Chemical and bulk sampling during the Aerosol and Ocean Science Expedition V (AEROSE V)

Atmospheric aerosols have a large direct and indirect impact on Earth's environment climate system. The primary goal of the trans-Atlantic Aerosol and Ocean Science Expeditions (AEROSE) are to characterize the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of aerosols, originating from Western Africa, as they are transported across the Atlantic Ocean. During AEROSE V, a suite of filter sampling methods were employed from 11 July 2009 to 3 Aug 2009 in order to investigate the evolution of particle (chemical) and gas phase (bulk) chemistry at the surface, as aerosols are transported across the Atlantic Ocean.

AEROSE V afforded researchers an opportunity to sample in three different aerosol/air mass regimes according to the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF), Navy's Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS), and Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction (NAAPS) forecasts and the NOAA HYSPLIT model. Beginning 18 July, smoke transported from Central Africa was intercepted. There was an air mass transition from 24 July 2009 to 25 July 2009 in which possibly a mixture of smoke and Saharan dust were encountered. From 25 July 2009 to 3 August 2009, light dust concentrations at the surface were sampled. Evidence of the different sampling regimes is evident on the bulk samples collected and corroborated with aerosol particle measurements, aerosol model forecasts, and weather forecasts.

The samples collected onboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown are only visually inspected during the cruise. After collection, all samples are stored in a freezer at approximately -17oC. Analysis of chemical and bulk samples will take place after safe transport of the samples to Howard University. This presentation will cover the air mass and synoptic analysis enabling distinctions of the various air mass regimes for contextualizing the sample analysis.