Measurement report: Properties of aerosol and gases in the vertical profile during the LAPSE-RATE campaign

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) are increasingly being used as observation platforms for atmospheric applications. The Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation – a Remotely-piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) in Alamosa, CO, USA during July 14th–20th, 2018 investigated and validated different UASs, measurement sensors and setup configurations. Flight teams from the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and the Kansas State University (KSU) participated in LAPSE-RATE to measure and investigate properties of aerosol particles and gases in the lower atmosphere. During the experiment, the performance of different UAS configurations were investigated and confirmed to operate reliably resulting in a scientifically sound observational dataset. As an example, concentration of aerosols – including two new particle formation events, CO2 and water vapor, and meteorological parameters in the atmospheric vertical profile were measured during the short experiment. Such observations characterizing atmospheric phenomena of this specific environment would have not been possible in any other way, and thus, demonstrate power of UASs as new, promising tools in atmospheric and environmental research. </jats:p>

Atmospheric aerosol, gases, and meteorological parameters measured during the LAPSE-RATE campaign by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and Kansas State University

“…This dataset offers a nice example of how these systems can help to inform our general understanding of these parameters, which can be very important to understanding weather and climate. A description of the vertical structure of key parameters as observed during LAPSE-RATE was provided in Brus et al (2021); e.g., it includes analysis and discussion on acquired parameters and provides insight, however limited, on new particle formation events occurring over the San Luis Valley.…”

“…There were no inter-comparison measurements made for POPS instruments. For more details please see Supplement of Brus et al (2021), where the detailed analysis was provided.…”

“…However, a variety of primary and secondary aerosol particle sources in the SLV, including agriculture, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, wildfires, biogenic emissions, and large-scale advection of particles from the deserts and mountainous regions of the western United States, made this an interesting location to characterize aerosol properties and their variability. Coupled with the substantial summer diurnal cycles in atmospheric temperature, humidity, turbulence, and thermodynamic mixing, as well as the frequent occurrence of thunderstorms in the mountains surrounding the SLV, aerosol properties were found to vary over the course of the week, as documented in Brus et al (2021). Routine lower-atmospheric profiling allowed our team to document particle sizes and concentrations, including the occurrence of new particle formation (NPF) events, and the connection of these phenomena to boundary layer and synoptic wind regimes.…”

Atmospheric aerosol, gases and meteorological parameters measured during the LAPSE-RATE campaign

“…Finally, work to analyze these data is ongoing. A description of the vertical structure of key parameters as observed during LAPSE-RATE has been submitted for publication (see Brus et al, 2020c), and includes evidence of new particle formation events occurring over the San Luis Valley. Additional work is planned to assess the thermodynamic and aerosol particle properties associated with the cold-air drainage flows that were found to occur during the night in the valley.…”

Progressive and Prospective Technology for Cloud Seeding Experiment by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Atmospheric Research Aircraft in Korea

“…For the operation of cloud seeding, a large UAV system, including sensors and seeding material, is needed [48,50]. e Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation-a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) campaign was conducted using an unmanned aerial system to observe the vertical profile of aerosol, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other meteorological parameters [53]. Compared to manned aircraft, UAVs require less workforce and lower budgets and can fly during severe weather conditions.…”