Atmospheric Optics: Aerosols, Visibility, and the Radiative Balance

New dates announced!  November 10-13, 2026 

A&WMA's popular atmospheric science conference will be held at Lake Junaluska, NC, close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Asheville.
 
This international conference will provide a technical forum on advances in the scientific understanding of the effects of aerosols on urban, regional, continental, and global-scale haze and the radiative balance. The conference will take a multipronged approach by encouraging scientific dialogue (e.g., related to measurements, modeling) as well as including presentations addressing regulatory and policy issues.  This year, we will be highlighting planned sessions on biomass burning and the effects of wildfire on air quality and increasing concerns of the effects of atmospheric nitrogen and carbonaceous material on haze, climate change, and nitrogen deposition on ecosystems 

The area has spectacular scenery and is immediately adjacent to the Class I, visibility-protected area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

This unique event includes multiple opportunities for attendees and presenters to gain a complete understanding of the wide range of issues on this topic through platform and poster presentations, expert panels, courses, and a vendor exhibit. 

In addition, a mid-conference field trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with various levels of hiking and a visit to the IMPROVE site will provide opportunities for informal discussions on conference topics. A night sky program and star gazing will round out the exciting week in the North Carolina Mountains. 

Abstract submission will reopen in January. 

Sponsorship and tabletop display opportunities are available!  Contact Jessika Keefer to discuss your opportunities. 

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