Investigating Fog Processing of Aerosol in Amazonia and their Climatic Impacts
EMSL Project ID
51911
Abstract
This study aims to understand the chemical composition, morphology, and hygroscopicity of fog and cloud biological constituents and how they can affect the fog and cloud process. We hypothesize that fog and clouds present habitats for microorganisms, wherein they actively contribute cloud reactivity through metabolic activity and nutrient utilization, enabling transport to neighboring environments. To address this hypothesis, we collected samples, during/ throughout the fog events, below and above the Amazon rainforest canopy during wet and dry seasons at The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) site. Chemical imaging and micro-spectroscopy methods will be applied to characterize biological particle. The hygroscopicity of biological particles will be investigated in an environmental scanning electron microscope. We will utilize the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory EMSL's high-resolution mass spectrometry platform to provide the molecular composition of bulk organic aerosol particles. Bioinformation of samples will be analyzed at PI's university. By combining the bioinformation and information retrieved from EMSL analytical faculty, the biological aerosols' role in fog and rain processes will be better understood. The hypothesis that fog clouds serve as important microbial habitats will be tested.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2021-10-01
End Date
2023-12-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members