Jump to main content.

Research Project Search
 Enter Search Term:
   
 NCER Advanced Search

An Enhanced Aerosol Size Distribution Methodology

EPA Grant Number: U915618
Title: An Enhanced Aerosol Size Distribution Methodology
Investigators: Pearson, Roderick R.
Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
EPA Project Officer: Broadway, Virginia
Project Period: August 1, 1999 through August 1, 2002
Project Amount: $76,676
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Earth Sciences , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration

Description:

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to develop an alternative means to analyze atmospheric tropospheric aerosol physical properties from radiance measurements. An additional goal is to create a template for monitoring atmospheric aerosol distributions for local and regional entities complying with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?s regulations on air quality.

Approach:

The initial phase of the project will be the analysis of existing models of multi-scattering theory. This will allow for the documenting of strengths and weaknesses of each model. Upon completion of the documentation phase, the possibility of developing a new and more accurate, first-principles model for electromagnetic scattering from a single aerosol particle will be explored. This model would substitute for the corresponding algorithms in the existing radiative transfer codes. From these existing models, the proper methodology will be improved and developed to do a more accurate aerosol size distribution inversion using remote sensing data (e.g., MISR and ground-based radiometers). The inversion data will be validated by statistical comparison with several data sources. One source will be the T-Matrix, MIE, and Dipole approximation models. A secondary source will be modeled dispersion data coupled with particulate monitoring station data to give an overall particle size distribution profile for the local airshed. The dispersion data will be derived from a prognostic meteorological model, the Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Modeling System (MM5). MM5 will be used to develop wind profiles in the analysis of aerosol dispersion in the local airshed.

Expected Results:

A newly developed theory for electromagnetic scattering from a single irregularly shaped aerosol particle should compare well with standard methods such as MIE and the Dipole approximation.

Supplemental Keywords:

physics, remote sensing, atmosphere. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Air, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Environmental Monitoring, particulate monitoring stations, aerosol analyzers, remote sensing, particulate matter mass, remote sensing data, aerosol particles, atmospheric dispersion models, aerodynamic particle sizing, particle dispersion, electromaganetic scattering, air quality modeling, atmospheric particles, air qialty model, air modeling, electromagnetic scattering, particle size

Top of page

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.