We propose to use the NOAA WP-3D research aircraft to answer all the science questions. The ability of the aircraft (i) to reach a number of different shale regions within the same study, and (ii) to carry a large enough instrument payload to address all of the science questions is unique and cannot be provided by any other platform.
The proposed payload for the NOAA WP-3D research aircraft during the mission includes gas and aerosol phase instrumentation. Final choices will depend on instrument availability, investigator interest, and funding.