Measurement report: Properties of aerosol and gases in the vertical profile during the LAPSE-RATE campaign

David Brus,Gijs De Boer,Anne Hirsikko,Osku Kemppinen,Ville Vakkari,Jani Gustafsson

doi:10.5194/acp-21-517-2021

Abstract

Abstract. Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are increasingly being used as observation platforms for atmospheric applications. The Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation – a Remotely-piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) in Alamosa, Colorado, USA, on 14–20 July 2018 investigated and validated different UASs, measurement sensors and setup configurations. Flight teams from the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and Kansas State University (KSU) participated in LAPSE-RATE to measure and investigate properties of aerosol particles and gases in the lower atmosphere. During the experiment, the performance of different UAS configurations were investigated and confirmed to operate reliably, resulting in a scientifically sound observational dataset. As an example, concentration of aerosols – including two new particle formation events, CO2 and water vapor, and meteorological parameters in the atmospheric vertical profile were measured during the short experiment. Such observations characterizing atmospheric phenomena of this specific environment would have not been possible in any other way and, thus, demonstrate the power of UASs as new, promising tools in atmospheric and environmental research.

Highlights

Most air pollution, including gases and particulates, is released near Earth’s surface from various sources
Concentration of aerosols – including two new particle formation events, CO2 and water vapor, and meteorological parameters in the atmospheric vertical profile were measured during the short experiment
Flight teams from the Finnish Meteorological Institute and Kansas State University participated in the LAPSE-RATE campaign in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA, on 14– 19 July 2018

Summary

Introduction

Most air pollution, including gases and particulates, is released near Earth’s surface from various sources. The mixing height of the atmospheric boundary layer and wind speed and direction are influenced by a number of factors, including the amount of solar and surface stored energy and terrain inhomogeneity (Carbone et al, 2010). The atmospheric boundary layer can be investigated through various means, including balloon-borne soundings, tethersondes, dropsondes and hot-air balloons (e.g., Laakso et al, 2007; Greenberg et al, 2009; Nygård et al, 2017); towers (e.g., Heintzenberg et al, 2011; Andreae et al, 2015); remote sensors, including ceilometers, sodars, Doppler lidars and radar techniques (e.g., O’Connor et al, 2010; Schween et al, 2014; Hirsikko et al, 2014; Vakkari et al, 2015); and conventional research aircrafts (Hermann et al, 2003; Twohy et al, 2002; Benson et al, 2008).

Methods

Results

Conclusion