Daytime and nighttime aircraft lidar measurements showing evidence of particulate matter transport into the Northeastern valleys of the Lower Fraser Valley, BC

Abstract

As part of the Pacific 2001 Air Quality Field Study a simultaneous upward/downward airborne lidar system called AERIAL (AERosol Imaging Airborne Lidar) operating at the fundamental Nd:YAG wavelength, 1064 nm, was flown aboard the National Research Council of Canada Convair 580 (CV580). The primary task of this platform was to establish a regional picture of particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV). The high temporal and spatial resolution of the lidar, provided images of PM stratification and boundary layer structure along predetermined flight lines. The flight lines were divided into a series of north–south and east–west lines to provide a snapshot of the LFV as well as provide aerial support for three main ground sites. The airborne lidar system also included a cross-polarization channel that is sensitive to particle shape (non-sphericity), for example smoke plumes from forest fires. There were nine flights flown over a 3-week period including two night flights. Comparing AERIAL results on the 26 and 29 August, between the afternoon and nighttime, showed increased PM concentrations in the Northeastern tributary valleys during the night flights due to a persistent sea breeze signal on both days. The complexity of the LFV airshed was further evidenced by the re-circulation of pollutants through upslope advection. The spatial and temporal variation of the planetary boundary layer height was also shown to play an important role in the air quality of the region.