Innovative application of micro-pulse Lidar technology to boundary-layer Air Quality issues

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Atmospheric aerosols (sometimes referred to as Particulate Matter) originate from numerous natural sources including sea spray, (sea salt particles), volcanic eruptions, dust storms, and forest fires. Emissions of particles from industry including power generation, domestic heating, and combustion processes in the transport sector are also important and growing sources. Describing the distribution and transport of aerosols is critically important to understanding Global Climate Change (particles have both direct (radiative), and indirect (cloud microphysics) impacts on Global climate) as well as identifying impacts on air quality, visibility, aviation, and human health at the local and regional scales. This proposed research focuses on the environmental measurement of particulate matter using the relatively novel technology of mini-micro-pulse LiDAR (MMPL). This remote sensing technology is typically used in upward pointing mode to examine transport of aerosols at large scales and through a depth of 10-12 km in the lower atmosphere. Here, the focus is on measurements near ground (the so-called boundary layer) and at small scales (eg. cities, highways) that are of direct relevance to the development of sound air quality management strategies that protect environmental and human health in Canada. The research includes two main threads. Firstly,