Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork (ASCENT): Advanced, Ground-based Aerosol Measurement Network Across the U.S.

NGA LEE NG, Ann Dillner, Roya Bahreini, Armistead G. Russell, Alison Fankhauser, Richard Flagan, James Flynn, Drew Gentner, Robert Griffin, Lelia Hawkins, Jose-Luis Jimenez, Jingqiu Mao, Shane Murphy, Albert Presto, Sean Raffuse, Allen Robinson, John Seinfeld, Jason Surratt, Joel A. Thornton, Shan Zhou, Georgia Institute of Technology

     Abstract Number: 392
     Working Group: Aerosols Spanning Spatial Scales: Measurement Networks to Models and Satellites

Abstract
The Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork (ASCENT) is a new comprehensive, high time-resolution, long-term monitoring network in the U.S. for characterization of aerosol chemical composition and physical properties. ASCENT consists of a network of 12 advanced aerosol measurement sites strategically distributed across the continental U.S. and Alaska with urban, rural, and remote sites, including sites on tribal land, leveraging existing monitoring locations and facilities. The 12 sites encompass a wide range of geographical and climatic regions with variations in aerosol sources, characteristics, and atmospheric processing. A suite of advanced aerosol instrumentation for real-time measurements of fine aerosol chemical composition and properties has been installed at each site, including an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM, non-refractory aerosols), an Xact (trace metals), an Aethalometer (aerosol light absorption, black and brown carbon), and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS, aerosol number size distribution and concentration). Standard operating procedures (SOP) for instrument installation, calibration, and general maintenance have been developed for each instrument. A comprehensive data infrastructure is also being developed. The data from each instrument are imported into a local site database and the import process features automated QC checks for basic level data. As all ASCENT sites become fully operational in late spring / early summer, we will share best practices, provide update on the status of the network, and present preliminary data from selected sites with diverse aerosol sources and processing. We also welcome collaborative opportunities leveraging the ASCENT infrastructure to advance our understanding of aerosol sources and characteristics on spatiotemporal scales not previously possible and enable new research capabilities in air quality, climate, and health.