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,  novel techniques will be developed for the deployment (including horizontal and mobile modes), application and data processing of LiDAR technology that is applicable to a wide range of boundary layer issues. Secondly, the research proposed will demonstrate, evaluate and apply these novel techniques in relation to several important and poorly understood environmental phenomena and processes. For example, by deploying the LiDAR instrument in horizontally pointing mode, the role of coal trains in generating coal dust will be investigated in order to define the spatial dimensions of coal dust drift and deposition. In summary, the proposed work is focused on the development of novel LiDAR techniques and their application to a suite of pressing environmental issues. The development and demonstration of these novel approaches will be applicable in other geographical contexts and broaden the application of LiDAR to a wider range of issues (e.g impacts of plumes from industrial, transport and forestry sectors). Furthermore, it will enhance the capability for rapid deployment of LiDAR for specific applications including disasters (e.g forest fire, accidental releases and fires in the industrial and transportation sectors). Finally, this work will form an important observational basis for the evaluation and refinement  of numerical and statistical models, and contribute to a sound scientific basis for policy development.