Measurement Techniques in Gas-Phase Tropospheric Chemistry: A Selective View of the Past, Present, and Future
Howard K. Roscoe and
*
Kevin C. Clemitshaw
Measurements of trace gases and photolysis rates in the troposphere
are essential for understanding photochemical smog and global
environmental change. Chemical measurement techniques have progressed
enormously since the first regular observations of tropospheric ozone
in the 19th century. In contrast, by the 1940s spectroscopic
measurements were already of a quality that would have allowed the use
of modern analysis techniques to reduce interference between gases,
although such techniques were not applied at the time. Today, chemical
and spectroscopic techniques complement each other on a wide range of
platforms. The boundaries between spectroscopic techniques will retreat
as more Fourier transform spectrometers are used at visible wavelengths
and as wide-band lidars are extended, and combining chemical techniques
will allow detection of more trace gases with better sensitivity. Other
future developments will focus on smaller, lighter instruments to take advantage of new platforms such as unmanned aircraft and to improve the
effectiveness of urban sampling.
H. K. Roscoe, British Antarctic Survey/Natural Environment
Research Council, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK.
K. C. Clemitshaw, Centre for Environmental Technology, Imperial College
of Science, Technology and Medicine, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY, UK.
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed.
