Direct Measurement of the Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) Sea-Air Flux and Exchange Coefficient

University Of Hawaii, Honolulu

Investigators

Abstract

This project is an innovative step toward a better understanding of sea-air interaction, in particular gas fluxes between the ocean and atmosphere. The investigators will initially modify in the laboratory a newly developed Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometer (APIMS) for shipboard applications. After testing, the investigators will collaborate with a number of other groups on ocean research cruises and use the APIMS system to measure directly the sea-to-air flux of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), an important biogenic trace gas and natural secondary aerosol precursor. The broader impacts of this research include developing a very powerful tool potentially of great importance to the atmospheric community. The project results will provide important new data on DMS fluxes useful for improving parameterizations of the sea-air exchange process in global models, and provide a technical framework by which other trace gases relevant to climate might be investigated in future studies. Graduate students will also receive laboratory training and research experience at sea under the project.