STRAAS

Determining size resolved chemical composition of particles is crucial for understanding several atmospheric processes, including warm and cold cloud formation, but challenging to accomplish using currently available sampling devices. The main objective for the proposed deployment of a size and time-resolved automated aerosol sampler via a tethered balloon system is to understand the vertical profile of atmospheric aerosol composition. The Size and Time-resolved Aerosol Collector (STAC) will be used to collect aerosol for characterization of physical and chemical properties using Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory’s microscopy, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry platforms. The automated sampler will enable collection of samples with broad size range and high time resolution and fill the measurement gap in the current ARM observatory site. This enhanced capability will enable collection of atmospheric aerosol samples at multiple altitudes and improve our understanding of the vertical profile of aerosol composition, thus providing critical data for climate models.

Timeline