Scientific program
The tables below present a summary of the current monitoring and sampling programmes established at the Neumayer III air chemistry observatory. Generally, the observatory provides a platform for both, long-term observations and particular studies performed during one or two over-wintering periods or during summer seasons only. The majority of sample analyses have to be conducted in the home laboratories. The long-term observational program can be divided into three categories:
(i) High volume aerosol sampling on precleaned Whatman 541 cellulose filters (diameter 240 mm) at a flow rate of around 120 m3/h. Typically about 20000 m3 and 40000 m3 of ambient air are sucked through filter pairs for analyses of ionic compounds and radio isotopes, respectively. The main objective of these investigations is to determine the chemical composition of the aerosol, its seasonality and source apportionment.
(ii) In situ measurements of reactive trace gases like ozone and aerosol physical properties (number concentration, light scattering, light absorption, size distribution) for a comprehensive characterization of the aerosol and to assess the photooxidation potential of the Antarctic troposphere.
(iii) Whole air samples to determine long-term concentration trends of greenhouse gases and their isotopic compositions and anthropogenic tracers in the background atmosphere.
