In one of the largest-ever experiments to determine the effects of atmospheric pollution on global climate, an international team of scientists will measure gasses and airborne particles over the Pacific Ocean south of Australia. The experiment will provide more accurate and reliable information about the extent and distribution of these aerosols to scientists and policy makers concerned with human-induced changes in the global atmosphere.
Aerosols are visible as haze when present in large quantities.
Although chemically complex, this haze is increasingly made up of sulphate particles, principally from fossil fuel combustion. In the first phase of the experiment, dubbed ACE-1 for Aerosol Characterization Experiment, scientists will measure aerosols in the minimally polluted atmosphere south of Australia. Scientists will make measurements and collect air samples for one month using a sophisticated suite of instruments and vessels, including the NOAA Ship Discoverer and the Australian research vessel Southern Surveyor. Atmospheric Research C-130 aircraft, four satellites, and balloons carrying sampling instruments launched from Hobart, Australia, will study the air over the ocean south of Australia. Land-based measurements will also be made at Cape Grim and Macquarie Island, Australia, and Baring Head, New Zealand.