Aerosol Size Distribution, Composition, Optical, and Hygroscopic Property Measurements in ACE-Asia

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project supports the deployment of a Twin Otter aircraft and ground-based measurements as part of ACE-Asia (Aerosol Characterization Experiment). A comprehensive instrument package for the Twin Otter will be available for measurements of aerosol physical, chemical, and optical properties, including size distribution, hygroscopic properties (Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer), size-segregated chemistry, and a novel single particle spectrometer. The objectives of the research flights are to characterize the aerosol in the Asian outflow region and to perform local and column radiative closure studies. In collaboration with a scientist at HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), aerosol samples collected by the aircraft and at ground stations in Cheju Island, Korea, and other locations will be analyzed for organic/elemental carbon (EC/OC) and speciated organics via extraction, derivatization, and GC/MS analysis. Modeling studies will be performed in collaboration with Dr. Carmichael (University of Iowa) using a three-dimensional atmospheric chemical transport model which includes gas-phase chemistry, aerosol microphysics, thermodynamics, gas/particle conversion and anthropogenic emissions.