Title: Surface Measurement of Trace Gases in Support of DISCOVER-AQ in Houston in Summer 2013
Institution(s) Represented: University of Maryland - Xinrong Ren
Lead PI: Xinrong Ren
AQRP Project Manager: Dave Sullivan
TCEQ Project Liaison: Erik Gribbon
Awarded Amount: $90,444.00
Abstract
Surface Measurement of Trace Gases in Support of DISCOVER-AQ in Houston in Summer 2013
The link between ozone (O3) and NOX (= NO + NO2) photochemistry has been extensively studied for decades, yet new discoveries have revealed the need to improve scientific understanding of ozone formation chemistry. In order to improve the interpretation of aircraft and satellite observations to diagnose near-surface conditions relating to air quality, high-quality surface observations of ozone and particulate matter (PM) precursors are needed, especially in urban environments like Houston. To support the NASA DISCOVER-AQ study in Houston in summer 2013, we propose to make surface measurements of trace gases, including O3, NO/NO2/NOY, and SO2. Research-grade instrumentation to measure these traces gases will be deployed at two of the science sites identified by TCEQ/AQRP. These measurements will be compared to concurrent aircraft measurements for the periods when the NASA P-3B aircraft conducts spiral profiles over the sites. Vertical distributions of these gases will be observed and compared with surface observations with the aim of improving the capability of transport models for air quality simulations. Data collected in the field study will be analyzed with regard to the source regions and emission profiles, reactive nitrogen budget, and relationship between NOZ and O3. Results from this project will be presented to AQRP/TCEQ and published in peer-reviewed journals. These activities will not only meet the program goals of DISCOVER-AQ, but will also strengthen our understanding of O3 and PM formation in Houston, which is essential to meet the primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and PM.
Executive Summary: projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Executive Summary.pdf
Work Plan: projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Work Plan.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Feb_Mar 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Apr 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 May 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Jun 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Jul 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Aug 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Sep 2013 MTR.pdf
QAPP: projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 QAPP.pdf
Final Report: projectinfoFY12_13\13-024\13-024 Final Report.pdf
Publications & Citations
NASA AQAST meeting at Rice University in Houston, TX (Jan. 14-16, 2014), where Xinrong Ren gave a talk titled: "Measurements of trace gases at the Manvel Croix and Galveston sites during DISCOVER-AQ"; NASA DISCOVER-AQ science meeting at NASA Langley in Hampton, VA, where Winston Luke gave a talk titled: "NOAA/Air Resources Laboratory Surface Observations at Galveston and Manvel-Croix: Summary and Comparison with Aircraft Data". A paper is in preparation with the intent to submit to Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics within about 6 months.
