Methods Results Abstract Materials References Contributors: Aviance Carter, Marlon Doyle, AveriSeelig, AyannaStukes Dr. Shermane Austin, Dr. Leon Johnson Sydnee Cumberbatch Farhana Nabi We are conducting observations of ozone concentrations downwind of NYC. The objective of these experiment s is to understand ozone variability in the troposphere and stratosphere. Variables measured include the ozone mixing ratio (ppmv), ozone partial pressure, temperature, humidity and pressure. We describe features of selected ozone profiles by comparing selected samples taken at the National Weather Service sounding facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. -An atmospheric gas that occurs in two layers: troposphere and stratosphere. -Consists of 3 atoms of oxygen that forms one molecule -Absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere. What is Ozone? Stratospheric Ozone Absorbs UV Rays Occurs naturally Prevents skin cancer Tropospheric Ozone A pollutant Causes asthma and other respiratory problems Damages vegetation An ingredient of smog Stratospheric vs. Tropospheric We conducted observations of ozone concentrations at Brookhaven, NY. Sounding balloons are used to measure the amount of ozone as a function of altitude. A. ECC Ozonesonde -Developed by Walter Komhyr - Consists of a pump and sensing cells - Battery-driven pump forces air into the sensing cell which consists of anode and cathode solutionsof KI in different concentrations - One ozone molecule results in two electrons flowing through the circuit - Electrical current generated proportional to the ozone flow through the cell - Basic chemical reaction: 2KI + O 3 + H 2 O -> I 2 + O 2 + 2KOH B. Radiosonde -Interfaced with the ozonesonde, both attached a weather balloon, transmits information. -Radiosonde measures pressure, temperature, and humidity -The sensors are linked to a battery (wet cell battery) powered by a radio transmitter that sends information to a ground tracking antenna on a 403 MHz radio frequency -Signals are received by the ground station and are transformed into meteorological values that are shown on our laptops that are analyzed and interpreted. Conclusion Our experiment was to observe the concentration of tropospheric ozone in relationship to stratospheric ozone. However, our data concentrations are not constant. The concentration of ozone is affected by weather conditions. The graphs shown above show when temperature and frost point are very close there is moisture in the air (LI008). Also, there is a decreased amount of ozone present due to these weather conditions. Notice that the tropopause begins above 15 km and ends approximately at 17 km. We are able to identify the location of the tropopause due to its constant temperature. When the tropopause ends there is a greater increase in ozone when it’s in the stratosphere. Looking at the “Comparison of Ozone Concentrations”, there was slightly more ozone in the troposphere in June rather than July, this may be due to less moisture and precipitation. We will continue our research by conducting more launches In Brookhaven, Long Island and Paradox, New York. We will compare our new data with the old and look for more possible patterns and possibly even the occurrence of stratospheric-tropospheric exchange in the future. Neu, Urs, et al.. “On the Relation between Ozone Storagein the Residual Layer and Daily Variation in Near-Surface Ozone Concentration- A Case Study.” Boundary Layer Meteorology 69(1994):