Conceptual Design of a Massive Aerometric Tracer Experiment (MATEX)

Abstract

A hypothetical field experiment is evaluated that relates, through tracer releases, reactive pollutant emissions to long range transport and deposition. The feasibility of such an approach is established provided certain requirements can be met. The experiment must: (a) trace emissions from several sources simultaneously and repetitively over an extended period of time, (b) link a tracer to the chemical behavior of emissions, and (c) apply a statistically sound method of guidance for deducing empirical source-receptor relationships (SRRs) while accounting for natural variability. One design approach would use perfluoro-carbon tracers (PFTs), which are nonreactive in the atmosphere, to simulate the transport and dispersion of reactive species such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides. Conversion and loss factors would be calibrated using isotopic sulfur and nitrogen compounds with PFTs, in combination with aerometric and deposition observations. An experimental concept is described that determines SRRs for deposition from observations and their interpolation, synthesized by an empirical model. If implemented, the experiment would be very expensive and has high design risk for achieving its goals given present knowledge.