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Campaigns for the new aerosol observing systems

 
Poster PDF

Authors

Stephen R. Springston — Brookhaven National Laboratory
Arthur J Sedlacek — Brookhaven National Laboratory

Category

Infrastructure & Outreach

Description

The next generation of aerosol observing systems (AOS) provides reliable platforms suitable for both Intensive Operational Periods (IOPs) and long-term monitoring. They contain instrumentation for in situ measurements of aerosols and their precursors.

All AOS units have a basic suite of aerosol instrumentation with independent, free-standing aerosol sampling inlets based on earlier AOS units within the ARM Facility. Remote access for instrument mentors greatly reduces on-site operator needs. Basic scattering, absorbance, and concentration instruments are in all units. A local meteorology sensor at the inlet provides measurement context. Once on site with power and internet, most AOS operations can commence within 1–2 hours of set up (erection of the sampling towers and roof railings). The more complex Mobile AOS (MAOS A and C) consists of two SeaTainers and is also self-contained, but it requires more involved on-site mentor staging. MAOS has converters for labile compounds at the 10-meter sampling height, a separate fast flow PFA inlet for a trace gas instrument suite, and enhanced instrumentation for aerosol chemical and microphysical characterization. The MAOS instrument suite includes aerosol and black carbon counters, optical and electro mobility classifiers, three measurements of aerosol absorbance, hygroscopicity measurements of aerosol growth and scattering, cloud condensation nuclei counters, two measurements of aerosol chemical composition, and an extensive suite of research-grade instruments for complementary measurements of trace gas aerosol precursors. A SODAR provides additional atmospheric state information.

As parts of the ARM Facility, these AOS units are physically contained in 20-foot SeaTainers custom adapted to provide a sheltered laboratory environment for operators and instruments even under harsh conditions. Largely independent, with separate data systems, inlets, and power distribution, the structures are designed for rapid deployment. All components are transported internally, protected by shock-mounted racks and in their operating configuration (plumbing, power, pumps, and data connections). All structures are suitable for extreme terrestrial conditions while maintaining laboratory conditions inside. In case of severe weather forecasts, the inlets can be quickly lowered. Inlets are deiced and guyed for winds up to at least ~50 m/s. In case of severe weather forecasts, the inlets can be quickly lowered.