WP-3D Instrumentation

The NOAA WP-3D research aircraft is essential to answer all the science questions. The ability of the aircraft (i) to sample air masses that contain a different mixture of emissions (urban, power plant, forest), (ii) to follow these air masses as they are transported and chemically transformed in the atmosphere, and (iii) to measure the vertical distribution of trace gases and aerosol in the atmosphere, is unique and cannot be obtained with any other platform.

The proposed payload for the NOAA WP-3D research aircraft during the Southeast mission includes gas and aerosol phase instrumentation and cloud probes. Final choices will depend on instrument availability, investigator interest, and funding.