Air Quality in the Northern Colorado Front Range Metro Area: The Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Éxperiment (FRAPPÉ)

Abstract

We describe the resources used, the deployment strategy, and the outcomes of the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Éxperiment (FRAPPÉ) experiment, which took place in the summer of 2014 in the Front Range of Colorado. We provide a history of air quality of the region and the outcomes of previously conducted experiments, describe the atmospheric conditions encountered during the campaign, and summarize the scientific findings that the campaign produced, together with the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER‐AQ) intensive, simultaneously carried out by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The goal of FRAPPÉ was to measure emission tracers and photochemical tracers from the ground and by aircraft to be able to quantify the contributions of various emission sectors to the photochemical production of ozone in the Colorado Front Range. We found major contributions from the fossil fuel extraction sector as well as the transportation sector, with minor contributions from agriculture, energy generation, and industry. The meteorological conditions were also found to be critical in creating situations conducive to high ozone in the area.

Validation of IASI Satellite Ammonia Observations at the Pixel Scale Using In Situ Vertical Profiles

“…The California campaign occurred between January 16 and February 7, 2013 over the San Joaquin Valley. In the following year, the experiment was continued in Colorado from July 16 to August 16, along with a complimentary National Science Foundation (NSF) Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPÉ) that had additional platforms and NH 3 measurements (Flocke et al., 2020). The DISCOVER‐AQ flight patterns were specifically designed for satellite validations as the P‐3B aircraft made repeated upward and downward spirals.…”

Pandemics and the future of human-landscape interactions

“…Whereas Denver has historically struggled with poor air quality (e.g., Flocke et al, 2020 ), the widespread reduction in human activity during the “stay at home” period led to noticeable improvements. During this period, concentrations of the pollutants sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and airborne particulate matter (PM) were 40–93% lower than values for the same dates during 2018 and 2019 (not controlling for variable year-to-year weather conditions) ( Fig.…”

Evidence of Nighttime Production of Organic Nitrates During SEAC4RS, FRAPPÉ, and KORUS‐AQ

“…The FRAPPÉ campaign took place during July and August 2014 in the Northern Front Range Metropolitan Area (NFRMA) of Colorado (Flocke et al, 2020). This analysis uses observations from the NSF/NCAR C‐130 aircraft which flew 15 daytime research flights out of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Jefferson County, CO.…”