Evolution of trace gases and particles emitted by a chaparral fire in California

Sheryl Kashi Akagi, The University of Montana
J. S. Craven, California Institute of Technology
J. W. Taylor, University of Manchester
G. R. McMeeking, University of Manchester
Robert Yokelson, University of Montana - Missoula
I. R. Burling, University of Montana - Missoula
S. P. Urbanski, USDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station
C. E. Wold, USDA Forest Service - Fire Sciences Laboratory
J. H. Seinfeld, California Institute of Technology
H. Coe, University of Manchester
M. J. Alvarado, Atmospheric and Environmental Research - Lexington
D. R. Weise, USDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station

Abstract

Biomass burning (BB) is a major global source of trace gases and particles. Accurately representing the production and evolution of these emissions is an important goal for atmospheric chemical transport models. We measured a suite of gases and aerosols emitted from an 81 hectare prescribed fire in chaparral fuels on the central coast of California, US on 17 November 2009. We also measured physical and chemical changes that occurred in the isolated downwind plume in the first 4 hours after emission.