with a typical southern history and country roots. Having relatives that live in the state, I am more than familiar with the common Tennessee people and their southern ways. Being a kid from the north, raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, this southern way of life was actually something I longed for. Quiet nights on the porch as the sun set below the Appalachians, country music blaring on the radio, and that down home southern hospitality just seemed like the perfect way of life.
I had the opportunity to go anywhere in the country, from the tropical paradise of Maui to the glacial shores of Alaska. Although I may be kicking myself in another nine weeks for not making these choices, I still feel that a southern summer will suit me just fine. Hawaii and Alaska are great places, don't get me wrong, but I want to be able to experience these places for the first time with people that I care about. Tennessee offers the fantastic opportunity to experience amazing sites while also doing a little bit of soul searching.
That's probably what this summer is about more than anything else, searching my soul. After three years of college, everything becomes pretty hectic between classes, internships, scholarships, and the everyday hassles. With all of this piling on you at once, you start losing sight of what is truly important. By taking a nine week hiatus away from all that is familiar, I hope to recharge and come back a person who knows where he wants life to take him. Thoreau had this epiphany almost 165 years ago when he went to live alone beside Walden Pond and take in natures full beauty.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
-Thoreau
I believe the south, Tennessee in particular, will allow me to face the essential facts of life and replenish my resources for the long and enjoyable road ahead.
By picking this internship, I am also killing two birds with one stone. I have a passion for field research, and I will gain valuable experience this summer doing just that. I could think of no better way of enlightening both the mind and the soul.
I think this is a good song to end with(even though it's about a river in Nova Scotia). It still has that whole transcendental theme.
I had the opportunity to go anywhere in the country, from the tropical paradise of Maui to the glacial shores of Alaska. Although I may be kicking myself in another nine weeks for not making these choices, I still feel that a southern summer will suit me just fine. Hawaii and Alaska are great places, don't get me wrong, but I want to be able to experience these places for the first time with people that I care about. Tennessee offers the fantastic opportunity to experience amazing sites while also doing a little bit of soul searching.
That's probably what this summer is about more than anything else, searching my soul. After three years of college, everything becomes pretty hectic between classes, internships, scholarships, and the everyday hassles. With all of this piling on you at once, you start losing sight of what is truly important. By taking a nine week hiatus away from all that is familiar, I hope to recharge and come back a person who knows where he wants life to take him. Thoreau had this epiphany almost 165 years ago when he went to live alone beside Walden Pond and take in natures full beauty.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
-Thoreau
I believe the south, Tennessee in particular, will allow me to face the essential facts of life and replenish my resources for the long and enjoyable road ahead.
By picking this internship, I am also killing two birds with one stone. I have a passion for field research, and I will gain valuable experience this summer doing just that. I could think of no better way of enlightening both the mind and the soul.
I think this is a good song to end with(even though it's about a river in Nova Scotia). It still has that whole transcendental theme.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Prologue: The Beginning
As we all go our separate ways this upcoming summer, I thought it would be a great idea to share our internship/job experiences. The idea came from Matt Rydzik who is currently patrolling the the Midwest in search of tornadoes with the VORTEX2 team. Matt is also keeping a blog that details his exciting five week adventure in the heart of tornado alley, which can be found here. In order to share our exciting/educational experiences with each other and the rest of the world, we decided that modern technology and the blogging revolution was the route to take.
In addition to myself and Matt, Marc Chenard, an intern forecaster for the National Weather Service in State College, PA has also decided to join the party. Marc has an interest in severe weather, and will be providing forecast discussions and helpful forecasting tips at his very own blog. If you have a desire to learn the ins and outs of severe weather forecasting, this will be a great tool.
If anyone else is interested in this summer experience blog party, I urge you to join in!
Finally, after providing a sufficient explanation for this project, the time has come to explain the reason for this blog. In 2008, I was awarded the Hollings Scholarship by NOAA, which includes a summer internship during the summer after Junior year. After taking a look at available internship oppurtunities within NOAA, I chose to intern at the Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD) in Oak Ridge, TN.
For nine weeks, I will be studing the concentration of atmospheric particles (2.5 microns and smaller) along Interstate 40 in Knoxville, TN. Interstate 40 is notorious for its high truck population, reaching almost 10,000 trucks per day. The emissions from these big rigs, in addition to other pollution sources, make Tennessee a high risk area in terms of air quality (Ever hear of the Smoky Mountains?)
2.5 micron particles are important in this study because these are the particles that can enter the lungs and contribute to a number of respiratory illnesses. Don't worry, all of this will be discussed in future discussions.
So, from May 24th to July 24th, I will become a resident of Oak Ridge, TN and study the particulates that may pose a significant threat to our respiratory system.
Not only will this blog detail my experiences, but will also serve as a source of information. There will be many future posts describing the science/physics/fun facts surrounding my experiences.
I hope you enjoy the blog and I look forward to hearing from you.
With a little under two weeks remaining until the start of my internship, what better song to listen to than this famous Tennessee anthem.
In addition to myself and Matt, Marc Chenard, an intern forecaster for the National Weather Service in State College, PA has also decided to join the party. Marc has an interest in severe weather, and will be providing forecast discussions and helpful forecasting tips at his very own blog. If you have a desire to learn the ins and outs of severe weather forecasting, this will be a great tool.
If anyone else is interested in this summer experience blog party, I urge you to join in!
Finally, after providing a sufficient explanation for this project, the time has come to explain the reason for this blog. In 2008, I was awarded the Hollings Scholarship by NOAA, which includes a summer internship during the summer after Junior year. After taking a look at available internship oppurtunities within NOAA, I chose to intern at the Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD) in Oak Ridge, TN.
For nine weeks, I will be studing the concentration of atmospheric particles (2.5 microns and smaller) along Interstate 40 in Knoxville, TN. Interstate 40 is notorious for its high truck population, reaching almost 10,000 trucks per day. The emissions from these big rigs, in addition to other pollution sources, make Tennessee a high risk area in terms of air quality (Ever hear of the Smoky Mountains?)
2.5 micron particles are important in this study because these are the particles that can enter the lungs and contribute to a number of respiratory illnesses. Don't worry, all of this will be discussed in future discussions.
So, from May 24th to July 24th, I will become a resident of Oak Ridge, TN and study the particulates that may pose a significant threat to our respiratory system.
Not only will this blog detail my experiences, but will also serve as a source of information. There will be many future posts describing the science/physics/fun facts surrounding my experiences.
I hope you enjoy the blog and I look forward to hearing from you.
With a little under two weeks remaining until the start of my internship, what better song to listen to than this famous Tennessee anthem.
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