Evaluation of Modeled Vertical Distribution of Atmospheric SO2 and Sulfate in UTLSWe evaluated the vertical profiles of both SO2 and sulfate in the AEROCOM (Aerosol Model Intercomparison) Phase II participating models. SO2 and sulfate show significant concentration gradient in both horizontal and vertical directions. Both online and offline aerosol transport models show large difference in the vertical distribution of sulfur species from surface all the way up to lower stratosphere. Comparison with available aircraft measurements suggests models agree with observations well when SO2 concentration is high. For the volcanic plumes, the injection height and magnitude determines initial SO2 plume distribution and following transport pattern. At high altitude, where the background concentration of SO2 is often below the detection limit of the current aircraft instruments and satellite retrievals, modeled SO2 and sulfate concentration, lifetime, and budget, as well as their uncertainties can be difficult to be accurately quantified.
Document ID
20180008597
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Abstract
Authors
Tan, Qian (Bay Area Environmental Research Inst. Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Chin, Mian (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Aquila, Valentina (Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Chen, Gao (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
December 18, 2018
Publication Date
December 12, 2016
Subject Category
Environment Pollution
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN38261
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting (AGU 2016)