Project Title

Collection of atmospheric air for the NOAA/Global Monitoring Division (GMD) worldwide flask-sampling network

Summary

Event Number:
O-264-P
NSF / NOAA Agreement

Program Manager:
Dr. David Porter

ASC POC/Implementer:
John Rand / Jamee Johnson

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. James Hall Butler
james.h.butler@noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Global Monitoring Division (GMD)
Boulder, Colorado

Location

Supporting Stations: Palmer Station
Research Locations: Palmer Station

Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory Global Monitoring Division (ESRL-GMD) will continue long-term measurements of ultra-violet (UV) radiation that influences climate and the ozone layer. The observations are made in conjunction with ongoing worldwide measurements of carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, aerosols, water vapor, surface and stratospheric ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, and the ozone layer. The measurements are used for time-series analysis of multi-year data focusing on stratospheric ozone depletion, trans-Antarctic transport and deposition, the interplay of trace-gas aerosols with the solar and terrestrial radiation fluxes on the polar plateau, the magnitude of seasonal and temporal variations in greenhouse gases, and the development of polar stratospheric clouds over Antarctica.

Field Season Overview

The Palmer Station Research Assistant will provide year-round support for the UV monitoring instruments. Typically there are site visits by one NOAA UV instrument technician every two years. Additionally, the RA performs Scripps, CCGG, and Halocarbon and other Atmospheric Trace Gasses (HATS) air sampling. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacts, visits scheduled for 2020-21 have been deferred to a later date.