NSF Org:	AGS Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Recipient:	NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Initial Amendment Date:	June 17, 2009
Latest Amendment Date:	June 17, 2009
Award Number:	0939021
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Alexander Pszenny AGS  Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences GEO  Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date:	June 15, 2009
End Date:	May 31, 2010 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$55,581.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$55,581.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2009 = $55,581.00
ARRA Amount:	$55,581.00
History of Investigator:	Anna Gannet Hallar (Principal Investigator) gannet.hallar@utah.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	Nevada System of Higher Education, Desert Research Institute 2215 RAGGIO PKWY RENO NV  US  89512-1095 (775)673-7300
Sponsor Congressional District:	02
Primary Place of Performance:	Nevada System of Higher Education, Desert Research Institute 2215 RAGGIO PKWY RENO NV  US  89512-1095
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	02
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	MV1JFXA4S621
Parent UEI:	MV1JFXA4S621
NSF Program(s):	Atmospheric Chemistry
Primary Program Source:	01R00910DB RRA RECOVERY ACT
Program Reference Code(s):	6890, 7914, 9150, 9188, EGCH
Program Element Code(s):	152400
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.050

ABSTRACT

This RAPID project is a study of the changes in volatile organic carbon (VOC) emissions from Lodgepole pine trees (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) as a result of the rapidly expanding infestation of pine bark beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in the Western United States. Lodgepole pine is a widespread and abundant species in Western montane forests. Preliminary measurements of VOC emissions from infested and non-infested trees have shown different emission patterns of monoterpenes, which are important precursors for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Because the various monoterpenes differ in their SOA formation potential, changes in their patterns of emission may have far-reaching effects on visibility and radiative forcing of climate on a regional scale. There is some urgency to this project because the beetle infestation is underway and spreading rapidly. It offers a unique, early opportunity to observe and document impacts on the atmosphere of an insect infestation of the type that is projected to become increasingly frequent and severe as the climate warms. Sampling is carried out in consultation with and with the approval of the USDA Forest Service, which has issued a special use permit for field work in the Routt-Medicine Bow National Forest. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).

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