Grantee Research Project Results
An Enhanced Aerosol Size Distribution Methodology
EPA Grant Number: U915618Title: An Enhanced Aerosol Size Distribution Methodology
Investigators: Pearson, Roderick R.
Institution: The University of Texas at El Paso
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: August 1, 1999 through August 1, 2002
Project Amount: $76,676
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , Fellowship - Earth Sciences
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., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, Physics, Monitoring/Modeling, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, air quality modeling, particle size, remote sensing, atmospheric dispersion models, aerosol particles, atmospheric particles, air modeling, remote sensing data, air quality model, aerodynamic particle sizing, electromagnetic scattering, particulate monitoring stations, air qialty model, particulate matter mass, electromaganetic scattering, particle dispersionProgress and Final Reports:
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.