Airship-based observations of formaldehyde in the planetary boundary layer over rural Finland
Abstract
Formaldehyde (HCHO) is an important tracer for oxidative processes in the atmosphere such as oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and production of HO2 radicals (by photolysis or reaction with OH). Products of VOC oxidation and radical cycling, such as aerosols and tropospheric ozone, have direct impacts on human health. During the Pan-European Gas-AeroSOls Climate Interaction Study (PEGASOS), HCHO measurements were obtained together with OH reactivity, OH, HO2, CO, O3, NOx, HONO, HONO, VOCs, and aerosol particle size distribution. HCHO concentration was measured by the Madison FIber Laser-Induced Fluorescence (FILIF) instrument, optimized for flight campaigns to accommodate size and power requirements. Here we present data collected in rural areas near Jämijärvi, Finland in Spring 2013. Finland provides a pristine environment, allowing investigation of primarily biogenic emission and cycles. Measurements were carried out aboard a Zeppelin, which flew vertical profiles ranging in altitude from ~ 200 - 1000 meters. In this way, we studied the height-dependent evolution of the lower atmosphere, in which most VOC oxidation chemistry occurs. Flights were carried out with starting times ranging from sunrise to post-sunset. We present overall trends seen during the campaign of HCHO and related species within the context of VOC oxidation and secondary pollutant production.
- Publication:
-
EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014EGUGA..1616622T