Atmospheric Measurements during POPCORN — Characterisation of the Photochemistry over a Rural Area

Present policy issues concern the reduction of ozone levels by controlling its precursors, NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOC are emitted from anthropogenic and biogenic sources. Whereas our understanding of VOC emissions from anthropogenic sources has advanced significantly in recent years, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the contribution of biogenic VOC to the budget of organic trace gases and their impact on the formation of ozone in the troposphere. Improving ozone reduction strategies in the future requires a detailed understanding of the chemical processes in the troposphere.

This book comprises the results of atmospheric measurements obtained during the field campaign POPCORN (Photo-Oxidant Formation by Plant Emitted Compounds and OH Radicals in North-Eastern Germany) which was carried out to investigate the role and impact of biogenic trace gases on tropospheric chemistry. This volume describes meteorological situations and origins of air masses during the campaign, and presents measurements of a variety of trace gases, solar radiation and photolysis frequencies. Special attention is given to OH radical measurements and the in-situ comparison of the two OH measurement techniques.