2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Research conducted by both U.S. and Portuguese researchers at the PICO-NARE atmospheric research station (Pico Island, Azores, Portugal), installed in summer 2001, has demonstrated that this location is ideal for observation of the impacts of pollution emissions, large forest fires, and African dust storms upon the global atmosphere. A permanent atmospheric station on Pico Mountain would be extremely valuable to Portugal and to the global atmospheric sciences community. This project will provide continuity between the current, temporary station, and the ultimately permanent station, by supporting U.S. scientists to operate the current station through the summer months. In addition, this project will ensure that the knowledge gained in the current temporary station is fully available as the new, permanent station is developed. The 1995 Agreement on Cooperation and Defense between the US and Portugal, calls for US Government agencies to cooperate in such efforts. DOD has requested and funded USDA/ARS to serve as the lead civilian agency for this program under the Azores Cooperative Initiatives Program (ACIP). 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Michigan Technical University (MTU) scientists will provide continuous monitoring of the operation of all MTU, University of the Azores, and University of Colorado instruments (used to measure carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, non-methane hydrocarbons, and black carbon particles) during the months of June and August 2005. They will also maintain and rapidly repair instruments as needed to obtain near-continuous measurements. The University of Colorado will provide this monitoring during the month of July. 3.Progress Report An observation platform was developed in Portugal to support high altitude observations of gases and particulates. The observation system has continued to function and collect data for the past two years. This year will complete a three-year period of observations that will be used to assemble a data base on meteorological observations. The current interest on global climate increases the value of these observations for large scale assessments. Monthly exchanges of information about the progress of the project are conducted via email. (NP206, Component 2)