The SCCCAMP field measurement program, conducted 3 September to 7 October 1985, is the most comprehensive mesoscale photochemical study of its type ever undertaken. The study area encompasses 2 × 104 km2 of coastal and interior south-central California including the Santa Barbara Channel. A review of earlier experimental and analytical studies in the area is followed by the organizational framework and planning for this cooperative program. The experimental design and measurement systems are described. Existing ground-based meteorological and air pollution networks were supplemented by additional surface aerometric stations, dual Doppler radars, rawinsondes, and a network of Doppler acoustic profilers. Airborne measurement platforms included one dual-channel lidar, three aerometric sampling aircraft,3 and a meteorological research aircraft. Gas tracer tests included 4-h releases of three perfluorocarbon gas tracers. Tracer measurements were made over two-day periods at 50 surface locations and aloft by aircraft with a near-realtime two-trap chromatographic system. Four multi-day intensive operational periods (IOP) are described, and illustrative results from one IOP are presented when extremely high ozone concentrations were observed at ground level (230 ppb) and aloft (290 ppb). The availability of the composite data base is indicated.
1 National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO 80307 (The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation).
2 SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
3 The western aerometric aircraft did not return from the evening flight of October 3, and is presumed to have been lost at sea in the vicinity of San Miguel Island. This review of the SCCCAMP field measurement program is dedicated to the memory of Joe Detweiler and Sandy McDonald, pilot and scientist aboard N6726Y. Their warmth, friendship and contributions will not be forgotten.
