Measurement techniques in gas-phase tropospheric chemistry: A selective view of the past, present, and future

Journal Article · Fri May 16 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.276.5315.1065· OSTI ID:539109

Roscoe, H K ^[1]; Clemitshaw, K C ^[2]

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1. British Antarctic Survey/Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge (United Kingdom)
2. Imperial College of Science, Ascot (United Kingdom)

Measurements of trace gases and photolysis rates in the troposphere are essential for understanding photochemical smog and global environmental change. Chemical measurement techniques have progressed enormously since the first regular observations of tropospheric ozone in the 19th century. In contrast, by the 1940s spectroscopic measurements were already of a quality that would have allowed the use of modern analysis techniques to reduce interference between gases, although such techniques were not applied at the time. Today, chemical and spectroscopic techniques complement each other on a wide range of platforms. The boundaries between spectroscopic techniques will retreat as more Fourier transform spectrometers are used at visible wavelengths and as wide-band lidars are extended, and combining chemical techniques will allow detection of more trace gases with better sensitivity. Other future developments will focus on smaller, lighter instruments to take advantage of new platforms such as unmanned aircraft and to improve the effectiveness of urban sampling. 74 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 539109
• Journal Information: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 5315 Vol. 276; ISSN SCIEAS; ISSN 0036-8075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
EVALUATION
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GREENHOUSE GASES
PHOTOLYSIS
TROPOSPHERE