Yampa Valley Sustainability Council will host the presentation, “Understanding the Composition of our Atmosphere using Storm Peak Laboratory, a Local Mountain-Top Research Facility,” from 6:30-8 p.m. March 16 in the Allbright Family Auditorium at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs.

The talk will be presented by Lynne Gratz, Ph.D., and Gannet Hallar, Ph.D., of Storm Peak Laboratory, an internationally recognized high-elevation research station used for more than 40 years in the study of atmospheric science. Organizers say the lab, located at 10,568 feet at the top of Mount Werner and Steamboat Resort, provides a unique training, education and networking environment that strengthens scientific skills and inspires leadership.

The presenters will discuss past and present research and training and future plans at the lab. Research at Storm Peak Laboratory has produced more than 145 peer-reviewed publications so far.

Dr. Gratz is an associate professor and associate director of the Environmental Studies Program at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Her research includes the fate and transport of air pollutants such as ozone and mercury. Gratz uses both ground-level and high-altitude measurements to characterize the sources, chemical reactions and removal processes for pollutants in the atmosphere.

Most recently, she led a study at the Storm Peak Laboratory focused on the origins and chemistry of atmospheric mercury and other trace gases. Her research has looked at local air quality questions in urban environments as well as the long-range transport of persistent air pollutants.

Hallar is a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah, where she directs the Storm Peak Laboratory and leads the Hallar Aerosol Research Team, or HART.

The overarching theme of Hallar’s research is using high-quality measurements of trace gases, aerosol physical and chemical properties, and cloud microphysics to understand connections between the biosphere, atmosphere and climate, along with the impact of anthropogenic emissions on these connections.

To reach Suzie Romig, call 970-871-4205 or email sromig@SteamboatPilot.com.