- Principal Investigator: Dr. Randy Martin (Utah State University)
- Study Period: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
- Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $99,586.23
- DAQ Contact: Chris Pennell ([email protected])
The work proposed herein would produce surface to 700-1000 ft agl pollutant concentration, primarily O3 and select meteorological parameters, “curtains” up to 4 km in horizontal length using AggieAir’s aerial drone platforms coupled with 2B Technologies Portable Ozone Monitors (POMs) and other appropriate sensors. This work will dovetail into the spatial void between USOS’s planned ground and aloft measurements. The field measurements will be conducted in areas around and over the Great Salt Lake, at sites to be discussed and finalized with the Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) personnel. As much as possible flights will be coordinated in time with NOAA’s Twin Otter flights as part of the 2024 Utah Summer Ozone Study (USOS). We propose to fly 3-4 flights daily spaced throughout the target days, approximately once per week during the USOS campaign. Besides key support to USOS, the drone flights will help directly address the RFP’s Goals and Priorities of (1f.) Measurements of O3 and its Precursors, as well provide information on (3a.) Vertical Oxidant Exchange (profiles). The PIs involved in this project have experience in similar air-borne vertical and horizontal O3, meteorological, and PM determinations using in- house modified sensors (e.g. 2B’s Model 205 O3 monitor and Plantower 5003 sensors) mounted into both drone and tethered balloon systems.