University of Nizwa, NASA collaborate in climate research

NIZWA: In a decade-long collaboration with NASA, the University of Nizwa has achieved remarkable milestones in unravelling the complexities of global atmospheric changes and advancing climate research through the AERONET project. As part of this strategic partnership, the university is establishing Sun photometer stations at designated locations, fortifying the AERONET global network.

Under the expert guidance of Prof Ahmed al Harrasi, Vice-Chancellor for Research, the institution has successfully received NASA equipment and initiated the installation of this groundbreaking project. Concurrently, six final-year physics students are actively involved in deciphering data from NASA instruments, contributing to a deeper understanding of Oman's climatology and air quality.

Previously, twelve final-year graduation project students received online training from NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization.

To further bolster their research capabilities, the university recently acquired an optical particle sizer, made possible by the project titled 'Synergy of ground-based and satellite measurements for atmospheric aerosol monitoring over the Middle East (BFP/RGP/EBR/21/009).'

This cutting-edge instrument is instrumental in analysing particulate matter sizes, with data gathered from 16 channels measuring particles between 0.3 and 10.0 microns. The research team combines this information with weather data from the Civil Aviation Authority and environmental details from the Environment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman (EA) for comprehensive air quality analysis, health impact assessments and climate evaluations.

Noteworthy attention has been garnered for their endeavours, with Dr Baiju Dayanandan, the Principal Investigator, presenting a detailed analysis titled 'Effects of Different Particulate Matter on Air Pollution and Their Relationship with Meteorological Parameters over three diverse climatic zones: urban (Al khoudh ), desert (Bidiyah), and coastal (Salalah) wilayats' to the Environment Authority Oman.

The positive reception, particularly from Dr Mohammad bin Saif al Kalbani, Acting Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority (EA), has led to a request for a training programme for their staff, underscoring the impact and relevance of the university's work.