Investigating interactions of convective activity, aerosols and aerosol precursors during TRACER
Authors
Rebecca Jacobs Sheesley — Baylor University *
Manisha Mehra — University of Miami
Katia Lamer — Brookhaven National Laboratory
Kimberly Ann Sauceda — Baylor University
Sujan Shrestha — Baylor University
Subin Yoon — University of Houston
James Flynn — University of Houston
Chun-Ying Chao — Rice University
Robert Griffin — Roger Williams University
Don R. Collins — University of California, Riverside
Yuxuan Wang — University of Houston
Sascha Usenko — Baylor University
Category
Convective clouds, including aerosol interactions
Description
The Houston, Texas, metropolitan area is rapidly growing and is impacted by various emission sources, including motor vehicle, industrial, residential, biomass burning, and biogenic emissions. To gain insights into the spatial heterogeneity of VOCs (VOCs) across Houston, ambient concentrations of select VOCs were mapped during the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric System Research-funded TRACER – Mapping Aerosol Processes (MAP) and TRACER- Air Quality (AQ) campaigns conducted July – September 2022. The measurements were performed at five different locations across the north, south, and eastern Houston metropolitan area to capture a variety of emission scenarios and meteorological conditions. One of the major focuses of the study is to help better understand the contribution of VOCs to aerosol processes and gas-phase chemistry. The details about the spatial distribution of VOCs are presented with case studies demonstrating the complex interplay of emissions and convection at various sites in Houston.
Lead PI
Rebecca Jacobs Sheesley — Baylor University