Instrument Development For Atmospheric Research And Monitoring

Jens Bosenberg Max-Planck-Institut fur Meteorologie, Bundesstr. 55, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany TESLAS, which stands for Tropospheric Environmental Studies by Laser Sounding, was formed in November 1987 as a subproject of EUROTRAC to enhance the measurement capabilities for vertical profiling of ozone in the troposphere by means of laser remote sensing. For studies of several atmospheric processes related to the formation and redistribution of photo-oxidants there was a clear need for measuring extended time series with appropriate vertical and temporal resolution. These could not be obtained by conventional in situ techniques, at least not with affordable effort, so remote sensing appeared to be the best way to obtain the required information. At the beginning of the subproject, some Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) systems for measuring the vertical distribution of ozone already existed, but their use was restricted to very few laboratories and very few measurement campaigns, since the instruments were highly complex, rather unreliable, and required extensive efforts for maintenance and operation by skilled scientists. In addition, the accuracy of these measurements under a variety of meteorological conditions was not really well established. The main tasks within TESLAS therefore were to develop fully the DIAL-methodology for remote sensing of tropospheric ozone, and to develop instruments which are accurate, reliable, easy to operate, and suitable for field deployment or airborne operation.

In 1998, my colleague, Forrest Mims, and I began a project to develop inexpensive handheld atmosphere monitoring instruments for the GLOBE Program, an international environmental science and education program that began its operations on Earth Day, 1995. GLOBE’s goal was to involve students, teachers, and scientists around the world in authentic partn- ships in which scientists would develop instrumentation and experimental protocols suitable for student use. In return, data collected by students and their teachers would be used by scientists in their research. This kind of collaboration represented a grand vision for science education which had never before been attempted on such a scale, and we embraced this vision with great enthusiasm. Between 1998 and 2006, Forrest Mims and I collaborated on the development of several instruments based on Mims’ original concept of using light emitting diodes as spectrally selective detectors of sunlight, which was first published in the peer-reviewed literature in 1992. These instruments have evolved into a set of tools and procedures for monitoring the transmission of sunlight through the atmosphere, and they can be used to learn a great deal about the composition of the atmosphere and the dynamics of the Earth/atmosphere/sun system. If measurements with these instruments are made properly, they have significant scientific value, as well.

Advances in Spectroscopic Monitoring of the Atmosphere provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge technologies and monitoring applications. Concepts are illustrated by numerous examples with information on spectroscopic techniques and applications widely distributed throughout the text. This information is important for researchers to gain an overview of recent developments in the field and make informed selections among the most suitable techniques. This volume also provides information that will allow researchers to explore implementing and developing new diagnostic tools or new approaches for trace gas and aerosol sensing themselves. Advances in Spectroscopic Monitoring of the Atmosphere covers advanced and newly emerging spectroscopic techniques for optical metrology of gases and particles in the atmosphere. This book will be a valuable reference for atmospheric scientists, including those whose focus is applying the methods to atmospheric studies, and those who develop instrumentation. It will also serve as a useful introduction to researchers entering the field and provide relevant examples to researchers and students developing and applying optical sensors for a variety of other scientific, technical, and industrial uses. Overview of new applications including remote sensing by UAV, laser heterodyne radiometry, dual comb spectroscopy, and more Features in-situ observations and measurements for real-world data Includes content on leading edge optical sensors

This book describes the fundamental scientific principles underlying high quality instrumentation used for environmental measurements. It discusses a wide range of in situ sensors employed in practical environmental monitoring and, in particular, those used in surface based measurement systems. It also considers the use of weather balloons to provide a wealth of upper atmosphere data. To illustrate the technologies in use it includes many examples of real atmospheric measurements in typical and unusual circumstances, with a discussion of the electronic signal conditioning, data acquisition considerations and data processing principles necessary for reliable measurements. This also allows the long history of atmospheric measurements to be placed in the context of the requirements of modern climate science, by building the physical science appreciation of the instrumental record and looking forward to new and emerging sensor and recording technologies.

Atmospheric water plays a key role in climate. Water vapour is the most important greenhouse gas and its condensed forms exert a profound influence on both incoming solar and outgoing infrared radiation. Unfortunately, accurate, height-resolved global-scale measurements of atmospheric humidity are difficult to obtain. The change in concentration of five orders of magnitude form the ground to the stratosphere means there is no standard instrument that will measure everywhere. This has led to different measuring techniques, all with strengths and weaknesses. This book assesses all presently available techniques that are used in monitoring networks. Special weight is given to presenting the different technical concepts, the accuracy of different sensor types, addresses calibration issues and retrieval aspects.

The extent of harmful effects of pollution on atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic environments can be translated into extreme temperature changes, dirty air, clean water shortages, and increased incidence of toxicity that harms every life on earth. Within a lifetime, our environment is changing drastically. Much of the information of environmental pollution impacts needs to be studied, from the mechanism of toxic nanoparticles on the molecular level to the detection of trace gases on the satellite perspective. It is therefore essential to develop advanced monitoring techniques, e- cient process technologies and health impact assessment tools to ?ll the gaps in our scienti?c knowledge. This edition of “Atmospheric and Biological Environmental Monitoring” is a handful of recent developments and techniques from environmental scientists in well-diversi?ed ?elds. These collections of manuscripts are extracts from the recently concluded “7th International Symposium on Advanced Environmental Monitoring” organized by the ADvanced Environmental Monitoring and Research Center (ADEMRC), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Korea and held on February 25–28, 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The three parts highlight important aspects of emerging environmental monitoring technologies: Atmospheric Environment, Contaminants Control Process, and Environmental Toxicity Asse- ment. Observational tools presented in the ?rst part ranges from in-situ measurements to satellite remote sensing for atmospheric monitoring. Highlighted in the second part is the recently developed water quality monitoring system for lake strati?cation and membrane technologies for detection and removal of contaminants. Lastly, toxicity monitoring of endocrine disruptors and nanoparticles are highlighted in the third part with new discoveries.