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New Techniques Enhance Understanding of Aerosol Properties in the Atmosphere
The accurate spatial distribution of aerosol particles is crucial for understanding aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions. However, existing measurements have often overlooked key areas, particularly within the atmospheric boundary layer and the lower free troposphere. This lack of comprehensive data limits the ability to predict anthropogenic impacts on the atmospheric energy balance.
In response to this challenge, a collaborative team from multiple institutions has developed an innovative strategy that combines in situ sampling conducted by uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) with advanced three-dimensional chemical imaging techniques. This new approach employs time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to bridge existing gaps in atmospheric research.
The integration of field data collection with subsequent laboratory analysis paves the way for enhanced scientific insights. The work contributes essential data needed to refine atmospheric models, improving both their accuracy and reliability. The details of this breakthrough are documented in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.
This innovative framework possesses significant potential for enhancing process-level model simulations by synthesizing the capabilities of UAS observations with advanced chemical analysis. The team utilized the sophistication of UAS technology and progressive measurement methods to gather vital data on aerosol microphysical and optical properties around the Southern Great Plains atmospheric observatory in Oklahoma, managed by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility.
The UAS flights underscored the importance of defining aerosol chemical composition and surface characteristics, which is essential for simulating how these properties influence radiative forcing. By combining advanced chemical insights with vertical profiles indicating the microphysical traits of aerosols, researchers can refine large-eddy simulations to provide better estimates of aerosol effects on cloud formation and the overall radiation budget.
Utilizing advanced molecular imaging techniques made possible by secondary ion mass spectrometry, researchers were able to elucidate aerosol structural properties and composition at the nanogram level.
The collaborative effort also benefits from the advanced chemical analytic tools developed at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL). Much like ARM, EMSL is a user facility supported by the Department of Energy Office of Science. By enhancing ARM’s aerial observational capabilities, this partnership aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of atmospheric aerosols and their climatic implications. Together, these methodologies significantly improve models that address aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions.
More information:
Fan Mei et al, Bridging New Observational Capabilities and Process-Level Simulation: Insights into Aerosol Roles in the Earth System, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2024). DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0110.1
Provided by the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory.
Citation: New approach reveals details about aerosol properties from hard-to-sample areas in the atmosphere (2024, September 27) retrieved 27 September 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-approach-reveals-aerosol-properties-hard.html
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