Measurement of Aerosol Chemical, Physical, and Radiative Properties Related to Direct Climate Forcing in China

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

This project is part of the ACE-Asia Program (Aerosol Characterization Experiment). A variety of aerosol optical properties will be measured at a ground site in Shaanxi Province, China, which is located in the vicinity of major dust sources. The measurement period will coincide with the intensive observing period of the airborne field program downwind of Northern China, thus providing valuable information on aerosol properties in an important source region. The PI will measure aerosol light scattering and determine absorption coefficients. Aerosol samples in the less than 2.5 micron size fraction will also be analyzed for mass, major ionic, and elemental and organic carbon concentrations. These measurements will make it possible to determine the relative contributions of dust and anthropogenic aerosols to aerosol extinction in this region. The PI will also measure the wavelength dependent aerosol optical depth, total column water vapor and ozone during clear-sky conditions, and photosynthetically active radiation. These measurements will provide information on the relationship between dust loading and direct climate forcing.