AGS-PRF: Unified Satellite-Model Framework for Understanding Atmospheric Oxidation in Changing Forests

This project focuses on the variability of atmospheric concentrations of the hydroxyl radical in forested regions. The hydroxyl radical is an oxidant that initiates the breakdown and removal of trace gases and air pollutants from the atmosphere. This effort will combine satellite observations and atmospheric modeling to study how disturbances such as deforestation, fires, agricultural activity and heat waves affect the atmospheric concentration of hydroxyl radical. An improved understanding of hydroxyl radical concentrations is essential for anticipating and preventing poor air quality and the associated health consequences. The following questions will guide this research: (1) What is the magnitude, seasonality, and spatial extent of regional hydroxyl radical (OH) anomalies, and which biosphere disturbances have the greatest impact on these anomalies? and (2) Do anthropogenic drivers amplify or suppress OH relative to baseline variability? The variability of OH and its drivers will be examined in three forested regions around the globe: Ozarks, Amazonia, and Congo. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.