The Special Operations and Research Division (SORD) is located in Southern Nevada, at both the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Complex in North Las Vegas and on the DOE’s Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The NNSS is an expansive outdoor laboratory and experimental area that conducts hazardous chemical spill testing, emergency response training, conventional weapons testing, and waste management and environmental technology studies with a focus on national security. SORD has provided research support to the DOE and its predecessors since 1956 when it was a part of the U.S. Weather Bureau.
SORD’s capabilities are in meteorology and atmospheric transport and dispersion. Its work is used by decision-makers, primarily at the NNSS, to protect the atmosphere and human health, to reduce weather related injuries and fatalities, and to keep people safe during disasters. By providing key atmospheric information, necessary to protect lives and property, SORD has supported essential work at the NNSS to improve national security. Local weather observations and predictions protect NNSS staff and facilities —especially for activities dealing with radioactive, explosive, or toxic materials. SORD weather observations and modeling also support improved weather predictions and warnings for the entire region. Predictions of the atmospheric transport and dispersion of hazardous materials and air pollution provide essential information for mitigating risks for NNSS staff, first responders, and the public.
For more Information, please visit SORD’s Website
Mailing Address:
NOAA/ARL Special Operations and Research Division
232 Energy Way
North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Phone: 702.295.1231
FAX: 702.295.3068
