The PI plans to examine (1) involvement of natural hydrocarbons for the formation of H2O2 and HCHO in air and (2) liquid phase formation of H2O2 and organic acids in clouds. Specifically, he will conduct continuous measurements of formaldehyde and peroxides in the gas phase, in cloud water, and in precipitation at Whiteface Mountain with concurrent measurements of other key atmosheric trace gases, including O3, CO, NOy, SO2 and selected hydrocarbons and trace elements. The goal is to document the chemistry of individual cloud events and to determine seasonal and air mass specific differences in cloud water chemical composition. Additionally, the PI plans a limited flight program focussing on measuring horizontal and vertical profiles for H2O2 and O3 under clearly defined meteorological conditions in clear and cloudy air, including airborne cloud water collections. He will also add measurements of other photochemically important species such as hydroperoxides and other low molecular carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) as the initial research program matures.
