CIMSOPSGP

 

Chemical Imaging and Molecular Characterization of Solid Organic Particles Discovered in the Area of Southern Great Plains

1 April 2016 - 30 September 2017

Lead Scientist: Mary Gilles

Observatory: sgp, sgp

Recent discovery of solid (glassy) atmospheric soil organic particles (ASOP), emitted through atmosphere–land-surface interactions in the Southern Great Plains (SGP), suggests that ASOP may have a regional-scale impact on the atmospheric environment. Systematic investigation of this newly discovered type of organic particles will have important implications for multiple aspects of environmental science. Initial results revealed unique properties of ASOP macro-molecular organic composition, solid (glassy) phase, and refractory nature, and indicated their potential to affect the atmospheric environment and the carbon cycle in the area. The objective of the proposed project is to conduct in-depth chemical imaging of particles and molecular-level studies of physicochemical properties of ASOP typical for the SGP area, and obtain fundamental knowledge for predictive understanding of their environmental impact including radiative properties and cloud-forming potential. The ultimate goal is to provide experimental data necessary for parameterization of ASOP properties in atmospheric and climate models. This research was performed under the EMSL-ARM Pilot Program for Joint Research Projects and used resources at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility’s Southern Great Plains site in Oklahoma.

Co-Investigators

Bingbing Wang

Timeline