Progress and Updates on Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork (ASCENT): Advanced, Ground-based Aerosol Measurement Network Across the U.S.
NGA LEE NG, Roya Bahreini, Ann M. Dillner, 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, Georgia Institute of Technology
Abstract Number: 236
Working Group: Coast to Coast Campaigns on Aerosols, Clouds, Chemistry, and Air Quality
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 across the country, leveraging existing monitoring locations and facilities. Each site is equipped with a suite of advanced aerosol instrumentation, 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). All the 12 sites have been established and are operational. We continue to develop standard operational procedures (SOP) for data analysis, automated QC checks for basic level data, and data import. We also conduct comprehensive intercomparisons to evaluate instrument performance. For each site, measurements from ASCENT instruments are compared against each other and with collocated measurements from other monitoring networks, including PM2.5 measurements and offline filter sample data. We will provide an overview of the measurement results from all 12 sites, highlighting similarities and differences in aerosol chemical composition and characteristics across urban, rural, and remote sites. These high time-resolution measurements also provide an unparalleled capability in studying aerosol dynamics and transformation. Results from specific events (e.g., wildfires, fireworks, etc.) will be presented for selected sites. We welcome collaborative opportunities leveraging the ASCENT infrastructure to advance our understanding of aerosol sources and characteristics and their impacts on air quality, climate, and health.