Ames Atmospheric Science Branch advances understanding of Earth’s atmosphere

The Atmospheric Science Branch at Ames Research Center conducts research to advance understanding of the structure, composition, and dynamic behavior of Earth’s atmosphere and how these processes affect climate, air quality, agricultural water use and production, and life on our planet.

The branch supports NASA missions through scientific analysis, calibration and validation activities, and campaign leadership, focusing on atmospheric profiling, boundary layer dynamics, cloud–aerosol interactions, and trace gas transport. Scientists lead major airborne science campaigns and advance satellite mission readiness by developing and deploying novel sensors, conducting field measurements, and analyzing atmospheric data.

As a hub for hardware innovation and instrument invention, the branch is pioneering next‑generation lidar systems, sunphotometers, and quantum‑enhanced remote sensing technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is measurable and enabling new frontiers in Earth and planetary exploration.