ARM-ACME projects in the SGP and NSA

Description

We present airborne (ARM-ACME) observations and analysis of atmospheric trace gases in the Southern Great Plains (SGP) and the North Slope of Alaska (NSA). The goals of this measurement program are to improve understanding of: (a) land-atmosphere carbon exchanges in the SGP and NSA regions; (b) how CO2, CH4 and associated water and energy fluxes influence CO2 and CH4 concentrations; (c) how greenhouse gases are transported on continental scales; and (d) investigate the impact of a fast changing climate on the carbon cycle in the NSA. During flights, we measure CO2, CH4 and meteorological data continuously and collect flasks for a rich suite of additional gases: CO2, CH4, CO, N2O, 13CO2, 14CO2, carbonyl sulfide (COS), and many trace hydrocarbon species. The main objectives of these weekly flights are to quantify trends and variability in atmospheric concentrations of CO2, CH4, and other greenhouse gases in North America and to improve understanding and modeling of boundary layer - free troposphere exchange dynamics.