Organic Aerosols

A research focus of the Climate Change Research Center emphasizes understanding of carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere. These studies are diverse in their approach, scope, and location of interest. Field measurements focus on size resolution, source, physical properties, transformation, and chemical speciation of atmospheric carbonaceous aerosols using mist chambers, filter and impactor collection, and aerosol mass spectrometry. Field sites include New England (inland, coastal, and marine), Houston (urban pollution), and Summit, Greenland (remote). Laboratory studies utilize chamber experiments to determine yields and speciation of simplified reaction systems, including those consisting of chlorine atom and reactive organics. Modeling studies center on simulation of atmospheric secondary organic aerosol (SOA) concentrations using state-of-the-science modules in three-dimensional air quality models applied to the northeastern United States and southern California. Model applications include seasonal and dynamical controls on SOA formation, particle chemical characterization, and source apportionment.