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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Single Particle Soot Photometer

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Single Particle Soot Photometer (Droplet Measurements Technology) Data Notes: Contact us if you want additional data products from this instrument. Reported data is the black carbon (rBC) number and mass concentration with diagnostic flags. The SP2 measures incandescence from particles that is induced with a 1064 Nd-YAG laser. Particles that absorb the laser energy and then emit radiation is assumed to contain black carbon. The amount of intensity of radiation is related to the mass of absorbing material in the particle. Here, we calibrate the incandescence intensity to size selected Regal Black (Cabot) nebulized from solution. Data provided for the EPCAPE campaign used the combined broadband high-gain + low-gain channels (BHBL). Each channel has a lower threshold of detection equivalent to 2-s of the respective channel noise. Thresholding has been applied to select between the high-gain and low-gain channels. The detection limit is 80-540 nm (Deq) or 0.36- 55 fg. It is assumed that rBC is the only aerosol type that is in significant concentration in the sampled atmosphere that absorbs the laser energy. Particle data are integrated over 10 second windows to calculate a rBC number and mass concentration. QC/QA: • Diagnostic flags that impacted measured concentration: - Sample, Sheath, and Purge Flow Rates: Despite observing fluctuations in all flows, the rBC detection and mass quantification are generally observed to be stable, although large changes in sample flow rate did impact detection efficiency. A flag was implemented for sample flow deviations >12 cm3/min from the set point averaged over 30 seconds - Laser Power: Detection efficiency decreases with laser power and deviations in laser power also affect mass quantification. Flag for laser power is set for deviations in laser current from the set value >5 mA. - Primary Detector Threshold: Primary thresholding is the signal value which determines whether a “particle” is recorded. Thresholding errors occur when the threshold value is too HIGH and real particles are ignored. • Several periods without data: - 16-18 Nov: Ultra Zero Air generator failure, flows deviated significantly from set points. rBC # conc recovered but questionable. - 20-21 Nov: Offline for calibrations for several hours each day. - 25-27 Nov: Data is missing. - 30 Nov: Power outage 3 Dec: SP2 hard-drive full. - 3 Dec: Power Outage Header: - BHBL_NumbConc[#/cc]: Refers to the number concentration of refractory black carbon (rBC) measured from combined broadband high-gain and low-gain channels, expressed in particles per cubic centimeter. - BHBL_BCMass_Conc[ug/m3]: Refers to the mass concentration of refractory black carbon (rBC) measured from combined broadband high-gain and low-gain channels, expressed in micrograms per cubic meter. - NoData_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag that indicates whether no data was recorded during a measurement. - NoBC_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether no black carbon particles were recorded during the measurement. - Laser_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating deviations in laser current during the measurement. - SampleFlow_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating deviations from the set sample flow rate during the measurement. - PrimThresh_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating deviations from the set primary threshold during the measurement, potentially ignoring real particles. - Manual_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating manual intervention or adjustments during the measurement. - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active or inactive during the measurement.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Nano-Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: NanoScan SMPS Nanoparticle Sizer 3910 (TSI). Data Notes: The NanoScan replaced our SMPS, on November 22nd 2023 and ran until the end of the campaign. Header: - List [11 nm to 365 nm] middle of the size bin in nanometers: Data reports the concentration particles in this size bin per cubic centimeter, dN/dLog(dp). - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometer

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: IONICON High-Resolution PTR-TOF-MS - Trace VOC Analyzer. Concentrations were calculated based on theoretical reaction rates of each species with H3O+. Details of the calculation are found in the PTR-MS Ionicon Manual. Data Notes: It is a high-resolution PTR-TOF-MS we have sub-selected relevant species. Contact us if you want additional data products from this instrument. Header: - CalculatedAcetonitrile[ppbv]: The concentration of acetonitrile expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedAcetaldehyde[ppbv]: The concentration of acetaldehyde expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedAcetone[ppbv]: The concentration of acetone expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedAceticAcid[ppbv]: The concentration of acetic acid expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedIsoprene[ppbv]: The concentration of isoprene expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedMVK[ppbv]: The concentration of methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) and methacrolein (MACR) expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedMEK[ppbv]: The concentration of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedBenzene[ppbv]: The concentration of benzene expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv). - CalculatedToluene[ppbv]: The concentration of toluene expressed in parts per billion by volume (ppbv).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Aerodynamic Part Sizer

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Aerodynamic particle sizer (TSI) Files data_10min_APS.csv Header: - List [0.54 to 19.81] middle of the size bin in microns: Data reports the concentration particles in this size bin per cubic centimeter, dN/dLog(dp). - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Gas Monitors

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: G2401 Gas Concentration Analyzer (Picarro) Data Notes: The Picarro G2401 gas concentration analyzer provides simultaneous, precise measurement of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) at parts-per-billion (ppb), and water (H2O) vapor at parts per-million (ppm) sensitivity with negligible drift for atmospheric science, air quality, and emissions quantification. Header: - CO[ppm]: Concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) measured at the time of sampling, expressed in parts per million (ppm). - CO2[ppm]: Concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) measured at the time of sampling, expressed in parts per million (ppm). - CH4[ppm]: Concentration of methane (CH4) measured at the time of sampling, expressed in parts per million (ppm). - H2O[%]: Water vapor content in the air at the time of the measurement, expressed as a percentage

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Humidified Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift Spectroscopy

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Humidified Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift Particulate Matter Single Scattering Albedo (H-CAPS-PMSSA, Aerodyne Inc) Data Notes: The scattering truncation correction was not applied to Bsca. The Bext needs no correction. Files: data_10sec_CAPS.csv, data_10min_CAPS.csv Header: - Bext_wet_CAPS_450nm[1/Mm]: Wet aerosol extinction coefficient measured at 450 nm by the CAPS, in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Bsca_wet_CAPS_450nm[1/Mm]: Wet aerosol scattering coefficient measured at 450 nm by the CAPS, in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Temp_wet_CAPS[K]: Temperature inside the wet CAPS measurement chamber, in Kelvin. - Bext_dry_CAPS_450nm[1/Mm]: Dry aerosol extinction coefficient measured at 450 nm by the CAPS, in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Bsca_dry_CAPS_450nm[1/Mm]: Dry aerosol scattering coefficient measured at 450 nm by the CAPS, in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Temp_dry_CAPS[K]: Temperature inside the dry CAPS measurement chamber, in Kelvin. - Wet_RH_preCAPS[%]: Relative humidity before entering the wet CAPS, in percent. - Wet_RH_postCAPS[%]: Relative humidity after exiting the wet CAPS, in percent. - Humidifier_RH_CAPS[%]: Relative humidity inside the humidifier used with the CAPS, in percent. - dualCAPS_inlet_RH[%]: Relative humidity at the inlet of the dual (wet/dry) CAPS setup, in percent. - Wet_Temp_preCAPS[C]: Temperature before entering the wet CAPS, in degrees Celsius. - Wet_Temp_postCAPS[C]: Temperature after exiting the wet CAPS, in degrees Celsius. - Humidifier_Temp[C]: Temperature inside the humidifier used with the CAPS, in degrees Celsius. - dualCAPS_inlet_Temp[C]: Temperature at the inlet of the dual (wet/dry) CAPS setup, in degrees Celsius. - Zero_dry_CAPS: 1 is a calibration check for the dry CAPS to ensure zero reading under filter air conditions. - Zero_wet_CAPS: 1 is a calibration check for the wet CAPS to ensure zero reading under filter air conditions. - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Condensation Particle Counter

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Condensational particle counter 3070 (TSI) Calibration: No calibration during the campaign. Files: data_10sec_CPC.csv, data_10min_CPC.csv Header: - NumberConcentration[/cm3]: Number concentration of aerosol particles measured by the CPC, expressed in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentration[/cm3]_QC: Number concentration of aerosol particles after quality control adjustments or filtering, expressed in particles per cubic centimeter. - QualityControl_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the measurement is flagged for quality control checks, (0=pass) - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (Droplet Measurements Technology) Data Notes: The WIBS is an online single-particle measurement that detects FBAPs (within a size range of 0.5 - 30 microns in diameter) based on the excitation and emission wavelengths of the individual particles. Using two xenon lamps, the WIBS excites FBAPs at 280 nm and 370 nm. Their emission is detected across two wavebands of 310-400 nm and 420-650 nm. We classified the FBAPs into seven different categories (A, B, C, AB, BC, AC, and ABC) using the classification scheme in Perring et. al. (2015) [1]. Averaged number concentration of FBAPs (total and by category) and particles that non-fluorescent bioaerosols particles (NFBAPs). In separate files, we also present one-minute-averaged size distributions and the asymmetry factor (AF, a surrogate for shape) of all FBAPs and NFBAPs. The logarithmic bin width of the size bins are the same as the average bin width of the AOS's optical particle counter (OPC, Grimm) for the range of sizes in which they overlap (26 bins from 0.5 - 30 microns). AF of the particles ranges from 0-100 and is divided into five bins with a linear spacing at increments of 20. The smallest AF bin represents more spherical particles while the largest bin represents more rod-shaped particles. [1] Perring, A. E., et al. (2015), Airborne observations of regional variation in fluorescent aerosol across the United States, J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 120, 1153–1170, doi:10.1002/2014JD022495. Abstract and description of the campaign can be found here : https://www.arm.gov/research/campaigns/amf2023epcape-pt-lanl. Files data_10min_WIBS_AFDist.csv Header: - FBAP_AFDist[/cm3]_Bin_1 to Bin_5: Concentration of fluorescent bioaerosol particles in the each of 5 AF bins, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. Each bin represents a specific range of particle AF, capturing the shapes of FBAPs detected during the measurement. - NFBAP_AFDist[/cm3]_Bin_1 to Bin_5: Concentration of non-fluorescent bioaerosol particles in the each of 5 AF bins, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. Each bin represents a specific range of particle AF, capturing the shapes of NFBAPs detected during the measurement. - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement. AF Bins: • Bin 1: 0 – 20 [unitless] • Bin 2: 21 – 40 [unitless] • Bin 3: 41 – 60 [unitless] • Bin 4: 61 – 80 [unitless] • Bin 5: 81 – 100 [unitless] Files data_10min_WIBS_Conc.csv Header: - NumberConcentrationA[/cm3]: Number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by fluorescence channel A, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationB[/cm3]: Number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by fluorescence channel B, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationC[/cm3]: Number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by fluorescence channel C, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationAB[/cm3]: Combined number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by both fluorescence channels A and B, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationBC[/cm3]: Combined number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by both fluorescence channels B and C, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationAC[/cm3]: Combined number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by both fluorescence channels A and C, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationABC[/cm3]: Combined number concentration of bioaerosol particles detected by all three fluorescence channels A, B, and C, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - NumberConcentrationNFBAP[/cm3]: Number concentration of non-fluorescent bioaerosol particles, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement. Files data_10min_WIBS_SizeDist.csv Header: - FBAP_SizeDist[/cm3]_Bin_1 to FBAP_SizeDist[/cm3]_Bin_26: Number concentrations of FBAP in each of 26 size bins, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. Each bin represents a specific range of particle sizes, capturing the size distribution of FBAPs detected during the measurement. - NFBAP_SizeDist[/cm3]_Bin_1 to NFBAP_SizeDist[/cm3]_Bin_26: Number concentrations of NFBAP in each of 26 size bins, measured in particles per cubic centimeter. Similar to FBAP, each bin covers a specific range of particle sizes, detailing the size distribution of NFBAPs detected. - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement. Size Bins: • Bin 1: 0.48 to 0.57 μm • Bin 2: 0.57 to 0.67 μm • Bin 3: 0.67 to 0.79 μm • Bin 4: 0.79 to 0.93 μm • Bin 5: 0.93 to 1.1 μm • Bin 6: 1.1 to 1.29 μm • Bin 7: 1.29 to 1.52 μm • Bin 8: 1.52 to 1.8 μm • Bin 9: 1.8 to 2.11 μm • Bin 10: 2.11 to 2.5 μm • Bin 11: 2.5 to 2.94 μm • Bin 12: 2.94 to 3.46 μm • Bin 13: 3.46 to 4.08 μm • Bin 14: 4.08 to 4.81 μm • Bin 15: 4.81 to 5.67 μm • Bin 16: 5.67 to 6.68 μm • Bin 17: 6.68 to 7.88 μm • Bin 18: 7.88 to 9.29 μm • Bin 19: 9.29 to 10.96 μm • Bin 20: 10.96 to 12.92 μm • Bin 21: 12.92 to 15.23 μm • Bin 22: 15.23 to 17.96 μm • Bin 23: 17.96 to 21.17 μm • Bin 24: 21.17 to 24.96 μm • Bin 25: 24.96 to 29.43 μm • Bin 26: 29.43 to 34.70 μm

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: Photoacoustic Extinctometer

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Photoacoustic Extinctiometer at 870 nm (Droplet Measurement Technology) Header: - AbsorptionNoise_870nm[1/Mm]: Noise level associated with the absorption measurement at 870 nm, expressed in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Absorption_870nm[1/Mm]: Absorption coefficient of aerosols measured at 870 nm, expressed in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Extinction_870nm[1/Mm]: Extinction coefficient of aerosols measured at 870 nm, expressing the sum of scattering and absorption by aerosols, in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Scattering_870nm[1/Mm]: Scattering coefficient of aerosols measured at 870 nm, expressed in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - BackgroundAbsorption_870nm[1/Mm]: Background absorption measurement at 870 nm, used to correct the primary absorption data, expressed in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - BackgroundScattering_870nm[1/Mm]: Background scattering measurement at 870 nm, used to correct the primary scattering data, expressed in inverse megameters (Mm⁻¹). - Temperature[C]: The ambient temperature at the time of the measurement, expressed in degrees Celsius. - RelativeHumidity[%]: The relative humidity at the time of the measurement, expressed as a percentage. - CVI_Flag[bool]: A boolean flag indicating whether the Counterflow Virtual Impactor (CVI) was active (true) or inactive (false) during the measurement

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

EPCAPE-PT-LANL Measurements: PM Modulair 1

Coastal cities offer a unique environment for studying aerosol-cloud interactions and the effects of urban emissions on cloud properties. As part of the Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE), the Partitioning Thrust by Los Alamos National Laboratory (EPCAPE-PT-LANL) was conducted. Our campaign focused on measuring the optical and chemical properties of aerosols and their interactions within marine stratocumulus clouds in La Jolla, California. EPCAPE-PT-LANL enhances the primary goals of EPCAPE through innovative observations of vapor-phase transitions between aerosols and cloud droplets, the impact of black carbon on aerosol-cloud dynamics, and the effects of cloud processing on aerosol optical properties. Instrument: Quant-AQ MODULAIR. Mounted external to the instrument container, near the GCVI inlet. The MODULAIR™ air quality monitor uses the same patent-pending PM sensor found in the MODULAIR™-PM and adds four gas-phase measurements (CO, NO, NO2, and O3) to provide an all-in-one solution. Files data_10sec_Quant_Gas.csv, data_10min_Quant_Gas.csv Header: - CO[ppb]: Concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) measured at the time of sampling, expressed in parts per billion (ppb) - NO[ppb]: Concentration of nitric oxide (NO) measured at the time of sampling, expressed in parts per billion (ppb). - O3[ppb]: Concentration of ozone (O3) measured at the time of sampling, expressed in parts per billion (ppb). - Temperature[C]: The ambient temperature at the time of the measurement, expressed in degrees Celsius. - RelativeHumidity[%]: The relative humidity at the time of the measurement, expressed as a percentage. Files data_10sec_Quant_PM.csv, data_10min_Quant_PM.csv Header: - PM1[ug/m3]: Concentration of particulate matter with a diameter of 1 micron or less, measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). - PM2-5[ug/m3]: Concentration of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). - PM10[ug/m3]: Concentration of particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less, measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). - Temperature[C]: The ambient temperature at the time of the measurement, expressed in degrees Celsius. - RelativeHumidity[%]: The relative humidity at the time of the measurement, expressed as a percentage.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1978

Definition of air quality measurements for monitoring space shuttle launches

A description of a recommended air quality monitoring network to characterize the impact on ambient air quality in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (area) of space shuttle launch operations is given. Analysis of ground cloud processes and prevalent meteorological conditions indicates that transient HCl depositions can be a cause for concern. The system designed to monitor HCl employs an extensive network of inexpensive detectors combined with a central analysis device. An acid rain network is also recommended. A quantitative measure of projected minimal long-term impact involves the limited monitoring of NOx and particulates. All recommended monitoring is confined ti KSC property.

Thorpe, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

RF radiation from lightning

Radiation from lightning in the RF band from 3-300 MHz were monitored. Radiation in this frequency range is of interest as a potential vehicle for monitoring severe storms and for studying the lightning itself. Simultaneous measurements were made of RF radiation and fast and slow field changes. Continuous analogue recordings with a system having 300 kHz of bandwidth were made together with digital records of selected events (principally return strokes) at greater temporal resolution. The data reveal patterns in the RF radiation for the entire flash which are characteristic of flash type and independent of the frequency of observation. Individual events within the flash also have characteristic RF patterns. Strong radiation occurs during the first return strokes, but delayed about 20 micron sec with respect to the begining of the return stroke; whereas, RF radiation from subsequent return strokes tends to be associated with cloud processes preceding the flash with comparatively little radiation occurring during the return stroke itself.

Levine, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Air turbulence measurements in and below cumulus congestus over mountainous terrain

Consideration is given to the definition and application to air turbulence measurements over mountainous terrain of the ensemble averaging operator in the second-order turbulent transfer model of moist, precipitating mesoscale systems developed by Manton and Cotton (1977) as a first step in the formulation of a unified mesoscale turbulence theory. The use of running means to smooth out point-to-point data variability is proposed as a means of avoiding certain of the problems associated with ensemble averaging, and is applied to airborne velocity measurements in cumulus congestus over South Park, Colorado. It is found that, in general, vertical transport of any cloud parameter will be primarily eddy transport in the mesoscale modeling of cloud processes.

Cotton, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A Great Salt Lake waterspout

Results are presented of observations of a waterspout funnel and spray ring performed under a cumulus line over the Great Salt Lake for about 5 min shortly after sunrise on June 26, 1985. These observations were used as the basis for a study of the initiation and evolution of waterspouts through a series of numerical experiments at two scales, that of a cloud and a waterspout. The cloud scale was simulated using an improved Goddard-Schlesinger model with nearby Salt Lake City soundings. Results showed that for each mode of cloud initiation, the vortex that started at the anticyclonic center grew faster than those started at other centers. This result strongly suggests that the cloud vorticity was important in its initiation. The greatest azimuthal speed for the bubble-initiated cloud was 11 m/s, when the vortex model was started at 28-min cloud time with time-varying boundary conditions, whereas it was 21 m/s when started at 12 min in the line-initiated cloud. The results support the hypothesis that, at least in some circumstances, cloud processes alone can produce waterspouts in the absence of external vorticity sources such as surface convergence lines or other shear features.

Simpson, Joanne↗
NASA NTRS2001

Cloud Macro- and Microphysical Properties Derived from GOES over the ARM SGP Domain

Cloud macrophysical properties like fractional coverage and height Z(sub c) and microphysical parameters such as cloud liquid water path (LWP), effective droplet radius r(sub e), and cloud phase, are key factors affecting both the radiation budget and the hydrological cycle. Satellite data have been used to complement surface observations from Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) by providing additional spatial coverage and top-of-atmosphere boundary conditions of these key parameters. Since 1994, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) has been used for deriving at each half-hour over the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) domain: cloud amounts, altitudes, temperatures, and optical depths as well as broadband shortwave (SW) albedo and outgoing longwave radiation at the top of the atmosphere. A new operational algorithm has been implemented to increase the number of value-added products to include cloud particle phase and effective size (r(sub e) or effective ice diameter D(sub e)) as well as LWP and ice water path. Similar analyses have been performed on the data from the Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite as part of the Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System project. This larger suite of cloud properties will enhance our knowledge of cloud processes and further constrain the mesoscale and single column models using ARM data as a validation/initialization resource. This paper presents the results of applying this new algorithm to GOES-8 data taken during 1998 and 2000. The global VIRS results are compared to the GOES SGP results to provide appropriate context and to test consistency.

Minnis, P.↗
NASA NTRS2006

A View of Hurricane Katrina with Early 2lSt Century Technology

Recent advances in space-borne observations and numerical weather prediction models provide new opportunities for improving hurricane forecasts. In this study, state-of-the-art satellite observations are used to document the evolution of one of the most devastating tropical cyclones ever to hit the United States: Hurricane Katrina. The ECMWF and NASA global high-resolution forecasts, the latter being run in experimental mode, are compared with satellite observations, with a focus on precipitation and cloud processes. Future directions on modeling and observations are briefly discussed.

Lin, Xin↗
NASA NTRS2007

A Comparison of Satellite-Based Multilayered Cloud Detection Methods

Both techniques show skill in detecting multilayered clouds, but they disagree more than 50% of the time. BTD method tends to detect more ML clouds than CO2 method and has slightly higher detection accuracy. CO2 method might be better for minimizing false positives, but further study is needed. Neither method as been optimized for GOES data. BTD technique developed on AVHRR, better BTD signals & resolution. CO2 developed on MODIS, better resolution & 4 CO2 channels. Many additional comparisons with ARSCL data will be used to optimize both techniques. A combined technique will be examined using MODIS & Meteosat-8 data. After optimization, the techniques will be implemented in the ARM operational satellite cloud processing.

Minnis, Patrick↗
NASA NTRS2019

Near-saturation Conditions at the Tropical Tropopause: Results from Ticosonde

Balloon-borne frostpoint measurements have shown a high frequency of supersaturation near the tropical tropopause, and this has been attributed to forced ascent associated with wavemotions as well as diabatic heating. Long-term profile statistics are typically presented on altitude, pressure or potential temperature surfaces. For example, at Costa Rica long-term mean values of CFH RH at 16.8 km, the mean annual height of the tropopause, range from less than 60 percent in July to over 90% in October. While a plot of the annual cycle vs height shows relatively high humidities in the upper troposphere and especially so as one approaches the tropopause, the overall picture is one of subsaturation. A very different picture emerges,however, if the analysis is done in height relative to the tropopause. Here the long-term average of RH at the tropopause is 94 percent or greater throughout the year. We discuss this paradoxical result in the context of dynamical and cloud processes occurring near the tropical tropopause.

Tropical↗