Colloquium: Turbulent fluxes, Measuring the uptake and emissions of gases and particles in the atmosphere

Earth & Space Science Graduate Student Association presents:

Turbulent fluxes, measuring the uptake and emissions of gases and particles in the atmosphere

Friday, November 29

3 pm – 4 pm

422 Petrie Science and Engineering

Abstract: This talk will provide an overview of the Eddy Covariance (EC) method, used in micrometeorology, air-quality, and climate studies to measure turbulent fluxes in the atmosphere. EC measurements determine the vertical exchange of energy, heat, moisture, gases, or pollutants in the atmosphere, which tells us what is being emitted or absorbed at or near the surface. An overview of field measurement campaigns will be given, demonstrating a range of EC measurement applications. At a FluxNET tower site north of Toronto, CO2 exchange is measured within and above the forest canopy. A campaign in the Athabasca oil sands of Northern Alberta determines how much pollution (aerosols and SO2) is absorbed by the surrounding boreal forest. EC instrumentation mounted on a moving vehicle driving on Toronto highways measures the enhanced turbulent mixing of pollutants emitted by traffic. And road-side measurements at locations on Dufferin St and on Keele St near York U determine how traffic patterns and speed influence vehicle particulate emissions.

About the speaker: Dr. Mark Gordon is an Associate Professor in the ESSE Department at York University. His research focuses on the emission, deposition, and transport of chemicals, pollutants, aerosols, and particles. Dr. Gordon investigates air pollution originating from various sources, including urban areas, highway traffic, and industrial facilities. Additionally, he examines how these pollutants interact with forest ecosystems.