Tropospheric Chemistry

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Research Highlight Climate: The discovery of a novel sulfur compound during a historic airborne research mission will likely spur a scientific reassessment of a fundamental marine chemical cycle which drives the formation of oceanic clouds that play a key role in moderating climate. Learn More Photo: Sam Hall, NCAR

Dr. Steven S. Brown, Program Lead
Sara Gibbons, Admin Support Assistant (303) 497-5074

NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory
325 Broadway R/CSL7
Boulder, CO 80305 USA

Focus

The focus of our research group is to improve understanding of emissions and atmospheric processes that underlie regional and continental air quality and the influence that these processes have on climate, regionally and globally. The goal of our research is to enhance our ability to predict and monitor future changes, leading to improved scientific information in support of decision making.

Measurements

Staff in our group develop and deploy state-of-the-art instruments to measure important atmospheric gas and aerosol species from ultra-trace levels to the extremely high concentrations found at emission sources. Field studies are critical to our research: Recent field work has centered around intensive regional campaigns using multiple platforms, including aircraft, but also includes short-term limited deployments and long-term monitoring.

aircraft - ship - trailers
Research platforms used for field campaigns: NOAA WP-3D aircraft, NOAA R/V Ronald H. Brown, typical ground site.

Collaborations

Our research program works in close coordination with other CSL and ESRL groups involved in measurements of atmospheric transport and mixing phenomena, aerosol measurements, laboratory studies, and modeling studies to explore all aspects of the processes in the atmosphere that influence air quality and climate. Our program works closely with partners in other federal agencies, the academic research community, stakeholders at the state and local level and in the private sector, and international collaborators to address important research needs and current scientific questions in our area of expertise.

Publications

Publications

Field Projects

Field Projects
Studying the atmospheric effects of wildland and agricultural fires in the U.S.

Measurements

Measurements
Tropospheric chemical research data from major field campaigns.

Instruments

Instruments