Trace Gas Measurements on the U. S. East Coast and Bermuda

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Ozone (O3) and other oxidants in the troposphere affect both local air quality and global climate. Photochemical reactions involving odd nitrogen compounds and carbon monoxide (CO) or hydrocarbons (NMHC) produce ozone, but measurements of these species are sparse. The resulting paucity of data for air over nonurban areas of the eastern United States and over the northern Atlantic Ocean limits our understanding of the atmospheric chemistry of ozone and hydroxyl radicals (OH). The PI's plan to conduct measurements at the AEROCE (Atmosphere/Ocean Chemistry Experiment) site in Bermuda in spring/summer 1992 and 1993, when they will measure various reactive nitrogen species and collect grab samples for hydrocarbons. Intensive experiments will be carried out for one month, than the instruments will be operated in an unattended, monitoring mode for as long as possible. Total reactive nitrogen (NOy) will be measured by direct chemiluminescence, and CO by IR absorption. Carbon monoxide will be measured continuously in both Bermuda and a U.S. East Coast site. For communications and data acquisition in Bermuda, they plan to use a PAM-based (Portable Automated Mesonet) system. These field experiments will study the fate and effects of pollutants after they have left the North American continent, and support aircraft experiments coordinated by the Center for Clouds, Chemistry, Climate (C4), and the North Atlantic Regional Study (NARE).