R. Wilson, W. McMillan, R. Delgado, R. Hoff, M. Weldegaber, Department of Physics, UMBC

With the suite of instruments located at UMBC we are able to analyze how low level jets and convective rolls affect boundary layer carbon monoxide and ozone. Low level jets are an excellent transport mechanism for boundary layer air. These jets alter the nominal nocturnal ozone cycle and inhibit the total depletion of ozone during night time. Using BBAERI (Baltimore Bomem Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer) we retrieve boundary layer CO and total column ozone during both day and night. Comparing inactive to active nights we can better understand the effect jets have on the ozone cycle. The WRF regional model is used to simulate nocturnal jet events to elucidate source regions for the BBAERI retrievals of trace gas abundances. Previous studies using the AERI at the Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Southern Great Plains (SGP) site near Lamont, Oklahoma have demonstrated the impact of horizontal convective rolls on boundary layer water vapor profiles. We will present results of CO retrievals from BBAERI and AERI in the presence of convective rolls to better understand how they mix CO. These observations demonstrate the utility of BBAERI and other AERIs for remotely monitoring boundary layer composition and dynamics.

This is a very computational intensive procedure. Every ozone retrieval requires computation of the radiative transmission from an average of twelve synthetic atmospheres. On a normal day we can have over 400 retrievals. On a normal Linux box this takes approximately many days to compute. The use of a computer with parallel capabilities would greatly expedite this.