METO 634: Air Sampling and Analysis

SYLLABUS

METO 634: Air Sampling and Analysis Spring 2006

PROFESSOR: Russell Dickerson x55391 [email protected] http://www.atmos.umd.edu/~russ/SYLLABUS_634.htm

SUMMARY: Theory and application of analytical techniques for the analysis of meteorological variables, and atmospheric gases and particles including priority pollutants. Hands on experience with traditional and state-of-the-art instruments will be provided. Discussion of the combined chemical and meteorological considerations in designing field experiments. One hour of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: METO 434, or METO 637, or consent of the instructor.

LECTURE WEEK

I. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF SENSORS A. Introduction 1 B. Objectives 1 C. Nomenclature 1 D. Static Response 1 E. Dynamic Response 2 E. First & Second Order Systems 2

II. NOISE AND ITS REDUCTION A. Johnson and Shot noise 3 B. Optical Absorption Systems 4 C. Chemiluminescent Systems 5

III. SAMPLING STRATEGY A. Exposure and Site Effects 6 B. Geographic Variability 7

IV. INSTRUMENTATION A. Radiation Sources 8 B. Radiation Sensors 9 C. Spectroscopic Techniques, O3, CO etc. 10-11 D. Chemiluminescent Systems 12 E. Fluorescence 13 F. Chemical Flux Measurement G. Aerosol Optics EC/OC

EXPERIMENT WEEK

I. PRECIPITATION A. Amount 1-6 B. Chemistry and pH 6

II. FUNDAMENTAL PROPERTIES A. Temperature 1 B. Flow Measurement 2 C. Humidity & Pressure 3

III. TRACE GASES A. Ozone 4 B. Carbon Monoxide 5 C. Oxides of Nitrogen 6-12 D. Sulfur Dioxide 6-12

VI. RADIATION A. Heat Balance 6-12 B. UV Radiation 6-12

VII. AEROSOLS 6-12 A. Scattering 6-12 B. Absorption 6-12 C. EC/OC 6-12

FINAL EXAM: To be scheduled.

Text: Specially prepared laboratory guides, instrument manuals, and current scientific literature. Extensive use will be made of Instructor's Handbook on Meteorological Instrumentation, F. Brock, Ed., (NCAR Tech. Note NCAR/TN-327+1A) 1984. http://library.ucar.edu/uhtbin/cgisirsi/mqQI9OUBDx/0/285610016/523/7440

Grading: Best seven of nine laboratory reports (70%) lab notebook (10%) and a final exam (20%). Lab reports will be graded on a 10-point basis; the first four are required you may chose five of the list above. Your seven best reports will be counted.

Suggested Texts: Instruments and Measurements by M. R. Bottaccini. Chemistry of the Upper and Lower Atmosphere, Finlayson-Pitts and Pitts. http://www.des.umd.edu/risk_comm/edu/guide.html