Starting its development in 1976, the Sulfur Transport and Deposition Model (STEM) emerged during a peak period of fossil fuel usage.
At that time, there were few technologies for sulfur emissions reduction, leading to severe sulfur pollution and acid rain. The cascading effects of these pollutants impacted countless ecosystems and infrastructures far beyond the initial emission sites.
STEM was created to track sulfur’s environmental journey, helping to formulate strategies to curb emissions.
The model’s evolution over the decades allowed it to include additional pollutants like ozone and particulate matter.
Utilizing state-of-the-art meteorological models, STEM has been instrumental in numerous studies across the United States, the Arctic, Asia, and South America.
These studies underscored the model’s importance in understanding chemical distributions and their environmental impacts.
STEM also played a significant role in planning and interpreting airborne and ground-based field experiments.
For instance, during NASA’s TRACE-P experiment in 2001, STEM’s pollution forecasts guided aircraft sampling locations, enhancing the effectiveness of data collection and subsequent model improvements.
Simple, Stable, and Flexible Design
STEM’s long-standing history and varied applications have sculpted its core strengths.
Its straightforward design makes modifications user-friendly, and its stability benefits from extensive field and lab validation.
Users can seamlessly integrate new boundary conditions and data thanks to flexible input tools and advanced data assimilation techniques.
Notably, the Kinetic PreProcessor software has been pivotal in updating the model’s chemical mechanisms, enhancing its assimilation of observational data.
These attributes have enabled the model to make significant contributions to policies related to air quality and climate.
Researchers have leveraged STEM to determine emissions’ surface-atmosphere interactions for various climate forcers, including nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.
It has also aided in understanding the impact of aerosols from diverse sources on air quality and climate.
STEM’s applications have inspired discussions and further research.
For example, using Carbonyl Sulfide (COS) as a proxy for plant productivity was one such innovative application.
Moreover, continuous efforts are being made to refine the understanding of aerosol and greenhouse gas emissions on health and climate, integrating Earth observations for better accuracy.
Staying Relevant in Modern Times
STEM’s relevance persists through continuous adaptation to scientific advancements.
The model has not only expanded its pollutant range but has also pioneered in integrating new scientific insights and Earth observation capabilities.
This adaptability ensures that STEM remains a cornerstone for studies and decision-making in air quality and climate science.
By participating in international multi-model comparison studies, STEM contributes to more accurate source-receptor relationship estimates and enhances the understanding of various models’ strengths and weaknesses.
This process aids in refining the model and keeping it at the forefront of environmental research.
STEM’s involvement in satellite missions, such as Aura, further exemplifies its dynamic applications.
It has been instrumental in optimizing data products from onboard sensors and fostering innovation in data retrieval methods.
This ongoing evolution makes STEM an invaluable tool for both current and future environmental challenges.
