CMAS Center hosts 23rd annual conference, shares new modeling software updates
December 6, 2024
The Community Modeling and Analysis System (CMAS) Center held its 23rd annual CMAS Conference at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Friday Center on Oct. 21-23, bringing together academics and experts in the air quality field. The event was part of University Research Week, an annual, campus-wide event sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
“It is my favorite time of the year each October to see the global community come together at the Friday Center to discuss the latest advances in air pollution modeling and related topics,” said Sarav Arunachalam, director of the CMAS Center and deputy director of the UNC Institute for the Environment. “It was particularly good to see so many first-time attendees, showing the continuous growth of the CMAS community, and to see them actively engage with the rest and learn from each other.”
UNC-Chapel Hill Vice Chancellor for Research Penny Gordon-Larsen, kicked off the conference with welcoming remarks followed by Arunachalam’s “State of the CMAS Center” address.
During the three-day event, attendees gathered from around the world to hear presentations about air quality, climate, energy, emissions inventories and model applications, including a summary and evaluation of the new Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model version 5.5 from the U.S. EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD).
The EPA ORD and the CMAS Center announced the release of CMAQ version 5.5 leading up to the Conference on Oct. 2.
The update includes Community Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Multiphase Mechanism version 2, expanded capabilities of the Integrated Source Apportionment Method and several additional updates. To learn more about the version visit: https://github.com/USEPA/CMAQ/wiki/CMAQv5.5-Series-FAQ
The CMAS Center, operational at UNC since 2003, supports a global community in the development and applications of various models, including CMAQ. According to Arunachalam, this year’s keynote emphasized the need for additional modeling tools, specifically given the EPA’s revision of the health-based fine particulate standards earlier this year.
“States and local agencies with areas that exceed the air quality standards need these to assist them in air quality management initiatives that protect public health,” Arunachalam said. “The collaborative work with the U.S. EPA’s model development team that led to the release of the latest version of the CMAQ model version 5.5 is one such example.”
One of the center’s goals is to advance modeling by providing the community with centralized and updated resources.
“I commend the EPA for continuously ensuring that the models represent the latest scientific knowledge,” Arunachalam added.
At the end of the first two days, conference attendees gathered for 1-minute lightning poster talks culminating in a reception and poster session. Topics included multiscale model applications and evaluations, wildfire emissions and air quality, and modeling to support exposure, health and environmental justice studies at multiscales among others. These sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to interact with one another and discuss advancements in the field.
In addition to hosting the annual conference, the CMAS Center provides additional resources to the modeling community, such as downloads for supported models and software training programs.
Training programs include lectures and hands-on training components that primarily focus on the operational aspects of CMAS-supported software. However, they also integrate modeling practice with lectures on the science behind the software. These trainings held before and after the conference are virtual, enabling a global community to participate.
For more information about future conferences and training programs, visit the CMAS website https://cmascenter.org/ or follow CMAS on X @CMAS_Center.
See slideshow below for more photos from the conference.
Story by Natalie Peoples
Natalie Peoples is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill. Natalie is currently a senior from Kensington, Maryland, pursuing a double major in journalism and environmental science. In addition to her work as a communications intern for the Institute for the Environment, she has experience in photojournalism and environmental research. Natalie plans to pursue a career in environmental journalism with a special interest in marine science.