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California Research at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change
Atmospheric Composition, Climate Variability & Change
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2010-05-01 2010-07-22 - 7
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The Campaign
The California Research at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change (CalNex) was a NOAA field investigation focused on atmospheric pollution and climate change, including emission inventory assessment, atmospheric transport and dispersion, chemical processing, cloud-aerosol interactions, and aerosol radiative effects. It involved a single deployment from May to July 2010 across California and the eastern Pacific coastal region. Multiple aircraft were used to gather in situ and remote measurements of aerosols, trace gases, radiation, and cloud properties. Additional ground-based measurements were collected from a research vessel, field sites, and balloons. CalNex was primarily funded by NOAA, with NASA providing support for the B-200 aircraft to operate the High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP).
2010-05-01 — 2010-07-22
California
boreal spring, boreal summer
N: 42°N
S: 32°N
W: 126°W
E: 114°W
no campaign DOI available
- Overview of the CalNex campaign
- CalNex Project Website
- CalNex White Paper
- CalNex Final Report
Additional Notes
Repositories
data center outside NASA
AIR QUALITY
EMISSIONS
AEROSOLS
AEROSOL PROPERTIES
OZONE
GREENHOUSE GASES
CLOUD PROPERTIES
CLOUD-AEROSOL INTERACTIONS
ATMOSPHERIC TRANSPORT
ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION
AEROSOL RADIATIVE EFFECT
Slide 1 of 8
Beechcraft B-200 King Air
38 Campaigns · 84 Instruments
The Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) is an airborne, passive polarimeter developed by SpecTIR Corporation. It measures total radiance and linear polarization across nine spectral bands in the visible and infrared wavelengths (410-2250 nm). These measurements can be used to determine aerosol and cloud properties. RSP has a time resolution of 0.8 seconds, a field of view of 14 mrad, and a horizontal resolution of approximately 100 meters at an altitude of 5 km.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Forward Scatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Radiance
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Droplet Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Droplet Concentration/size
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Asymmetry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Top Height
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Infrared Wavelengths > Infrared Radiance
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Visible Wavelengths > Visible Radiance
The High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) is an airborne lidar system developed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses the HSRL technique at 532 nm and the standard backscatter technique at 1064 nm to provide profile measurements of aerosol backscatter, extinction, and depolarization. The profiles of aerosol backscatter and depolarization typically have a vertical resolution of 30 m and a horizontal resolution of about 1 km. For the extinction profiles, the vertical resolution is 300 m with a horizontal resolution of approximately 6 km. HSRL is usually flown during investigations to validate observations from the CALIPSO spaceborne lidar.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
Permanent Land Site
Stationary
62 Campaigns · 101 Instruments
The Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) is an active ground-based acoustic sounder that provides profiles of virtual temperature. It uses radar techniques to measure acoustic disturbances and derive the virtual temperature. RASS is typically used alongside radar wind profilers (RWPs) and operates at frequencies of 915 MHz and 1290 MHz. It has a sampling rate of approximately 5 to 15 minutes, a vertical resolution of 150 m, and a horizontal resolution of 60 m.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Boundary Layer Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure > Planetary Boundary Layer Height
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Vertical Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Virtual Temperature
The Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Wind Profiler is a ground-based Doppler radar. It measures electromagnetic signals to detect wind speed and direction. UHF Wind Profilers operate at the 300-1000 MHz frequency range. Due to operating at a high frequency, they allow for high-resolution wind measurements within the boundary layer.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Boundary Layer Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Velocity/speed Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Direction Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site includes a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that measures sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements are used to determine aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate at nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol data approximately every 15 minutes. AERONET sites are distributed worldwide, enabling mapping of about 90% of the Earth’s surface.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Optical Depth/thickness
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Radiance
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Irradiance
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
DeHavilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter
23 Campaigns · 86 Instruments
The Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer (MAX-DOAS) is a ground-based passive spectrometer. It measures scattered solar light at different elevations to identify trace gases in the troposphere. MAX-DOAS is designed to have low residual error in the ultraviolet and visible spectra, enabling detection in both clean and polluted environments. Typical MAX-DOAS instruments operate in the 300-700 nm spectral range with a spectral resolution of 0.4-1.5 nm depending on the target species.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Bromine Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Formaldehyde
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Sulfur Dioxide
A pyrometer is a remote-sensing infrared thermometer that measures the temperature of distant objects. It determines an object's temperature by detecting its thermal radiation. It can be mounted on aircraft, ground vehicles, or water-based platforms for surface and sea surface temperature observations. For atmospheric studies, the pyrometer usually operates in the 9.6 to 11.5 µm spectral range and has a temperature range of -25 to 200 degrees Celsius. Pyrometers typically have a response time between 5 milliseconds and 600 seconds.
Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Temperature > Sea Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Skin Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Infrared Wavelengths > Brightness Temperature
The 2B Technologies Ozone (O3) Monitor is an in-situ dual-beam ozone monitor suitable for airborne and ground-based use. It measures O3 concentration through dual-beam ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 254 nm. The device has a detection range of 0 to 20 ppm, a resolution of 0.1 ppb, and provides measurements every 2 seconds. Its operating temperature range is 0 to 50 degrees Celsius, with an altitude range of approximately 0 to 13.5 km.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Tropospheric Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
The Tunable Optical Profiler for Aerosol and oZone (TOPAZ) is a lidar system developed by the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory. Originally designed for airborne use, it has been reconfigured for deployment in a trailer for ground-based operations. It employs the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique to measure ozone concentrations and aerosol backscatter profiles up to 6 to 8 km above ground level (AGL). It functions within the 285 to 310 nm wavelength range and offers an ozone profile vertical resolution of 5 m near the surface and 1000 m at 8 km AGL. TOPAZ is part of the NASA Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet).
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Thermistors are in situ resistance thermometers made from semiconductor materials whose electrical resistance varies with temperature. They detect resistance changes to measure temperature. In Earth science, thermistors are used to measure air temperature, sea surface temperature, and soil temperature.
Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Temperature > Sea Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
Earth Science > Agriculture > Soils > Soil Temperature
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Temperature > Water Temperature
The Halo Doppler Lidar is a ground-based Doppler wind lidar developed by Halo Photonics. It measures lidar backscatter at 1.5 microns to retrieve boundary layer wind profiles. It can also be used to determine aerosol loading and turbulence. It has a maximum range of 10 km and a vertical resolution of 18 to 60 m, depending on profiling needs. Halo Doppler Lidar has a pulse rate of 10 kHz and a sampling rate of 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Boundary Layer Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Velocity/speed Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Direction Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Turbulence
R/V Atlantis
2 Campaigns · 33 Instruments
Chilled Mirror Hygrometers (CMHs) are in situ sensors that directly measure dew point temperature by collecting water vapor on a chilled mirror surface. The mirror's temperature is lowered with thermoelectric coolers until water vapor from the sample gas condenses as dew or frost. The mirror's temperature is then measured using a platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) to determine the dew point and humidity. CMHs have been utilized on both airborne and ground-based platforms and serve as the NIST traceable reference standard for calibrating other sensors.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Dew Point Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Dew Point Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Dew Point Temperature
Sunphotometers are passive optical sensors that measure the amount of sunlight. They are pointed directly at the sun to measure direct sunlight and not sunlight scatter from aerosols. These measurements can be used to determine the aerosol optical depth by following Beer’s Law. Sunphotometers have been deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and field sites for aerosol research and monitoring.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Sunshine
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Optical Depth/thickness
The Sound Detection and Ranging (SODAR) is an active ground-based acoustic sensor that measures atmospheric winds and turbulence. It sends acoustic energy into the atmosphere and detects the strength and frequency of the backscattered energy. The backscattered signal can be used to determine the horizontal wind field, assuming the scattered energy moves with the mean wind. SODARs are frequently used in boundary layer studies to measure turbulence and wind profiles.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Horizontal Wind Velocity/speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Velocity/speed Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Direction Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Vertical Wind Velocity/speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Turbulence
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The NOAA Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (NOAA-CIMS) is an in situ airborne spectrometer developed by NOAA. It was designed to provide high-precision measurements of reactive nitrogen and halogen species such as nitric acid, nitric oxide, and bromine chloride in the upper atmosphere. It can also provide measurements of ozone and water vapor concentrations. NOAA-CIMS has a detection limit of 30 pptv and a temporal resolution of 1 second.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Acid
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Chlorine Nitrate
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Bromine Monoxide
C-band radars operate within the 4-8 GHz frequency range. They provide measurements of radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, and other parameters to characterize precipitation and clouds. C-band radars are usually used for short-range weather observations because they are more prone to attenuation.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Doppler Velocity
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Radar Reflectivity
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Spectrum Width
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Aerodyne Research. It employs quadrupole mass spectrometry to measure aerosol chemical composition and properties. It can detect particles ranging from 40 nm to 1 micron in size and has a time resolution of up to 10 Hz. It can be installed on aircraft, research vessels, mobile laboratories, or other ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Wind Profiler is a ground-based Doppler radar. It measures electromagnetic signals to detect wind speed and direction. UHF Wind Profilers operate at the 300-1000 MHz frequency range. Due to operating at a high frequency, they allow for high-resolution wind measurements within the boundary layer.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Boundary Layer Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Velocity/speed Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Direction Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) is an in situ airborne photometer manufactured by Radiance Research. It applies Beer's Law to measure the change in light transmission of aerosol particles. These measurements help determine aerosol absorption and extinction. PSAP operates across three wavelengths (467, 530, and 660 nm) and has a 1-second time resolution. It is usually deployed on aircraft, but it can also be used on ships and vehicles.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure various chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratio, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for measurements of atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure > Atmospheric Pressure Measurements
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) is an in situ spectrometer used both on aircraft and ground, developed by the University of Innsbruck in Austria. It detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without the need for sample preparation at very low concentrations. PTR-MS employs chemical ionization mass spectrometry, enabling quick and highly sensitive VOC detection. It has a signal integration time ranging from 0.5 to 1 second.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Methanol
Generic-Radiometers refer to non-specific radiometers on a platform. These are typically passive microwave radiometers that measure brightness temperature. Radiometers can be used to retrieve temperature and water vapor profiles, soil moisture content, ocean salinity, precipitation and cloud properties, and vegetation.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
Eddy Covariance Flux Towers are in situ micrometeorological surface towers. They are equipped with gas sensors to continuously measure the trace gas fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. Eddy Covariance Towers are typically used to measure fluxes for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O). These towers are also equipped with various meteorological sensors to measure air temperature, precipitation, winds, radiation, and soil temperature.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Longwave Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Shortwave Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity > Relative Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Moisture/water Content
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Temperature
The Quantum Cascade Laser System (QCLS) is an airborne and ground-based in situ spectrometer system developed by Harvard University and Aerodyne Research. QCLS includes two instruments: the Harvard QCL DUAL instrument and the Harvard QCL CO2 instrument. The QCL DUAL uses two thermoelectrically cooled QCL light sources to measure carbon monoxide (CO) at 4.59 microns, as well as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) at 7.87 microns. The QCL CO2 instrument employs a single QCL light source to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at 4.32 microns. QCLS operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
The Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) is an in situ aerosol sensor that can be operated on airborne or ground-based platforms, manufactured by TSI Incorporated. SMPS uses a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) to measure the electrical mobility diameter of aerosol particles, which helps determine the size distribution. It also counts the number of aerosol particles using a condensation particle counter (CPC). It detects particles in the size range of 10-1000 nm and typically takes about 10 seconds to complete each scan.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The microwave radiometers (MWRs) are ground-based radiometers manufactured by Radiometrics Corporation and operated by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Research Facility. MWR measures brightness temperature at 23.8 and 31.4 GHz to determine the column amounts of water vapor and liquid water in the atmosphere. MWR has a field of view (FOV) ranging from about 5.9 to 4.5 degrees depending on the channel and typically has a time resolution of 20 seconds for sky-view observations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Liquid Water/ice
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Total Precipitable Water
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser within Picarro operates at 1603 nm wavelength, while 1651 nm wavelength is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes for gas concentrations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Ammonia
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
W-band radars are highly sensitive radars used for atmospheric research. They operate around the 94-95 GHz frequency band, allowing for the detection of small water droplets. W-band radars are used for cloud and precipitation studies since they can provide more detailed observations than typical weather radars. They can be deployed on research vessels, aircraft, and mobile ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Doppler Velocity
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Radar Reflectivity
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Spectrum Width
The Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) is an in situ laser-induced photometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. SP2 measures the black carbon (BC) mass in individual aerosol particles, along with their optical and physical properties that contain BC. The device detects aerosol particles with diameters of 200-400 nm and can analyze up to 25,000 particles per second. It operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz and uses a wavelength of 1.06 μm. It can be used on airborne or ground-based platforms and paired with a Humidified-Dual SP2 (HD-SP2).
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Carbonaceous Aerosols
The Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) is an in situ spectrometer manufactured by TSI Instruments. APS measures aerodynamic particles in the 0.5-20 μm size range. It also measures the light-scattering intensity of the particles in the 0.37-20 μm optical size range. APS provides particle size distributions for 52 channels at a typical sampling time of 1 second. It uses a laser diode operating at 655 nm and has a size resolution of 0.02 μm at 1 μm. APS can be deployed on aircraft, ships, or ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is an in situ optical sensor produced by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It detects cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) by supersaturating the sampled air, allowing CCN particles to become detectable. The particles are then measured with an optical particle counter (OPC). CNC can detect particles from 0.75 to 10 μm in diameter and operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. It is suitable for both airborne and ground-based operations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution spectrometer used both in airborne and ground-based applications. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to estimate levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution of approximately 100m by 1000m and operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz during typical research flights.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Irradiance
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation
The High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) is an in situ ground-based analyzer used to separate and identify components in a sample of air or a mixture. It works by injecting a liquid into the sample, causing different flow rates for each component as they pass through the column. As each component exits the column, their concentrations are measured at a high resolution. In Earth science research, HPLC is commonly used to detect various trace species in the atmosphere, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although primarily used for laboratory analysis and ground-based measurements, it can also be employed for airborne measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Formaldehyde
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Hydrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Hydrogen Compounds > Hydroperoxy
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Oxides
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (TDMA) is an in situ airborne and ground-based analyzer that measures the physical properties of aerosol particles, such as size distribution and concentration. It can measure particles in the size range of 0.013 to 0.75 mm with a size resolution of 0.013 mm at 0.2 mm. The TDMA is often combined with an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) to enable measurements of particles in the submicron range. A typical measurement sequence of TDMA takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Forward Scatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Nephelometers are in situ optical sensors that can be airborne or ground-based. They measure the total scattering and backscattering of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. Nephelometers operate at three wavelengths: 450 nm, 550 nm, and 700 nm, with a typical time resolution of 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Forward Scatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Thermo Scientific Gas Analyzers are in situ gas analyzers manufactured by ThermoFisher Scientific. They provide precise measurements of various trace gases such as ozone, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. Thermo Scientific Gas Analyzers can be deployed on aircraft, research vessels, and ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Sulfur Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Ceilometers are ground-based remote sensing sensors that measure cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They utilize a laser or another light source to detect backscatter from clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers provide detailed and precise measurements under all weather conditions and are cost-effective to operate. They are commonly used in boundary layer and cloud research.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Base Height
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Visibility
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Ceiling
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Altitude > Planetary Boundary Layer Height
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Balloon Launch Site
86 Campaigns · 23 Instruments
Radiosondes are a balloon-borne instrument package used to collect profile measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, and winds. These sensors are connected to a radio transmitter that sends the measurements to a ground receiver typically operating in the 400-406 MHz range. They typically provide measurements at 1-6 seconds, depending on the type and manufacturer of the radiosonde. Radiosondes are used for weather forecasting, ground truth satellite data, atmospheric research, and input for weather prediction models.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Vertical Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure > Atmospheric Pressure Measurements
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
Ozonesondes are in situ balloon-borne instruments used to measure ozone concentration profiles. An ozonesonde consists of an electrochemical ozone sensor connected with a meteorological radiosonde to collect ozone, temperature, pressure, and humidity measurements as it ascends through the atmosphere. It provides ozone profile measurements at a resolution of 100 to 150 m. Ozonesondes have a typical measurement rate of 0.1 Hz and can collect profiles up to around 35 km.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Vertical Profiles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure > Atmospheric Pressure Measurements
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
P-3 Orion
30 Campaigns · 153 Instruments
Chilled Mirror Hygrometers (CMHs) are in situ sensors that directly measure dew point temperature by collecting water vapor on a chilled mirror surface. The mirror's temperature is lowered with thermoelectric coolers until water vapor from the sample gas condenses as dew or frost. The mirror's temperature is then measured using a platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) to determine the dew point and humidity. CMHs have been utilized on both airborne and ground-based platforms and serve as the NIST traceable reference standard for calibrating other sensors.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Dew Point Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Dew Point Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Upper Air Temperature > Dew Point Temperature
The Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP) is an in situ cloud probe manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It measures the particle size distribution and concentration for cloud particles in the 2-50 μm size range. CDP detects pulses of light scattered from a laser (658 nm) to count and size individual cloud droplets. CDP has a typical measurement rate of 1 Hz and can detect concentrations of up to 2000 particles per cubic centimeter.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
The NOAA Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (NOAA-CIMS) is an in situ airborne spectrometer developed by NOAA. It was designed to provide high-precision measurements of reactive nitrogen and halogen species such as nitric acid, nitric oxide, and bromine chloride in the upper atmosphere. It can also provide measurements of ozone and water vapor concentrations. NOAA-CIMS has a detection limit of 30 pptv and a temporal resolution of 1 second.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Acid
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Chlorine Nitrate
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Bromine Monoxide
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Aerodyne Research. It employs quadrupole mass spectrometry to measure aerosol chemical composition and properties. It can detect particles ranging from 40 nm to 1 micron in size and has a time resolution of up to 10 Hz. It can be installed on aircraft, research vessels, mobile laboratories, or other ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) are in situ sensors that measure aerosol particle concentrations. CPCs determine aerosol levels by condensing fluid onto particles, causing them to grow to sizes detectable by optical scattering. Typically, CPCs can detect particles ranging from 7 nm to 3 μm, measure concentrations up to 100,000 particles per cubic centimeter, and provide readings every second. CPCs are manufactured by TSI Incorporated and can be used on airborne, shipborne, and ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Particle Into Liquid Sampler (PILS) is an in situ aerosol sampler manufactured by Brechtel Manufacturing Inc. PILS can be used by both ground-based and airborne platforms to gather continuous data on ambient aerosol bulk composition. The particles collected by PILS are mixed with saturated water vapor to form droplets that are analyzed by either an ion chromatograph (IC) or a total organic carbon detector (TOC). PILS can detect aerosol particles ranging from 70 nm to 2.5 μm in size and offers a time resolution of 3 minutes for airborne measurements and 15 minutes for ground-based measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Sulfate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Organic Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Nitrate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Particulate Matter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
The Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) is an in situ airborne photometer manufactured by Radiance Research. It applies Beer's Law to measure the change in light transmission of aerosol particles. These measurements help determine aerosol absorption and extinction. PSAP operates across three wavelengths (467, 530, and 660 nm) and has a 1-second time resolution. It is usually deployed on aircraft, but it can also be used on ships and vehicles.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure various chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratio, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for measurements of atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure > Atmospheric Pressure Measurements
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) is an in situ spectrometer used both on aircraft and ground, developed by the University of Innsbruck in Austria. It detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without the need for sample preparation at very low concentrations. PTR-MS employs chemical ionization mass spectrometry, enabling quick and highly sensitive VOC detection. It has a signal integration time ranging from 0.5 to 1 second.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Methanol
The Quantum Cascade Laser System (QCLS) is an airborne and ground-based in situ spectrometer system developed by Harvard University and Aerodyne Research. QCLS includes two instruments: the Harvard QCL DUAL instrument and the Harvard QCL CO2 instrument. The QCL DUAL uses two thermoelectrically cooled QCL light sources to measure carbon monoxide (CO) at 4.59 microns, as well as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) at 7.87 microns. The QCL CO2 instrument employs a single QCL light source to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at 4.32 microns. QCLS operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
The Optical Particle Counter (OPC) is an optical device used to measure aerosol particle size and concentration. It determines particle size and concentration by detecting the intensity of scattered light. Most OPCs operate within the visible to near-infrared wavelengths (500-1100 nm) and have a time resolution of 1 second. They are typically used to measure particles larger than 0.5 μm in diameter. OPCs can be used for both airborne and ground-based applications.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser within Picarro operates at 1603 nm wavelength, while 1651 nm wavelength is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes for gas concentrations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Ammonia
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
The Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It can be used on both airborne and ground-based platforms to measure aerosol size distribution and concentration. UHSAS determines particle size by detecting the peak light signals from aerosol particles illuminated by a 1054 nm laser. It can sample particles in the 60–1000 nm size range and operates at a sampling frequency of 10 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) is an in situ laser-induced photometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. SP2 measures the black carbon (BC) mass in individual aerosol particles, along with their optical and physical properties that contain BC. The device detects aerosol particles with diameters of 200-400 nm and can analyze up to 25,000 particles per second. It operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz and uses a wavelength of 1.06 μm. It can be used on airborne or ground-based platforms and paired with a Humidified-Dual SP2 (HD-SP2).
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Carbonaceous Aerosols
The Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR) is an airborne radiometer developed by the Ames Atmospheric Radiation Group. It measures solar spectral irradiance in the troposphere. SSFR works within the 300-2150 nm wavelength range and offers a spectral resolution of 8-12 nm. It typically collects data at 1 Hz and has a radiometric accuracy of 3%.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Spectral Irradiance
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Radiative Flux
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Irradiance
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in-situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, such as nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds found in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to get a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Non-methane Hydrocarbons/volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Dimethyl Sulfide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Halocarbons
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Carbonyl Sulfide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Nitrate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is an in situ optical sensor produced by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It detects cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) by supersaturating the sampled air, allowing CCN particles to become detectable. The particles are then measured with an optical particle counter (OPC). CNC can detect particles from 0.75 to 10 μm in diameter and operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. It is suitable for both airborne and ground-based operations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
The Nucleation-mode Aerosol Size Spectrometer (NMASS) is an airborne, in situ spectrometer used to measure particle size distribution and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). NMASS includes five parallel condensation nucleus counters (CNCs) that sample particles within the 3 to 60 nm diameter range. It can be mounted on various types of aircraft and is ideal for sampling cirrus clouds in the upper atmosphere. NMASS delivers rapid measurements with a temporal resolution of 10 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Ammonia (NH3) Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS) is an airborne, in situ spectrometer operated by NOAA. It employs the CIMS measurement technique to detect NH3 in the atmosphere. It has a time resolution of 1 to 5 seconds, depending on the measurement requirements of the field campaign. NH3 CIMS has a precision of 35 to 80 pptv for 1-second data and an accuracy of 25%.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Ammonia
The PAN Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS) is an airborne in situ spectrometer operated by NOAA. It uses the CIMS measurement technique to detect peroxynitrate (PAN) species and nitryl chloride (ClNO2). PAN CIMS has a response time of 1 second, a precision of 20 pptv, and an accuracy of 20% for both PAN and ClNO2. It is primarily deployed on aircraft but has also been used for shipborne and ground-based measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Peroxyacyl Nitrate
The Actinic Flux SpectroRadiometer (AFSR) was an in situ spectroradiometer operated by NOAA and is now decommissioned. It made direct measurements of spectral actinic fluxes to determine photolysis rates. It operated in the 280-640 nm spectral range and had a time resolution of 1 Hz. AFSR was used for airborne and ground-based measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Actinic Flux
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Photochemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Photochemistry > Photolysis Rates
The King Probe is an in situ airborne cloud instrument developed by Warren King (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and manufactured by Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) and Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT). The King Probe measures cloud liquid water content (LWC) by detecting the heat released when water droplets vaporize. It operates at a constant temperature of approximately 100°C and has a data output rate of 1 to 10 Hz. The probe is commonly used in studies of cloud microphysics and aircraft icing.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Liquid Water/ice
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Oxides
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP) is an in situ airborne optical array probe manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It captures cloud particle images by recording shadows as particles pass through a laser. Additionally, it provides data on particle size distribution and cloud liquid water content. CIP typically has a resolution of 25 μm and can measure particles ranging from 12.5 μm to 1.55 mm.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Liquid Water/ice
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
The Cloud and Aerosol Spectrometer (CAS) is an in situ airborne spectrometer manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It measures light scattering at 658 nm to determine aerosol and cloud particle size distributions from 0.51 to 50 μm. It also provides measurements of the refractive index and particle shape. CAS has a typical time resolution of 1 Hz and can measure concentrations greater than 1,000 particles per cubic meter.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Droplet Concentration/size
Field Site
Stationary
74 Campaigns · 176 Instruments
The Indiana University Fluorescence Assay by Gas Expansion (IU-FAGE) is a ground-based sensor used to measure tropospheric hydroxyl (OH) and hydroperoxy (HO2) radicals. It detects OH radicals at 308 nm through laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) after ambient air is expanded to low pressure. IU-FAGE measures HO2 indirectly as OH by titration with nitric oxide (NO) inside the fluorescence cell. It can detect both OH and HO2 with a signal-to-noise ratio of 1 and an averaging time of 5 minutes.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Hydrogen Compounds > Hydroxyl
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Hydrogen Compounds > Hydroperoxy
The NOAA Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (NOAA-CIMS) is an in situ airborne spectrometer developed by NOAA. It was designed to provide high-precision measurements of reactive nitrogen and halogen species such as nitric acid, nitric oxide, and bromine chloride in the upper atmosphere. It can also provide measurements of ozone and water vapor concentrations. NOAA-CIMS has a detection limit of 30 pptv and a temporal resolution of 1 second.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Acid
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Chlorine Nitrate
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Bromine Monoxide
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Aerodyne Research. It employs quadrupole mass spectrometry to measure aerosol chemical composition and properties. It can detect particles ranging from 40 nm to 1 micron in size and has a time resolution of up to 10 Hz. It can be installed on aircraft, research vessels, mobile laboratories, or other ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) are in situ sensors that measure aerosol particle concentrations. CPCs determine aerosol levels by condensing fluid onto particles, causing them to grow to sizes detectable by optical scattering. Typically, CPCs can detect particles ranging from 7 nm to 3 μm, measure concentrations up to 100,000 particles per cubic centimeter, and provide readings every second. CPCs are manufactured by TSI Incorporated and can be used on airborne, shipborne, and ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Particle Into Liquid Sampler (PILS) is an in situ aerosol sampler manufactured by Brechtel Manufacturing Inc. PILS can be used by both ground-based and airborne platforms to gather continuous data on ambient aerosol bulk composition. The particles collected by PILS are mixed with saturated water vapor to form droplets that are analyzed by either an ion chromatograph (IC) or a total organic carbon detector (TOC). PILS can detect aerosol particles ranging from 70 nm to 2.5 μm in size and offers a time resolution of 3 minutes for airborne measurements and 15 minutes for ground-based measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Sulfate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Organic Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Nitrate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Particulate Matter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
The Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) is an in situ airborne photometer manufactured by Radiance Research. It applies Beer's Law to measure the change in light transmission of aerosol particles. These measurements help determine aerosol absorption and extinction. PSAP operates across three wavelengths (467, 530, and 660 nm) and has a 1-second time resolution. It is usually deployed on aircraft, but it can also be used on ships and vehicles.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is an in situ measurement technique used to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. It employs gas chromatography to separate components of an air sample, and mass spectrometry to ionize, identify, and quantify gas species. GC-MS is utilized to detect VOCs, halocarbons, hydrocarbons, and various other pollutants. It can be used for ground-based or airborne operations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Non-methane Hydrocarbons/volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Halocarbons
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Generic-Chemistry Related Sensors (Gen-Chemistry) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for atmospheric chemistry measurements. These are typically in situ analyzers that measure various chemical compounds such as trace gases, halocarbons, volatile organic compounds, nitrates, aerosols, and other chemical species. Measurements can include mixing ratio, composition, particle size, optical properties, and particle size distribution.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Generic-Atmospheric State (Gen-AtmsState) refers to non-specific instruments on a platform used for measurements of atmospheric state parameters. These are typically in situ sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind speed/direction. Types of atmospheric state instruments include thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, and anemometers.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure > Atmospheric Pressure Measurements
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) is an in situ spectrometer used both on aircraft and ground, developed by the University of Innsbruck in Austria. It detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without the need for sample preparation at very low concentrations. PTR-MS employs chemical ionization mass spectrometry, enabling quick and highly sensitive VOC detection. It has a signal integration time ranging from 0.5 to 1 second.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Methanol
Generic-Radiometers refer to non-specific radiometers on a platform. These are typically passive microwave radiometers that measure brightness temperature. Radiometers can be used to retrieve temperature and water vapor profiles, soil moisture content, ocean salinity, precipitation and cloud properties, and vegetation.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
Eddy Covariance Flux Towers are in situ micrometeorological surface towers. They are equipped with gas sensors to continuously measure the trace gas fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. Eddy Covariance Towers are typically used to measure fluxes for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O). These towers are also equipped with various meteorological sensors to measure air temperature, precipitation, winds, radiation, and soil temperature.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Longwave Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Shortwave Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Humidity > Relative Humidity
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Direction
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Moisture/water Content
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Temperature
The Quantum Cascade Laser System (QCLS) is an airborne and ground-based in situ spectrometer system developed by Harvard University and Aerodyne Research. QCLS includes two instruments: the Harvard QCL DUAL instrument and the Harvard QCL CO2 instrument. The QCL DUAL uses two thermoelectrically cooled QCL light sources to measure carbon monoxide (CO) at 4.59 microns, as well as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) at 7.87 microns. The QCL CO2 instrument employs a single QCL light source to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at 4.32 microns. QCLS operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
The Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) is an in situ aerosol sensor that can be operated on airborne or ground-based platforms, manufactured by TSI Incorporated. SMPS uses a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) to measure the electrical mobility diameter of aerosol particles, which helps determine the size distribution. It also counts the number of aerosol particles using a condensation particle counter (CPC). It detects particles in the size range of 10-1000 nm and typically takes about 10 seconds to complete each scan.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Tunable Infrared Laser Direct Absorption Spectrometer (TILDAS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Aerodyne Research. It measures gas concentrations by determining how much light the species absorbs at a specific wavelength. TILDAS is used to detect various trace gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and ammonia. The laser operates within the mid-infrared spectrum and is tuned to a specific wavelength based on the target species. It provides measurements at a data rate of up to 10 Hz. TILDAS can be deployed on aircraft, ships, trucks, and other ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Formaldehyde
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Ammonia
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Carbonyl Sulfide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
The Optical Particle Counter (OPC) is an optical device used to measure aerosol particle size and concentration. It determines particle size and concentration by detecting the intensity of scattered light. Most OPCs operate within the visible to near-infrared wavelengths (500-1100 nm) and have a time resolution of 1 second. They are typically used to measure particles larger than 0.5 μm in diameter. OPCs can be used for both airborne and ground-based applications.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Particle Size Distribution
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser within Picarro operates at 1603 nm wavelength, while 1651 nm wavelength is used for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes for gas concentrations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Ammonia
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrous Oxide
The Aethalometer is an in situ aerosol measuring device made by Magee Scientific. It can be used on both airborne and ground-based platforms. It collects aerosols through a filter tape and gauges the attenuation of transmitted light to assess black carbon particle levels. The Aethalometer works across seven optical wavelengths (370, 470, 520, 590, 660, 880, and 950 nm) and delivers data at a rate of 1 Hz. It has a measurement range of 0-500 μg per cubic meter and a resolution of 0.1 μg per cubic meter.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Carbonaceous Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It can be used on both airborne and ground-based platforms to measure aerosol size distribution and concentration. UHSAS determines particle size by detecting the peak light signals from aerosol particles illuminated by a 1054 nm laser. It can sample particles in the 60–1000 nm size range and operates at a sampling frequency of 10 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Particle Analysis by Laser Mass Spectrometry (PALMS) is a laser ionization mass spectrometer operated by NOAA. PALMS provides in situ measurements of aerosol particles and their chemical composition by using a UV laser pulse (193 nm) to generate ions. These ions are then analyzed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to produce the mass spectrum of each particle, which can be used to classify individual aerosol particles. PALMS has an aerosol size range of 0.2 to 3 microns and typically collects data at about 1 to 10 Hz. It can be used for either airborne or laboratory aerosol measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
The Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) is an in situ laser-induced photometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. SP2 measures the black carbon (BC) mass in individual aerosol particles, along with their optical and physical properties that contain BC. The device detects aerosol particles with diameters of 200-400 nm and can analyze up to 25,000 particles per second. It operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz and uses a wavelength of 1.06 μm. It can be used on airborne or ground-based platforms and paired with a Humidified-Dual SP2 (HD-SP2).
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Carbonaceous Aerosols
The Whole Air Sampler (WAS) is an airborne in-situ instrument that collects air samples for analyzing trace gases, such as nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons, alkyl nitrates, and various sulfur compounds found in the troposphere. Air samples collected by the WAS are then analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the gases present. The WAS collects samples every minute, allowing scientists to get a clear picture of the environment's chemical composition as research aircraft pass through.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Non-methane Hydrocarbons/volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Dimethyl Sulfide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Halocarbons
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Carbonyl Sulfide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Nitrate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution spectrometer used both in airborne and ground-based applications. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to estimate levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution of approximately 100m by 1000m and operates at a measurement frequency of 1 Hz during typical research flights.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Methane
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Carbon Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Irradiance
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation
The High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) is an in situ ground-based analyzer used to separate and identify components in a sample of air or a mixture. It works by injecting a liquid into the sample, causing different flow rates for each component as they pass through the column. As each component exits the column, their concentrations are measured at a high resolution. In Earth science research, HPLC is commonly used to detect various trace species in the atmosphere, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although primarily used for laboratory analysis and ground-based measurements, it can also be employed for airborne measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Formaldehyde
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Hydrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Hydrogen Compounds > Hydroperoxy
The USFS Scanning Lidar is a ground-based lidar system operated by the United States Forest Service (USFS). It measures vertically resolved backscatter to determine aerosol and cloud optical properties. It functions at three wavelengths: 355, 532, and 1064 nm. It averages 1800 pulses every 30 minutes and has an operational range of 1 to 20 km. Its primary purpose is to monitor the atmospheric properties of smoke plumes.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar
NOx/NOxy is an in situ chemiluminescence instrument that measures nitrogen oxides and ozone in the atmosphere. It offers a spatial resolution better than 100 meters at typical DC-8 research flight speeds. NOx/NOxy can be used on ground-based, airborne, and shipborne platforms, enabling it to support various atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Oxides
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Oxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Nitrogen Oxides
The High Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-AMS) is an in situ airborne mass spectrometer designed to detect aerosol composition and chemistry. It is a modified version of the Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer developed by the University of Colorado. It measures the mass concentrations of aerosol particles ranging from 50 nm to 1 μm. HR-AMS detects aerosol composition through impaction at 600 °C, followed by electron ionization and mass spectral analysis. It has a measurement sampling rate of 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Sulfate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Organic Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Nitrate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
The Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer (MAX-DOAS) is a ground-based passive spectrometer. It measures scattered solar light at different elevations to identify trace gases in the troposphere. MAX-DOAS is designed to have low residual error in the ultraviolet and visible spectra, enabling detection in both clean and polluted environments. Typical MAX-DOAS instruments operate in the 300-700 nm spectral range with a spectral resolution of 0.4-1.5 nm depending on the target species.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Bromine Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Formaldehyde
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Sulfur Dioxide
Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) is a passive spectrometer technique used to measure trace gas concentrations. It detects trace gases by measuring specific, narrow-band absorptions in the ultraviolet and visible light spectrum. DOAS is typically used to detect ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (CH2O), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). It is suitable for both airborne and ground-based applications.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Formaldehyde
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Oxygen Compounds > Ozone
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Sulfur Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitrogen Oxides
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Halocarbons And Halogens > Bromine Monoxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Ceilometers are ground-based remote sensing sensors that measure cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They utilize a laser or another light source to detect backscatter from clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers provide detailed and precise measurements under all weather conditions and are cost-effective to operate. They are commonly used in boundary layer and cloud research.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Base Height
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Visibility
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties > Cloud Ceiling
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Backscatter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Altitude > Planetary Boundary Layer Height
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Backscatter
The CalTech Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIT-CIMS) is an in situ airborne single-mass spectrometer. CIT-CIMS uses CF3O-ion chemistry and compact time-of-flight and triple quadrupole spectrometers to measure specific atmospheric trace gases such as nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfur dioxide. It was designed with rapid scan capabilities, enabling it to operate at a high temporal resolution (10 Hz) and detect a wide range of masses. CIT-CIMS is typically used for airborne observations but can also be employed for ground-based measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds > Hydrogen Cyanide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds > Sulfur Dioxide
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds > Nitric Acid
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Trace Gases/trace Species
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Volatile Organic Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Sulfur Compounds
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Chemistry > Carbon And Hydrocarbon Compounds
DeHavilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter
23 Campaigns · 86 Instruments
The Passive-Cavity Aerosol Spectrometer Probe (PCASP) is an in situ airborne optical spectrometer manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It detects light scattered by particles to determine aerosol size distribution and concentration within the 0.1 to 3.0 μm range. PCASP operates at a wavelength of 632 nm and typically samples at 10 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) is an in situ optical sensor produced by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It detects cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) by supersaturating the sampled air, allowing CCN particles to become detectable. The particles are then measured with an optical particle counter (OPC). CNC can detect particles from 0.75 to 10 μm in diameter and operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. It is suitable for both airborne and ground-based operations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Condensation Nuclei
The Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) is an in situ device that measures particle electrical mobility to determine their size distribution. It mainly measures aerosols between 10 and 1,000 nm in diameter. DMA can be used for airborne, ground-based, and laboratory measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
The Differential Aerosol Sizing and Hygroscopicity Spectrometer Probe (DASH-SP) is an in situ airborne spectrometer developed by Brechtel Manufacturing, Inc. It uses differential mobility analysis (DMA) combined with multiple humidification and sizing modules to measure aerosol optical size and hygroscopic growth factors. The probe can deliver faster measurement resolution compared to other hygroscopicity techniques. DASH-SP measures aerosol particles in the size range of 0.1–1.0 μm and operates at a wavelength of 532 nm. Its typical sampling rate is 1 Hz.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) is an in situ airborne photometer manufactured by Radiance Research. It applies Beer's Law to measure the change in light transmission of aerosol particles. These measurements help determine aerosol absorption and extinction. PSAP operates across three wavelengths (467, 530, and 660 nm) and has a 1-second time resolution. It is usually deployed on aircraft, but it can also be used on ships and vehicles.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Extinction
Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) are in situ sensors that measure aerosol particle concentrations. CPCs determine aerosol levels by condensing fluid onto particles, causing them to grow to sizes detectable by optical scattering. Typically, CPCs can detect particles ranging from 7 nm to 3 μm, measure concentrations up to 100,000 particles per cubic centimeter, and provide readings every second. CPCs are manufactured by TSI Incorporated and can be used on airborne, shipborne, and ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) is an in situ spectrometer developed by Aerodyne Research. It employs quadrupole mass spectrometry to measure aerosol chemical composition and properties. It can detect particles ranging from 40 nm to 1 micron in size and has a time resolution of up to 10 Hz. It can be installed on aircraft, research vessels, mobile laboratories, or other ground-based platforms.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
The Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) is an in situ laser-induced photometer developed by Droplet Measurement Technologies. SP2 measures the black carbon (BC) mass in individual aerosol particles, along with their optical and physical properties that contain BC. The device detects aerosol particles with diameters of 200-400 nm and can analyze up to 25,000 particles per second. It operates at a sampling rate of 1 Hz and uses a wavelength of 1.06 μm. It can be used on airborne or ground-based platforms and paired with a Humidified-Dual SP2 (HD-SP2).
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Aerosol Particle Properties
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Carbonaceous Aerosols
The Particle Into Liquid Sampler (PILS) is an in situ aerosol sampler manufactured by Brechtel Manufacturing Inc. PILS can be used by both ground-based and airborne platforms to gather continuous data on ambient aerosol bulk composition. The particles collected by PILS are mixed with saturated water vapor to form droplets that are analyzed by either an ion chromatograph (IC) or a total organic carbon detector (TOC). PILS can detect aerosol particles ranging from 70 nm to 2.5 μm in size and offers a time resolution of 3 minutes for airborne measurements and 15 minutes for ground-based measurements.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Sulfate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Organic Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Nitrate Particles
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Particulate Matter
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Chemical Composition
Events
1 Deployment
1 IOP
NOAA, DOE, NASA, NSF
NOAA Air Quality Program, NOAA Climate Change Program, DOE Atmospheric Systems Research Program, NASA Radiation Sciences Program, NASA Tropospheric Chemistry Program
Currently unavailable
Thomas B. Ryerson
Currently unavailable
data center outside NASA
DoE, NASA