SGER: Aerosol Characterization Experiments (ACE)-Asia 2001: Fine Particulate Organic Material in the Asian Aerosol

Brigham Young University, Provo UT

Investigators

Abstract

This SGER (Small Grant for Exploratory Research) project involves airborne measurements of aerosol phase organic compounds during ACE-Asia (Aerosol Characterization Experiment-Asia). In this collaboration with Dr. Barry Huebert of the University of Hawaii, the PI is providing his aerosol sampling system for use in the NSF C-130 aircraft. In this particular configuration, the airflow will be passed through a particle concentrator, a diffusion denuder, and filters. This minimizes potential artifacts associated with the collection of semi-volatile organic compounds. Recent measurements have pointed to the potentially large and yet insufficiently well understood role of organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols and their climate forcing. The airborne measurement of organic carbon is a crucial component of the ACE-experiment which takes place in a region where the role of carbonaceous material is expected to be very significant.