Assessing Vertical Distribution of Trace Species as related to Transport and Emissions

Abstract:

The NASA DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) field campaign conducted extensive vertical sampling of traces gases and aerosols during four separate deployments: Baltimore, MD (2011); California Central Valley (2013); Houston, TX (2013); and Denver, CO (2014). The campaign’s primary objective is to better understand how column measurements can be used to infer surface conditions. In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to understand the factors that control the vertical distribution of trace species that are highly relevant to air quality issues. Leveraging the over 400 vertical profiles from the Baltimore and Houston deployments, we will contrast the DISCOVER-AQ vertical observations of CO₂, CO, O₃, NO_x, CH₂O, and aerosol properties from these coastal regions. After determining airmass origin and atmospheric vertical structure for each of the profiles, the vertical structure of these trace species will be compared to assess the impact and relative importance of vertical transport, advection, and local emissions.