Date of Award

Spring 2009

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Earth Science

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Robert W Talbot

Abstract

The use of large aircraft is an invaluable tool for the study of chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere. In this thesis, some findings from two different major aircraft campaigns are reported. Part I examines measurements of fine aerosol sulfate in the Arctic made aboard the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) C-130 aircraft during the Tropospheric Ozone Production about the Spring Equinox Experiment (TOPSE) in 2000. Measurements highlighted the seasonal evolution of the Arctic haze phenomenon. Part II reports on measurements of nitric acid and various cloud microphysical properties made aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft during Tropical Composition, Cloud, and Climate Coupling Experiment (TC4) in 2007. Results presented further our understanding of the role of tropical cirrus clouds in the redistribution of nitric acid which is an important component in upper tropospheric ozone production.

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