MRI: Acquisition of New Generation of Aerosol, Trace Gas, and Water Isotope Instruments for Storm Peak Laboratory

该项目包括获取一个水同位素仪器、微量气体分析仪和一个气溶胶大小分析仪，它们一起作为一个综合系统，监测风暴峰实验室（SPL）的大气化学成分，SPL是一个独特的高海拔大气研究站，几乎每天都经历从自由对流层到边界层空气的转换。提出的二氧化硫（SO2）、氮氧化物（NOx）和一氧化碳（CO）的痕量气体分析仪将使相关测量能够确定影响SPL的气团中人为成分的来源和运输。一氧化碳和氮氧化物（NO和NO2）是人为燃烧源的指标。NOx是活性的，而CO是相对稳定的。例如，CO和汞的相对丰度已被用来确定当地与远处的汞源。最近在SPL的证据表明，新粒子的形成频繁发生。扫描迁移率粒度仪将SPL的气溶胶尺寸测量能力扩展到2.5纳米，这对于识别气溶胶成核及其原因至关重要。二氧化硫参与了气溶胶的成核，在痕量水平的测量是量化其作用的必要条件。水蒸气/同位素分析仪将为SPL的云和降水研究增加一个新的维度。获得这台仪器将有助于支持最近的工作，表明同位素可以用作云形成温度和高度的代理。这种新仪器的研究活动将涉及本科生和研究生以及博士后研究员的参与。SPL还为本科生和研究生提供来自众多大学的大气科学领域课程。美国国家科学基金会加强地球科学多样性计划的机会为SPL的广泛本科生群体提供实地研究经验，包括与几所历史上的黑人大学和西班牙裔服务机构建立伙伴关系。这些设备将扩大在该研究所进行的研究的范围和重点，从而为实地训练提供更多的机会。SPL通过媒体对研究的报道来促进公众的宣传。报道出现在CNN、NBC、国家公共广播电台、国家地理探险家、地方电视台和美国各地的报纸上

This project involves acquisition of a water isotope instrument, trace gas analyzers, and an aerosol size analyzer that together serve as an integrated system to monitor atmospheric chemical composition at Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL), a unique, high-altitude atmospheric research station that experiences almost daily transition from free-troposphere to boundary layer air. The proposed trace gas analyzers for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) will enable correlative measurements to identify sources and transport of anthropogenic constituents in air masses impacting SPL. Carbon monoxide and NOx (NO and NO2) are indicators of anthropogenic combustion sources. While NOx is reactive, CO is relatively stable. The relative abundances of CO and mercury, for example, have been used to identify local versus distant sources of mercury. Recent evidence at SPL indicates that new particle formation occurs frequently. A scanning mobility particle-sizer will extend SPL's aerosol size measurement capability down to 2.5 nanometers, which is essential for identifying aerosol nucleation and the factors responsible for it. Sulfur dioxide is involved in aerosol nucleation, and measurements at trace levels are necessary for quantifying its role. A water vapor/isotopic analyzer will add a new dimension to cloud and precipitation studies at SPL. Acquisition of this instrument will help support recent work showing that isotopes can be used as a proxy for cloud formation temperatures and altitudes.The research activities enabled by this new instrumentation will involve participation by undergraduate and graduate students plus post-doctoral fellows. SPL also hosts atmospheric science field courses from a multitude of universities for both undergraduate and graduate students. NSF's Opportunity for Enhancing Diversity in Geoscience Program supports field research experiences for a wde-ranging group of undergraduate students at SPL, including partnerships with several Historically Black Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions. The equipment will expand the scope and focus of research conducted at SPL, thereby providing additional opportunities for field training. SPL engenders public outreach through media coverage of the research. Reports have appeared on CNN, NBC, National Public Radio, National Geographic Explorer, local television stations, and in newspapers across the U.S.