Measurement report: Vertically resolved atmospheric properties observed over the Southern Great Plains with the ArcticShark uncrewed aerial system-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Measurement report: Vertically resolved atmospheric properties observed over the Southern Great Plains with the ArcticShark uncrewed aerial system

Published:2025-03-21 Issue:6 Volume:25 Page:3425-3444
ISSN:1680-7324
Container-title:Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
language:en
Short-container-title:Atmos. Chem. Phys.

Author:

Mei Fan^ORCID,Zhang Qi^ORCID,Zhang Damao^ORCID,Fast Jerome D.,Kulkarni Gourihar^ORCID,Pekour Mikhail S.^ORCID,Niedek Christopher R.,Glienke Susanne^ORCID,Silber Israel^ORCID,Schmid Beat,Tomlinson Jason M.^ORCID,Mehta Hardeep S.,Mansoura Xena^ORCID,Cheng Zezhen^ORCID,Vandergrift Gregory W.,Lata Nurun Nahar,China Swarup^ORCID,Zhu Zihua

Abstract

Abstract. This study presents the unique capability of the Department of Energy (DOE) ArcticShark – a mid-size fixed-wing uncrewed aerial system (UAS) – for measuring vertically resolved atmospheric properties over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) of the United States. Focusing on atmospheric states, such as ambient temperature, wind, and aerosol properties, we overview measurements from 32 research flights (∼ 97 flight hours) in 2023. The August operations, aided by a visual observer on a chase plane, allowed for extensive UAS coverage, surpassing typical UAS operation envelopes. Our data from March, June, and August 2023 reveal distinctive seasonal patterns within the atmospheric column through unique chemical composition measurements. In situ measurements combined with remote sensing retrievals and radiosonde measurements provided valuable insights into their consistency and complementarity. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capabilities of the ArcticShark through several case studies, including the analyses of correlations between UAS-derived atmospheric profiles and conventional radiosonde measurements, as well as the derivation of vertically resolved profiles of aerosol chemical, optical, and microphysical properties. These case studies highlight the versatility of the ArcticShark UAS as a powerful tool for comprehensive atmospheric research, effectively bridging data gaps and enhancing our understanding of vertical atmospheric structures in the region.

Funder

Biological and Environmental Research

Publisher

Copernicus GmbH

Link

https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/25/3425/2025/acp-25-3425-2025.pdf

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