West coast aerosol measurements using lidar

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Aerosols play a significant role in the global radiation balance and cloud processes (hence climate change), influence atmospheric chemistry as well as oceanic and terrestrial biogeochemical processes, and even serve as carriers of microbes. Aerosol in the form of Particulate Matter (PM) also affects air quality. Until recently, aerosol pollution in western Canada was considered to be largely of local origin. However, it is now apparent that crustal dust, biomass burning plumes and anthropogenic aerosol (from combustion processes) originating from distant sources affect the region episodically. Major sources include; dust from Asian deserts; air pollution from power generation, industry and transportation in Asia; forest fire plumes from California and Oregon; local wild fire plumes in British Columbia. The proposed research describes a novel and systematic strategy employing a suite of state-of -the-art measurements designed to characterize the scale and nature of aerosol transport in the region and the impacts on human health and visibility. The cornerstone of the research is a new lidar facility established in collaboration with Environment Canada at UBC. This instrument provides continuous measurements of aerosol throughout the full depth of the atmosphere with data available in real time online. The research will establish the baseline values for medium and long range aerosol transport and in so doing establish the basis for assessment of trends. It is expected that these results will contribute significantly to scientific understanding of the meteorological processes and transformations associated with aerosol transport. In addition to the policy implications of such sound scientific knowledge, it is anticipated that this research will provide a basis for the provision of timely public information and warnings related to aerosol pollution.