Working with ARM

Visit ARM Sites

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility provides state-of-the-art infrastructure to conduct atmospheric science in strategic locations around the world using fixed, mobile, and aerial facilities. Researchers can use these facilities to access data gathered during normal operations or field campaigns, make an in-person or virtual visit to a site, and propose and conduct a field campaign.

There is no “fee” for taking advantage of ARM infrastructure. In lieu of costs, users are expected to give referential credit to ARM in publications, submit related data products, and provide a summary report of the activity.

ARM Sites

ARM’s Southern Great Plains (SGP), North Slope of Alaska (NSA), and Eastern North Atlantic (ENA) atmospheric observatories are used by scientists to obtain long-term and episodic measurements of radiative fluxes, cloud and aerosol properties, precipitation, and related atmospheric characteristics in a broad range of atmospheric and environmental conditions.

In addition, ARM operates three ARM Mobile Facilities, known as the first, second, and third AMF. The first and second mobile facilities were designed to operate in any environment for campaigns lasting six months to a year. The third mobile facility is currently deployed to the Bankhead National Forest (BNF) in northwestern Alabama and is expected to be operational for a minimum of five years.

The ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) is operated to augment ground-based and remote-sensing instruments by providing in situ measurements of the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Observatories

Requesting a Site Visit

“Virtual” site access involves connecting a computer, instrument, or other device to an ARM site network. The advantage of remote access is the ability to obtain near-real-time data without being physically located at the site.

To visit a site, whether in person or via a network, you must fill out and submit a site visit request form in the Access Request System. To ensure that your request is evaluated and approved in time for your visit, please submit requests at least 14 days in advance if you are a U.S. citizen and at least 30 days in advance if you are a non-U.S. citizen.

After May 2, 2023, all visitors to the SGP and BNF atmospheric observatories must present identification that meets Real ID requirements. Both observatories are managed by Argonne National Laboratory. Check to make sure that your identification meets Argonne’s latest site entry requirements before planning your visit.