Investigation of Photochemical Transformation within Snow and Their Effect on Snow and Atmospheric Composition

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ABSTRACTOPP-9907197 OPP-9907469 OPP-9907330HONRATH, RICHARD DIBB, JACK ALBERT, MARYMICH. TECH. UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY NH CRRELOPP-9907376 OPP-9907623 OPP-9907434SHEPSON, PAUL BLAKE, DONALD ANASTASIO, CORTPURDUE UNIVERSITY UC-IRVINE UC-DAVISOPP-9907314STEFFAN, CONRADUNIVERSITY OF COLORADOThe PIs propose a field sampling program at the summit of the Greenland ice cap to examine the effects of energy from the sun on the chemistry of organic compounds contained in the interstitial air trapped in snow. The results of the research will be used to determine if the chemistry of the air/snow changes through time in response to fluctuations in light energy penetrating the snow. The study is critical to developing a method for interpreting ice core records for the history of atmospheric chemistry in the past. The photochemical process under study could lead to more accurate interpretations of past atmospheric conditions and provide better estimates of both natural and anthropogenic impacts on the atmosphere from changing climate or human activities. The results of the research will also provide evidence of the role of the Greenland ice sheet on modern atmospheric chemistry that will be critical to understanding how high-latitude processes affect the atmosphere.