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SW-IFL UPDATES
*If you’d like a physical copy of this newsletter, please contact Shannon Zweig
UPCOMING EVENTS
Apr 14: DOE ESS: Cyberinfrastructure Working Group
Apr 15-17: DOE ESS PI Meeting
Apr 18: Modeling Team Meeting
Apr 21: Winners announced for the SW-IFL
Interdisciplinary Design Challenge
May 6: UIFL Transdisciplinary group’s Professional Learning Session
May 8: Leadership Team Meeting
Resilient Solutions Team Meeting
May 16: Modeling Team Meeting
May 21: Observations Team Meeting
May 28: Tucson Traverse Training at Red Rock School Jun-July SW-IFL IOP activities
Jun 12:
Leadership Team Meeting
Resilient Solutions Team Meeting
Sep 25-26: SW-IFL 2025 All Hands Meeting in Tucson, AZ
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Welcome SW-IFL Team and Friends to the April 2025 newsletter!
As I write this message, I am attending the Environmental Systems Science (ESS) Principal Investigator meeting of the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) division of the Department of Energy (DoE), representing the SW-IFL and sharing many of the impactful accomplishments of our team
It has been encouraging to hear the vision of the DoE and BER leadership, and to realize how well the cross-fertilized science path of the SW-IFL aligns with the near future areas of increased emphasis of the DoE. Of note is the DoE’s increased interest in coupling the natural and built environments while accelerating discovery, innovation, and impactful energy-related solutions, including with the assistance of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools. More opportunities to forge new basic science partnerships appear to be bountiful and well aligned with the planning efforts that we, in the SW-IFL project, have undertaken this quarter
Highlights for this quarter in the SW-IFL focus on our planning for the 2025 Intensive Observation Period Thanks to the input from the SW-IFL Technical and Stakeholder Advisory Groups we have been able to further refine/expand approaches, fundamental research questions, and planned IOP activities As we continue to modify and finalize plans, SW-IFL researchers are encouraged to remember that larger DoE / ESS resources are available to help with data curation. I point to two resources that are available through the ESS-DIVE team: (1) personal, project-specific help in data curation (at any stage of the data generation process), and (2) tools such as Basin 3D that can be utilized to streamline environmental data standardization efforts
As we continue with future SW-IFL planning, I hope that you will stay engaged and encouraged by the large impact of and interest in the SW-IFL.
Sincerely,
Dr Jean Andino
SW-IFL Deputy Director
SW-IFL Q1 2025 REPORT TO DOE
The SW-IFL Leadership team sent in their quarterly report to the U.S. Department of Energy. This report included research highlights and activities that took place from January to March of 2025. The actual presentation was postponed until late April, early May.
Our next report will be scheduled in July and cover April to June research and activities
UIFL TRANSDISCIPLINARY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
On May 6, 2025 a 3 PM EST the UIFL Transdisciplinary group is offering their first Professional Learning Session via Zoom. All UIFL team members are encouraged to attend.
ASU OPEN DOOR EVENT
Click here to register!
On February 22nd, SW-IFL joined Arizona State University’s Open Door event with hands-on activities, including painting with heat, see yourself in
infrared, VR biking, exploring our weather stations, and so much more with the curious minds of our community.
ADDRESSING EXTREME HEAT AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL STRESSORS THROUGH RESILIENT SOUTIONS & NEXTGENERATION PREDICTIVE TOOLS
PROJECT LEADS
David Sailor, ASU Jean Andino, ASU
David Sailor (ASU) and Eli Martin (ASU) host a “See Yourself in Infrared” activity at ASU’s Open Door event in Tempe Photo credit: Ariana Pup, ASU SGSUP
Kids enjoy the “Painting with Heat” activity at ASU’s Open Door event in Tempe Photo credit: Ariana Pup, ASU SGSUP
2025 IOP PLANNING MEETING
On February 28, 2025 the SW-IFL research team and Advisory Board met to review the proposed research activities for our summer Intensive Observational Period and identify new science questions and solutions. We want to thank our Advisory Board for their valuable input during this meeting.
Discussions focused on:
Stakeholder Engagement and Climate Concerns in Flagstaff
Home Thermal Security and Passive Survivability in Building Models
ADDRESSING EXTREME HEAT AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL STRESSORS THROUGH RESILIENT SOUTIONS & NEXTGENERATION PREDICTIVE TOOLS
Stakeholder Engagement and Planned Projects in Tucson
Drought, Wildfire, and Power Management, along with Wildfire Modeling and Data Integration
Decision-making Tools and Resources related to Urban Heat and Air Quality, such as:
Data Portals and Resources
Atmospheric Measurements and Data Collection for Phoenix
Cool Pavement and Air Quality Measurement
Strategies
Community and School Engagement
PROJECT LEADS
David Sailor, ASU
Jean Andino, ASU
This meeting also generated a list of actions items for the SW-IFL team to consider as they move forward with IOP plans
TUCSON TRAVERSE CAMPAIGN
We’re excited to welcome the teacher apprentice scientists from Red Rock Elementary who will be assisting Dr. David Sailor in taking surface and air temperatures from vehicle mounted sensors along pre-set routes during our Tucson Traverse Campaign.
Training is scheduled on May 28 at 2 pm at Red Rock School Library in Red Rock, AZ. t h
A similar opportunity for Phoenix area teachers is currently in the planning stages. If you’re in the Phoenix metro area and are interested in participating, please contact David Sailor (David.Sailor@asu.edu) or Shannon Zweig (Shannon.Zweig@asu.edu)
RESILIENT SOLUTIONS TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Ladd Keith, UA
Patricia Solis, ASU
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
City of Tucson’s Heat Action Roadmap receives award
The City of Tucson Heat Action Roadmap was honored with the prestigious Healthy Communities – Crescordia Award at the 2025 Arizona Forward's 43rd Annual Environmental Excellence Awards. Planning Discovery Team members, Ladd Keith, Sara Meerow, and Malini Roy, served as technical experts on this climate action and adaptation plan.
New Exploratory Project: Assessing potential for Large Language Model-based Plan Evaluation
Evaluation of a plan’s effectiveness at addressing extreme heat is time and resource intensive. This project seeks to help cities by automatizing the assessment of plans using Large Language Models (LLMs). Preliminary research by the team suggests that open access LLMs, such ChatGPT, can decrease evaluation time but can be inaccurate on heat specific terminology and climate specific recommendations. A manuscript summarizing results is in progress.
New Air Quality Monitors Installed
Two new air quality monitors were installed by Chris Lim. Locations include the South Tucson City Hall (SUNet network) and Patagonia, AZ (AirSMART network). A new dashboard for the AirSMART network was developed in collaboration with Megan Jehn (ASU) and the Calabasas Alliance
Collaborative Transdisciplinary Project sends surveys to UIFL researchers
The UIFL Collaborative Transdisciplinary Project examines the ways in which the UIFLs engage in the principles of transdisciplinary research and how their processes impact societal partners. One of the project’s activities is a survey across all UIFLs to assess changes in attitude or understanding of transdisciplinary research processes.
On April 1, a presurvey was sent out to UIFL researchers We encourage researchers to complete the survey and contribute to our understanding of our transdisciplinary research efforts
PurpleAir Sensors Credit: Photo by Chris Lim (UofA)
RESILIENT SOLUTIONS TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Ladd Keith, UA
Patricia Solis, ASU
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CONT.
Projects selected for the Discovery Fellows and HeatMappers programs
Project selection is complete. 2 Discovery Fellows and 9 HeatMappers will be selected for summer research activities.
DISCOVERY FELLOWS
Northern Arizona University Hestia Modeling Flagstaff
University of Arizona Home Thermal Security Tucson
HEATMAPPERS
Brookhaven National Laboratory Multiscale Applied Sensing
Expand use of Hestia Traffic App to allow for more data collection this summer
Data collection and communication with study participants of home thermal security research in Tucson
York / Tempe
Students will support research efforts in these projects. Deliverables will focus on communication of impacts and scientific results. This includes story mapping and narratives that promote greater public understanding of SW-IFL actions. Arizona State University Urban Flux Towers
RESILIENT SOLUTIONS TEAM TEAM LEADS
Ladd Keith, UA
Patricia Solis, ASU
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Meetings and Events
Resilient Solutions Team Meetings, April 10, May 8, and Jun 12 at 11 AM MST
Contact: Ladd Keith (UofA) or Patricia Solis (ASU)
Arizona Water Festival, May 8, 2025 in Nogales, Arizona
Come participate in the festival by volunteering to help run activities. Training is provided (including a virtual volunteer training). Contact: Lisa Townsend (UofA).
Arizona Water Festival, May 8, 2025 in Nogales, Arizona
Come participate in the festival by volunteering to help run activities. Training is provided (including a virtual volunteer training). Contact: Lisa Townsend (UofA).
Arizona Heat Kickoff is an online event on April 14, 2025, 10 -12 MST (Previously – Annual Arizona Heat Planning Workshop)
Join the meeting to hear from Arizona Dept. of Health Services (ADHS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and partners around the state. Updates will be given on initiatives and efforts underway for the 2025 heat season.
Click here to Register
Collaborative Transdisciplinary Project – Workshop for UIFL Researchers, Date to be determined.
Keep an eye out for an announcement for an upcoming workshop for UIFL researchers. Participation and collaboration across all UIFLs is key to understanding early UIFLtransdisciplinary research activities.
RESILIENT SOLUTIONS TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Ladd Keith, UA
Patricia Solis, ASU
MEDIA & PRESENTATIONS
During the past three months, the Resilient Solutions team has published one paper, given fifteen presentations, and provided interviews for three articles and one podcast on research activities and heat related topics For a detailed list, please see the News tab at the SW-IFL website
Sobhaninia, Saeideh, Sara Meerow, Aubrey Dugger, Thomas Hopson, Cenlin He, Olga Wilhelmi. (2025). “Where Should the Green Go? A Systematic Literature Review of Methods for Siting Green Infrastructure to Mitigate Rising Heat and Stormwater Risks in Cities ” Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
To read, click HERE
Keith, Ladd. Interviewer: Parsons, Doug. “Climate Adaptation Predictions for 2025: What the Experts Say.” America Adapts: The Climate Change Podcast. January 13, 2025.
Listen to podcast now at America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
OBSERVATIONS TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Enrique Vivoni, ASU
Ted Schuur, NAU
Katia Lamer, BNL
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Urban Eddy Covariance Network
All four eddy covariance towers are now operational and registered with AmeriFlux
2
a) Maryvale Neighborhood site (ID: US Px1)
b) Encanto Golf Course site (ID: US Px2)
c) ASU PolyTechnic Campus (ID: US Px5)
d) Desert Botanical Garden (ID: US Px3)
Figure1 FourTowershavebeendeployedinthePhoenixareasinceJune2024 Eachtowerhasaneddycovariancesystemandfocusesonthe differenturbanlandcovers a)Maryvale:Residentialneighborhoodb)EncantoParkgolfcoursec)Avehiclelotnexttoafuelstationd)A conservedareawithnativevegetation
Urban Network Expansion and Data Transmission:
Installation of cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) of soil moisture in tower footprints at three locations in Phoenix, Arizona.
Footprint averaged soil moisture from CRNS method will have a scale (200 to 250 m) that is similar to EC flux footprint
Purchased from Finapp (Italian startup) with leveraged resources from Arizona Water Innovation Initiative (AWII)
ECTowerFootprintatMaryvaleNeighborhoodSite from20-mSensorat10to90%contourintervals.
OBSERVATIONS TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Enrique Vivoni, ASU
Ted Schuur, NAU
Katia Lamer, BNL
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CONT.
Urban Network Expansion and Data Transmission
Completed the first exploratory climb on high-rise urban site at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Pictures and videos captured the climb and will be used to design and plan future deployments.
Plant Biomass Radiocarbon Dating
Eddy Covariance Training Activities
Flux theory and data processing training at ASU by LiCOR Environmental on January 14-15 LiCOR Connect 2025 conference in Tucson, Arizona
All 2024 collected samples are now ready for radiocarbon analysis.
Continuing data analysis on plant radiocarbon maps against bottom-up fossil fuel emissions.
Data Clearing House
Generated Python codes to quality control and quality analyze the data on Calibration of thresholds for the Proximity test.
EC Tower at ASU Photo credit: E Vivoni (ASU)
LiCOR training at ASU Photo Credit: E Vivoni (ASU)
OBSERVATIONS TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Enrique Vivoni, ASU
Ted Schuur, NAU
Katia Lamer, BNL
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CONT.
Presentations
Additional Activities
Nidia Rojas Robles (ASU) published a blog on the SW-IFL Summer IOP 2024 mobile tower efforts wtih AmeriFlux. (https://ameriflux.lbl.gov/rapidresponse-flux-site-us-px4/)
Visit to Elie Bou Zeid (SW-IFL Advisory Board member) at Princeton University to discuss results of the cool air advection study and heat and air quality sensing technologies.
Participated in the DOE-Open AI “AI-jam” Session involving experiments with Open AI’s latest technology for industry and government research
In discussions with DOE ARM and NASA ESD regarding potential collaboration opportunities between both programs and SW-IFL
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Urban Network Expansion and Data Transmission
Deployment of sensors for ASU Tempe campus site in April or May 2025 Tall tower near transpiration corridor (Mesa Community College) is under consideration by City of Mesa
Upgrades and planned completion of all sensor packages at all five Phoenix sites underway to prepare for summer intensive observations period
Plant Biomass Radiocarbon
Dating
Finish radiocarbon analysis of collected 2024 samples, and continue data analysis on plant radiocarbon maps with available 2024 data.
Continue plant sampling in Phoenix and Tucson until mid May.
Begin processing 2025 plant samples for radiocarbon analysis and create preliminary plan for Fall 2025 sampling in Flagstaff,
Additional Activities
Continue scientific analysis of 2024 summer field campaign data Hiring second wave of project post-doctoral scholars
MODELING TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Kevin Gurney, NAU
Matei Georgescu, ASU
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) recently provided the City of Flagstaff a visualization of Flagstaff’s buildings that contain estimated total energy, electricity, natural gas, and annual energy costs, along with an estimated carbon footprint of each structure. Click on the QR code to access, or go to bit.ly/virtual flagstaff.
ORNL Data Release: “Model America - 2022 Arizona Building Energy Simulation Results from ORNL's AutoBEM.”
Contributors: Li H ; Stubbings A ; Chowdhury S ; Li F ; New J (2025) Southwest Urban Corridor Integrated Field Laboratory (SW-IFL), ESS-DIVE repository. Dataset. doi:10.15485/2513865.
Congratulations to SW-IFL’s Dr. Kevin Gurney (NAU) , who was selected as a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. He is part of an esteemed group of 97 experts from 56 countries who contributed to this groundbreaking report scheduled to release in March 2027
This report provides critical insights into urban climate action and bridges the latest scientific findings with practical, city-focused solutions to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. You can find more information on this HERE.
Completed Community Science trainings in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix on the Hestia Traffic App.
11 in person trainings, 2 online trainings, 5 field trainings
109 volunteers trained
74 plant samples collected
183 Hestia traffic app records collected
Calibrating the hourly counts of the TrafficApp against the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) fixed stations.
Launched the Hestia Traffic App which is now available HERE for download.
Hestia Traffic App
MODELING TEAM
TEAM LEADS
Kevin Gurney, NAU
Matei Georgescu, ASU
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CONT.
Emissions
Completed the 2022 Total Fossil Fuel Emissions by census tract
MEDIA & PRESENTATIONS
Multiple conference papers and presentations were conducted by the Modeling team. For a detailed list, please see the News tab at the SW-IFL website.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Completed the 2022 Total Anthropogenic Heat Emissions by census tract
The SW-IFL Modeling team is presenting at the following future events:
May 22, 2025 24 Annual Green Building Conference 2025 in San Francisco, CA. t h
June 21-25, 2025 2025 ASHRAE Annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ.
July 8-10, 2025 19 International Conference on Energy Sustainability in Colorado. t h
August 24-27, 2025 Building Simulation 2025 in Brisbane, Australia.
December 8-11, 2025 2025 Buildings XVI International Conference in Clearwater Beach, FL.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
April 15-17, 2025: DOE ESS PI Meeting in Reston, VA
May 28, 2025: Tucson Educator Traverse Training at Red Rock Elementary Library from 2-3 pm
June 7 - July 1, 2025: Tucson Traverse Campaign
July 2025: Phoenix Educator Traverse Training and Campaign (dates TBA)
September 25-26, 2025: SW-IFL 2025 All Hands Meeting in Tucson, AZ. More information coming soon.
CALL FOR SW-IFL PHOTOS
Did you capture images or videos during the SW-IFL Summer IOP activities? If so, we’d love to have them Feel free to upload your photos and videos throughout the year, but especially of this summer’s IOP campaigns and activities using this GOOGLE PHOTO FORM.
Please note, uploaded images and videos will be shared in our public facing annual report and in other various report outs for conferences and meetings through out the year.
RESOURCES
SW-IFL Team Google calendar (Internal use only)
SW-IFL Website
SW-IFL SharePoint Page (Internal use only)
SW-IFL Newsletter Sign Up
Email SW-IFL
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ADDRESSING EXTREME HEAT AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL STRESSORS THROUGH RESILIENT SOUTIONS & NEXTGENERATION PREDICTIVE TOOLS
PROJECT LEADS
David Sailor, ASU Jean Andino, ASU