Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use ARM data?

ARM data are available—free of charge—to anyone who needs them.

How much does using ARM data cost?

There is no “fee” for taking advantage of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility scientific infrastructure. In lieu of costs, users are expected to acknowledge ARM in publications as appropriate.

How does a new user access and view ARM data?

Why do I need to register in order to download ARM Data?

As a national user facility, ARM is required by law to report user statistics to the U.S. Department of Energy and to the Office of Management and Budget.

Where, in terms of geography, does ARM collect its data?

Data are collected from three highly instrumented, fixed-location atmospheric observatories:

• North Slope of Alaska
• Southern Great Plains
• Eastern North Atlantic.

In addition to the three fixed locations, ARM operates and maintains an aerial facility and three mobile facilities, as well as a large suite of instruments and logistical support capabilities. These options enable researchers to conduct the widest possible range of field campaigns almost anywhere in the world.

Data from past field campaign deployments and the deactivated Tropical Western Pacific site are accessible through Data Discovery.

Who develops and maintains the instruments?

ARM funds a global team of scientists and engineers to keep abreast of advances in technology for atmospheric research. From this team, instrument mentors are responsible for the operation of specific instruments to ensure the continual availability of top-quality data.

Does ARM provide any instruments for sale?

No. ARM provides certain levels of support, including instrumentation, for field campaigns, but is neither an instrument manufacturer nor a vendor.

What is the process for requesting new instruments or ARM data products?

One of the functions of the User Executive Committee (UEC) is to communicate recommendations to the ARM Infrastructure Management Board (IMB) on behalf of ARM users. ARM translators, who lead ARM data product development, are liaisons to the science community and also collect feedback on facility improvements. Each year, the IMB and engineering leads prioritize ARM activities and consider new activities at that time.

Who can propose a field campaign to collect specific data?

Any researcher may propose a field campaign to use ARM. Campaigns are generally conducted to augment routine data collections or to test and validate new instruments, but wholly new data acquisitions are always considered. Collaborations are also encouraged.

Read the field campaign guidelines for more information about the proposal submission process and deadlines.

Who decides which proposals are accepted?

The ARM Science Board evaluates field campaign proposals to determine those which best fulfill ARM’s mission. They provide their recommendations to the DOE ARM Program Manager, who makes the final selection.

How can I keep up to date with all the facets of ARM?

The News and Events section of the ARM website features the latest updates. For those who prefer to stay connected via social media, updates are also available by following ARM on Facebook and Twitter.