Pacific Exploratory Mission

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.

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.

Nephelometers are in situ airborne or ground-based optical sensors. They measure the total scattering and backscattering of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. Nephelometers operate across three wavelengths: 450 nm, 550 nm, and 700 nm, and have a typical time resolution of 1 Hz.

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.

The High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) is an in situ ground-based analyzer that is used to separate and identify components within a sample of air or mixture. It achieves this by injecting a liquid within the sample causing different flow rates for each component as they flow out of the column. As each component exits the column, their concentrations are measured at a high resolution. In Earth science research, HPLC is typically used to determine various trace species in the atmosphere such as formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). HPLC is commonly used for laboratory analysis and ground-based measurements, but it can be used for airborne measurements as well.