• The Influence of Mesoscale Atmospheric Convection on Local Infrasound Propagation

    Abstract: Infrasound—that is, acoustic waves with frequencies below the threshold of human hearing—has historically been used to detect and locate distant explosive events over global ranges (≥1,000 km). Simulations over these ranges have traditionally relied on large-scale, synoptic meteorological information. However, infrasound propagation over shorter, local ranges (0–100 km) may be affected by smaller, mesoscale meteorological features. To identify the effects of these mesoscale meteorological features on local infrasound propagation, simulations were conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) meteorological model to approximate the meteorological conditions associated with a series of historical, small-scale explosive test events that occurred at the Big Black Test Site in Bovina, Mississippi. These meteorological conditions were then incorporated into a full-wave acoustic model to generate meteorology-informed predictions of infrasound propagation. A series of WRF simulations was conducted with varying degrees of horizontal resolution—1, 3, and 15 km—to investigate the spatial sensitivity of these infrasound predictions. The results illustrate that convective precipitation events demonstrate potentially observable effects on local infrasound propagation due to strong, heterogeneous gradients in temperature and wind associated with the convective events themselves. Therefore, to accurately predict infrasound propagation on local scales, it may be necessary to use convection-permitting meteorological models with a horizontal resolution ≤4 km at locations and times that support mesoscale convective activity.
  • An MCA Linear Additive Method for Research Project Analysis

    Abstract: This report describes a business intelligence (BI) model developed by the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) to evaluate multiple projects simultaneously and help researchers learn descriptive phrases found in alignment sources representative of their projects. The BI model combines the linear additive model with the analytical hierarchy process to take advantage of the qualitative and quantitative nature of both methods. The model has five variations, all built along the same objectives but with different criteria due to the specialized emphasis areas of each variation. The BI model operates around three central concepts for evaluating the projects: Alignment Variables, Timing, and Customer Relationship. A use-case scenario with ten projects shows the effectiveness of the model and compares it with another model from the United States Military Academy. This new BI model will assist researchers in developing and proposing research ideas that are more relevant and fundable.
  • USACE joins local, state and federal partners for Rosemead bikeway ribbon cutting ceremony at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

    Col. Andrew Baker, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District, joined other local, state and federal partners Jan. 27 to celebrate the grand opening of the Rosemead Boulevard bike path at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, California.
  • NYS general permit now available: Expedited response after major storm events

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have issued the first State Programmatic General Permit (NYSPGP-1), which authorizes activities to facilitate the recovery and restoration of damaged properties, projects, aquatic resources, and infrastructure following major storm events. NYSPGP-1 ensures important environmental safeguards and encourages best management practices while agencies work to bring infrastructure back online and retore quality of life for communities quickly, and without unnecessary reviews. This permit will also help project sponsors and the public obtain any Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements they may be eligible for following specific storm events that are declared federal disasters.
  • Columbia River locks shut down for annual maintenance

    The $23 billion of commerce that flows along the Columbia River will pause for two weeks beginning March 2 as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District closes three navigation locks for annual inspections and maintenance.
  • Jacksonville District Delivers a Record Amount of Water South

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District delivered a record amount of water from Water Conservation Area (WCA) 3-A to Everglades National Park (ENP) in the past year. Surpassing expectations, the USACE successfully delivered over 1.4 million acre-feet of water, marking the third-highest volume since 2012, during a non-hurricane year.
  • MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 24-13 Lock 6 Intermittent Delays Update

    The dive inspection, as noted in Nav Notice 24-04, at David D. Terry Lock (No. 6) NM 108.1 that was previously scheduled February 5 through February 8, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. has been canceled due to high water. No intermittent delays are expected during this time.
  • MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 24-12 Lock 7 Tow Haulage Out of Service

    The tow haulage equipment at Murray Lock (No. 7) NM 125.4 is currently out of service due to electrical issues. Double cut tows will have to be locked the conventional way (without the use of tow haulage). A follow up notice will be distributed when the tow haulage equipment is back in service.
  • Public open house for Quincy Bay Habitat Rehabilitation Project to be held Feb. 15

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, invites the public to an open house announcing the tentative plan for the Quincy Bay Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project. The open house, which is being conducted in partnership with the Quincy Bay Area Restoration and Enhancement Association (QBAREA), along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will take place on February 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, located at 300 Civic Center Plaza #237 in Quincy, Illinois.
  • Long Branch Lake holds joint emergency preparedness exercise

    Officials held an emergency preparedness tabletop exercise at Long Branch Lake in Macon, Missouri, on Jan. 24, 2024, to showcase the joint emergency preparedness between local, state and federal agencies in the area. The tabletop exercise was coordinated and led by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and focused on the communication and coordination efforts during operational releases or an extreme, rare flood event. During the exercise, USACE emphasized that it regularly assesses the conditions and risks associated with Long Branch Dam, along with its other civil works projects.