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Earth Science: Atmospheric Trace-Gas Measurements

RO#

17507

Location

Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Advisor Information

NamePhoneEmail
Singh, Hanwant B. (650)604-6769 hsingh@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Research Area

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Keywords

Atmospheric trace constituents; Stratosphere; Troposphere; Atmospheric coupling; Gas chromatography; Tropopause;

Description

Trace-gas measurements are a continuing effort in the Ames Atmospheric Research Program. Minor constituents of interest are halocarbons, hydrocarbons, sulfur gases, N2O, CO, and others. Concentrations of minor constituents have been measured as a function of altitude and latitude in the lower stratosphere in various locations in the northern hemisphere.

Part of the current research program investigates transport and troposphere-stratosphere exchange processes. The experimental effort involves trace-gas measurements in the lower stratosphere (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons, N2O, CO, and CH4). Recently, an automated whole-air sampler was developed for the multi-instrumented ER-2 aircraft for a study of the region of depleted ozone in the Antarctic.

Measurements of tropospheric trace gases play a large role in this program. Information on the behavior and variability of trace-gas species in the atmosphere aids in understanding the natural atmospheric chemical processes. Currently, light hydrocarbons, PAN, and CO are determined by gas chromatography. Efforts are under way to develop techniques for the measurement of carbonyl compounds.

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