DISCOVER-AQ

DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) was a four-year campaign to improve the use of satellites to monitor air quality for public health and environmental benefit. Through targeted airborne and ground-based observations, DISCOVER-AQ will enable more effective use of current and future satellites to diagnose ground level conditions influencing air quality. -- (https://discover-aq.larc.nasa.gov/)

I participated in this field experiment as an undergraduate research assistant during the summer after my Junior year. I was brought onto the experiment as the flux tower lead technician and data analyst. I also contributed to the operations of the tethered balloon profiling system which provided vertical profiles of trace atmospheric gases (NO, NOx, and Ozone). I constructed the flux tower pictured below (complete with sonic anemometer, gas flux analyzer, radiometer, and thermometer/barometer) and followed strict protocols to ensure quality control during data analysis. I helped prepare and calibrate gas analyzer instrumentation in the enclosure and ready the system for launch. I also helped communicate with NASA P3B aircraft to ensure our tethered balloon was at maximum altitude during their downward spiral so we had a fully integrated column profile of the atmospheric boundary layer. We also spent time discussing stable boundary layers and why they are conducive to smog in Denver. Through map discussions with NWS Boulder meteorologists, I learned how to forecast for these events.

Following data quality assurance and analysis, I was asked to organize a team of students to present work done on the DISCOVER-AQ Project at the Made In Millersville research workshop. I led a team of students and helped construct a collaborative presentation.

[From left to right] 1) Tethered balloon with NO, NOx, and Ozone sensors and tethersondes attached at various heights. 2) Eddy Covariance Flux Tower with radiometer, CSAT3 Sonic Anemometer, LICOR Gas Analyzer, and temperature and humidity sensor. 3) NO, NOx, and Ozone gas analyzers with customized encloser. This attaches to the tethered balloon for a profile of atmospheric chemical concentrations.