Grantee Research Project Results
Characterization of a Rural Elemental Carbon Aerosol and its Resulting Radiative Forcing
EPA Grant Number: U914733Title: Characterization of a Rural Elemental Carbon Aerosol and its Resulting Radiative Forcing
Investigators: Dillner, Ann
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: January 1, 1995 through January 1, 1996
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals , Fellowship - Engineering
Objective:
The main objectives of this research project are to: (1) measure the phase function and asymmetry factor for single-ice crystals; (2) measure the scattering and extinction coefficients, the single-scattering albedo, the phase function, and the asymmetry parameter for a monodisperse population of ice crystals; (3) compare measured parameters to data sets collected in field studies; and (4) propose parameterization of radiative properties for inclusion in cloud and climate models.
Approach:
Cirrus clouds have a significant impact on climate due to their influence on radiative transfer through the atmosphere and their pervasiveness around the globe. Climate models require accurate representations of cirrus clouds to effectively predict global climate. In this research, single crystals will be studied using an electrodynamic balance, which suspends a charged ice crystal against the force of gravity using electric fields. An array of detectors will be used to measure the phase function around the crystal. An optical chamber will be used to measure scattering and extinction coefficients and the phase function of a cloud or population of monodisperse ice crystals.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, climate, cloud model, climate model, ice crystals., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, particulate matter, air toxics, Environmental Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, environmental monitoring, atmospheric particulate matter, atmospheric dispersion models, atmospheric measurements, particulate organic carbon, chemical characteristics, aerosol particles, air quality models, airborne particulate matter, albedo, air sampling, carbon particles, air quality model, particulate matter mass, ultrafine particulate matter, climate model, modeling studies, aerosol analyzers, measurement methods, carbonaceous particulate matter, chemical speciation samplingProgress 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.