Oral Presentation Only

A Balloon-Borne Platform for Measuring Vertically Resolved Concentrations of Black Carbon in the Troposphere

---

Abstract

The primary goal of this project is to develop and promote a balloon-borne method for routine measurement of the vertical distribution of black carbon and other air quality and climate-relevant aerosols in the atmosphere. The project will: i) demonstrate, using currently available technology, the feasibility of measuring the variation in black carbon concentrations in the troposphere with a balloon-borne package small enough to be deployed without FAA restriction; ii) develop low-cost and lightweight instruments for measuring different types of aerosols; iii) launch and retrieve several balloon-borne packages to measure the seasonal variability in the vertical profile of aerosols in California; and iv) seek collaboration with other institutions for simultaneous measurement of aerosols, greenhouse gases, and radiation flux. A longer-term goal is the wide adoption and frequent deployment of balloon-borne aerosol measurements that will provide the information needed to improve representation of aerosols in climate models, improve satellite aerosol retrieval algorithms, and better distinguish long-range transported and locally generated aerosol pollution.

How to Cite:

Wilson, D. L., Hadley, O. L., Corrigan, C. E., Blair, J. & Kirchstetter, T. W., (2012) “A Balloon-Borne Platform for Measuring Vertically Resolved Concentrations of Black Carbon in the Troposphere”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2012(1), 98–107. doi: https://doi.org//ahac.8329