The effect of tropical islands on the chemical mixing of biogenics and their oxidation products from the surface layer to the upper troposphere
Abstract
In recent years much interest has been shown in the composition of the tropical atmosphere from the surface to the tropopause. During June 2008 an extensive measurement campaign (OP3) was conducted from the ground level in the canopy of the tropical rainforest of Borneo concurrently with aircraft flights over coastal areas, a mixture of rainforest and palm plantations on the island. The aim of this campaign was to gain a better understanding of the chemical processes governing the tropical boundary layer and emissions from changing vegetation types. Tropical islands present a set of meteorological conditions that have the potential to loft surface emissions into the upper troposphere which can later have an impact on the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere. The experimental data in conjunction with models has been used to assess the impact of introducing surface biogenic emissions to the upper troposphere on the chemical processing throughout the entire air column. The data show the lifting lifetimes are in the order of 1 to 2 hours and that the islands act in effect as a tropical chimney lifting a significant range of biogenics and NOx. The oxidative impact of the tropical region on global oxidative capacity will be explored.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFM.A51A0143H
- Keywords:
-
- 0317 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE / Chemical kinetic and photochemical properties;
- 0365 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE / Troposphere: composition and chemistry