Abstract:

Continuing investigations of ozone concentrations in the lower troposphere are underway to  ozone concentrations in New York City. The objective of these experiments is to determine factors related to the variability on the concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere. The emphasis of this investigation is on the relationship between the urban heat island effect and ozone concentrations in the New York City metropolitan. Relevant parameters include ozone partial pressure, temperature, humidity, pressure, ozone mixing ratio, wind direction, and wind speed. The data is retrieved from sounding launches at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. The two main instruments for the soundings are a radiosonde and an ozonesonde.  The ozone data is also being correlated with satellite imagery and surface ozone observations from the EPA.

Abstract:

The research was focused on the ozone concentrations found downwind of New York City at the National Weather Service facility at Brookhaven National Lab. The experiment was conducted to create an understanding of the unpredictability of ozone in the different layers of the atmosphere. The project was focused on the troposphere. The identified variables of the experiment include the ozone partial pressure and the ozone mixing ratio, as well as the temperature, humidity and pressure. These values were used to create ozone profiles that were compared to other ozone samples. The ozone levels are significantly influenced by the Urban Climatology and the meteorological attributes of a specific area. The research was conducted to identify the causes for the different variations of the ozone in the atmosphere and its relationship to meteorology. Three important factors for variability were found to be winds (wind speed/direction), temperature and the height of the mixing layer of the ozone. Wind data was used to compare to the ozone profiles.

Abstract:

We are conducting observations of ozone concentrations downwind of NYC. The objective of these experiments is to understand ozone variability in the troposphere and stratosphere. Variables measured include the ozone mixing ratio (ppmv), ozone partial pressure, temperature, humidity and pressure. We describe features of selected ozone profiles by comparing selected samples taken at the National Weather Service sounding facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Abstract:

This high altitude balloon project for near-space flight is part of an ongoing investigation of the concentration and distribution of ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere. The flight vehicle consists of a 600-1200 gram latex helium filled balloon which carries two separate instruments that measure the amount of ozone in the atmosphere and the temperature, humidity, altitude/pressure, and dewpoint/frostpoint. We do this because we want to find out how much tropospheric ozone there is in relation to stratospheric ozone. These experiments are used as a ground verification of the Aura satellite which takes the same readings but from a top to bottom perspective. Then this information will be used to assess the effects of global warming and surface pollution transport to develop a strategies to target these problems.

In order to take surface ozone samples, a sample test strip must be exposed for approximately 1 hour. After an hour is up, an instrument named the “Zikua” is used to determine the amount of surface ozone in parts per billion (PPB). While the sample strip is collecting surface ozone, data including cloud type and coverage, wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, & start and end time must be collected.

Results:
Surface ozone samples from Paradox, New York were taken in order to compare the different amounts of surface ozone concentration between a rural region, and an urban region.

Surface ozone concentration levels ranged from 17 to 38 parts per billion (PPB) in Paradox, New York. These samples were taken over a three day weekend and used to illustrate the differentiation between a rural area, and an urban one.

Surface ozone concentration ranged from 73 to 94 parts per billion (PPB) in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York. These samples, as seen on the chart, were taken over a course of approximately two weeks.

MECSAT is a scientific balloon project intended to provide a small- scale vehicle for atmospheric and environmental investigations as well as technical issues related to data communications, data tranmission protocols, embedded controllers and mobile wireless networks. Participating students will work with faculty mentors and advanced students on the design and implementation of flight equipment for measurements of seabreeze circulations in the NYC/LI/NJ coastal areas, particulate-samplng as a function of altitude, and CO2 monitoring. The primary MECSAT flight vehicle ascends to heights of 100,000 feet or more and consists of a 1200 gram sounding balloon, parachute and payload modules including tracking and communications equipment for real-time telemetry updates, a flight computer to ingest and transmit sensor data, scientific sensors and imagers. A secondary flight vehicle will be kite- based for moored monitoring at altitudes of less than 10,000 feet. The MECSAT project is sponsored by the NASA/MUSPIN CUNY NRTS, the NASA/OSS NYCSSRA and the NASA/NY State Space Grant Consortium.
Research during the summer of 2005 will focus mostly on the development and use of thermocouples.

Radio JOVE is a student & amateur astronomy radio telescope project; students build a decametric radio telescope and receiver to observe and analyze natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun. Students are involved in every aspect from construction of the radio receiver including soldering of circuits, testing the receiver, setting up the telescope antenna, collecting, reviewing and analyzing data. The basic tool for data analysis is the JoveChart software program. Data is recorded on a laptop by logging the signal intensities with the JoveChart software. Proper set up for data analysis will enable students make measurements and calculations based on their collected data & compare their results with those of other observers.

Radio JOVE students will build a decametric radio telescope (receive and antenna) to observe and analyze natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun. The basic tool for data analysis is the JoveChart software program. Students will record data on audiocassette tape and/or by logging the signal intensities with the JoveChart software. The next step is to review and analyze the data. Data analysis will enable students make measurements and calculations based on their collected data and compare their results with those of other observers throughout the nation.

This research activity involves the study lithium transition metal oxides using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR). The research is carried out in the laboratory of Dr. Steve Greenbaum Professor of Physics at Hunter College. These studies are part of a larger effort, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies, to study material, which show promise as lithium-ion battery cathodes. Major advances in lithium battery technology would have considerable impact on the electronics industry. The much more environmentally benign lithium batteries could replace the environmentally unfriendly Ni-Cd batteries. Students would be introduced to the principles of EPR and the physics and chemistry of lithium-ion battery materials. The students would also learn how to operate the EPR Spectrometer in Professor Greenbaum's laboratory.

In order to take surface ozone samples, a sample test strip must be exposed for approx. 1 hour. After an shour, an instrument named "Zikua" is used to determin the amount of surface ozone in parts per billion (PPB). Whilethe sample strip is collection surface ozone, data including cloud type & coverage, wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, & start and end time must be collected.

Results:
Surface ozone samples from Paradox, New York were taken in order