Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/E011330/1
Seasonal Oxidant Observations in the Tropical North Atlantic Atmosphere
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor LJ Carpenter, University of York, Chemistry
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor A Lewis, University of York, Chemistry
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor JD Lee, University of York, National Centre for Atmospheric Science
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr JR Hopkins, University of York, Chemistry
- Grant held at:
- University of York, Chemistry
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Boundary Layer Meteorology
- Tropospheric Processes
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- The tropical marine boundary layer acts as an engine room for the self cleansing of the Earths atmosphere, - a result of high solar radiation and an abundance of water vapour and ozone. It is in these regions that the effects of certain greenhouse gases may be acutely influenced, since the oxidation chemistry occurring is potent in controlling the lifetime and hence future concentrations of gases such as methane and ozone. Atmospheric observations in tropical regions are however sparse and for the dominant atmospheric oxidant OH almost non-existent. A measurement of OH alone however is of only limited use, - the key to improving and testing our understanding is to subsequently compare those concentrations measured locally with concentrations calculated from first principles when all other trace species which form and react with OH are accounted for. This requires a formidable array of analytical instrumentation to measure species such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, organic and halogen compounds and aerosols. To attempt to understand OH over a seasonal cycle, which is of by far the most value to global and climate models, is feasible only where long time series observations of other gases can also be made. Within this proposal we identify that to obtain year-round measurements of OH, and its partner species HO2, in conjunction with a highly instrumented atmospheric observatory located within the tropical marine boundary layer would be a unique and world leading experiment. Our experiment places a laser induced fluorescence instrument capable of high sensitivity HO/HO2 measurements at the SOLAS Cape Verde atmospheric Observatory. To support nearly one year of radical observations starting in 2008, we propose that the detailed trace gas time series at the Observatory be extended by a further 9 months to end of Apr 2009. Numerous links and users of the potential dataset can be identified already in the global atmospheric modelling communities.
- Period of Award:
- 1 May 2007 - 31 Jan 2010
- Value:
- £95,990 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/E011330/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Directed (Research Programmes)
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- SOLAS
This grant award has a total value of £95,990
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Investigators | DI - Staff | DA - Estate Costs | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £19,976 | £29,521 | £6,208 | £19,310 | £8,489 | £12,485 |
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