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 Director:
Dr. David Porter

ASC POC/Implementer:
Paul Sullivan / Jamee Johnson

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Vanda Grubisic
vanda.grubisic@noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Global Monitoring Division (GMD)
Boulder, Colorado

Project Web Site:
https://gml.noaa.gov

Location

Supporting Stations: Palmer Station
Research Locations: Palmer Station

Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) team will continue long-term measurements of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that influence weather and the ozone layer, and surface concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere. The work done at Palmer Station is in conjunction with the ongoing long-term worldwide measurements of atmospheric composition, aerosols, solar radiation, and the ozone layer. The measurements will be used for time-series analysis of multiyear data that focus on stratospheric ozone depletion, trans-Antarctic transport and deposition, the interplay of trace gases and aerosols with the solar and terrestrial radiation fluxes on the polar plateau, the magnitude of seasonal and temporal variations in atmospheric constituents, and the development of polar stratospheric clouds over Antarctica. UV monitoring instruments are located at Palmer Station. SUV, GUV, TUVR, and PSP instruments are located on the roof of Terra Lab. The UV instruments run continuously throughout the year. NOAA’s Long-Term Observations of Greenhouse Gases and Ozone-depleting Substances (LOGOS) and Carbon Cycle Greenhouse Gases (CCGG) divisions, as well as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Atmospheric Oxygen Research group, capture clean air samples upwind of station activities.

Field Season Overview

The Palmer Station research associate (RA) provides year-round support for the UV monitoring instruments. Typically, site visits are needed every 2 years for one NOAA UV instrument participant. The next maintenance visit for the UV monitoring system is tentatively scheduled for 2027-28. Additionally, the RA performs Scripps, CCGG, and LOGOS air sampling. Samples are shipped back to grantee institutions periodically for analysis.