Scientific Theme: Advanced Modeling and Observing Systems

Theme report: Advanced Modeling and Observing Systems
Theme Reports
Scientific Theme: ADVANCED MODELING AND OBSERVING SYSTEMS
AMOS-01: Instrumentation Design, Prototyping and Analysis
CSD01: Instrumentation for Atmospheric Observation and Analysis
CET01: Remote Hydrologic Sensing
PSD08: Sensor and Technique Development
AMOS-02: Data Management, Projects and Infrastructure Systems
NGDC01: Geospatial Technology for Global Integrated Observing and Data
Management Systems
NGDC02: Marine Geophysics Data Stewardship
SEC03: Information Technology and Data Systems
SEC04: Space Environment Data Algorithm and Product Development
AMOS-03: Prediction, Model Development and Evaluation
CSD02: Chemical Transport Model Research
PSD09: Environmental Monitoring and Prediction
GSD01: Regional Numerical Weather Prediction
GSD03: Verification Techniques for the Evaluation of Aviation Weather Forecasts
NGDC03: Space Weather
SEC01: Solar Disturbances in the Geospace Environment
SEC02: Modeling the Upper Atmosphere
AMOS-04: Observing Facilities, Campaigns and Networks
GMD01: Central Ultraviolet Calibration Facility
GMD02: Surface Radiation Network
AMOS-01: Instrumentation Design, Prototyping and Analysis
CSD01: Instrumentation for Atmospheric Observation and Analysis
GOALS:
Design and evaluate new approaches and instrumentation to make atmospheric observations of hard-to-measure
species that are important players in the chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere.
MILESTONE CSD01.1:
Report airborne observations of gas-phase ammonia (NH3) that were made aboard the NOAA
WP-3D by a newly chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) technique during the New
England Air Quality Study–Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation (NEAQS–
ITCT).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR CSD01.1:
Ammonia (NH3) is the dominant gas-phase base in the troposphere. As a consequence, NH3 abundance influences
aerosol nucleation and composition and affects regional air quality, atmospheric visibility, and acid deposition
patterns. Major sources of NH3 in the troposphere include biomass burning and anthropogenic emissions from
livestock waste, large-scale application of fertilizer, and automobile emissions. Despite its importance, there are few
observations of NH3 above the planetary boundary layer. Some of the earliest were by filter or denuder techniques
that required sampling times (>15 min) that are not well suited to aircraft traveling at speeds of 100 m s -1 or greater.
NH3 mixing ratios in concentrated plumes from biomass burning sources have been reported at greater than 10 partsper-billion
by volume (ppbv). However, NH3 mixing ratios as low as 0.1 ppbv have been hypothesized to influence
important atmospheric processes, such as new particle formation. To further understand the distribution of NH3
throughout the atmosphere, its role in atmospheric processes such as aerosol formation, and the impact of
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