TRANS2AM: Transport and Transformation of Ammonia

Summary

Ammonia (NH3) contributes to fine particle formation and nitrogen deposition; however, less is known about the atmospheric emissions, abundances, and loss processes for this species than many other anthropogenic pollutants. Toward this goal, we propose to 1) use measured NH3, NH4+ (ammonium), CH4 (methane) and C2H6 (ethane) to identify and track NH3 emissions from intensive animal farming operations in Colorado using the University of Wyoming King Air (UWKA) research aircraft , 2) investigate the timescale and factors that influence the phase partitioning of NH3 in plumes originating from these concentrated sources, 3) test the utility of an early warning system as a forecasting tool for the transport of NHx-rich (NH3 + NH4+) air masses into a sensitive ecosystem (Rocky Mountain National Park), and 4) pilot proposed analysis techniques that use the evolution of the ratio of CH4 to NHx in agricultural plumes to quantify nitrogen loss to deposition in the near-field region downwind of large point sources such as cattle and dairy feedlots.