Laboratory evaluation of water vapour concentration dependence of commercial water vapour isotope cavity ring-down spectrometers for continuous onsite atmospheric measurements in the Amazon rainforest

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shujiro Komiya ◽  
Fumiyoshi Kondo ◽  
Heiko Moossen ◽  
Thomas Seifert ◽  
Uwe Schultz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapour ◽  
Concentration Dependence ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Amazon Rainforest ◽  
Laboratory Evaluation ◽  
Atmospheric Measurements ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Vapour Concentration ◽  
Hydrological Cycles ◽  
Cavity Ring Down

<p>Commercially available laser-based spectrometers permit continuous field measurements of water vapour (H<sub>2</sub>O) stable isotope compositions, yet continuous observations in the Amazon, a region that significantly influences atmospheric hydrological cycles on regional to global scales, are largely missing. In order to achieve accurate on-site observations in such conditions, these instruments will require regular on-site calibration, including for H<sub>2</sub>O concentration dependence ([H<sub>2</sub>O]-dependence) of isotopic accuracy.</p><p>With the aim of conducting accurate continuous δ<sup>18</sup>O and δ<sup>2</sup>H on-site observation in the Amazon rainforest, we conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate the performance and determine the optimal [H<sub>2</sub>O]-dependence calibration strategy for two commercial cavity-ring down (CRDS) analysers (L1102i and L2130i models, Picarro, Inc., USA), coupled to our custom-built automated calibration unit. We particularly focused on the rarely investigated performance of the instruments at atmospheric H<sub>2</sub>O contents above 35,000 ppm, a value regularly reached at our site.</p><p>The later analyser model (L2130i) had better precision and accuracy of δ<sup>18</sup>O and δ<sup>2</sup>H measurements with a less pronounced [H<sub>2</sub>O]-dependence compared to the older L1102i. The [H<sub>2</sub>O]-dependence calibration uncertainties did not significantly change with calibration intervals from 28 h up to 196 h, suggesting that one [H<sub>2</sub>O]-dependence calibration per week for the L2130i and L1102i analysers is enough. This study shows that with both CRDS analysers, correctly calibrated, we should be able to discriminate natural diel, seasonal and interannual signals of stable water vapour isotopes in a tropical rainforest environment.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Characterising water vapour concentration dependence of commercial cavity ring-down spectrometers for continuous onsite atmospheric water vapour isotope measurements in the tropics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shujiro Komiya ◽  
Fumiyoshi Kondo ◽  
Heiko Moossen ◽  
Thomas Seifert ◽  
Uwe Schultz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapour ◽  
Concentration Dependence ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Fitting Method ◽  
Vapour Concentration ◽  
In Situ Calibration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hydrological Cycles ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract. The recent development and improvement of commercial laser-based spectrometers have expanded in situ continuous observations of water vapour (H2O) stable isotope ratios (e.g., δ18O, δ2H, etc.) in a variety of sites worldwide. However, we still lack continuous observations in the Amazon, a region that significantly influences atmospheric and hydrological cycles on local to global scales. In order to achieve accurate on-site observations, commercial water isotope analysers require regular in situ calibration, including H2O concentration dependence ([H2O]-dependence) of isotopic accuracy. Past studies have assessed [H2O]-dependence for air with H2O concentrations up to 35,000 ppm, a value that is frequently surpassed in tropical rainforest settings like the central Amazon where we plan continuous observations. Here we investigated the performance of two commercial analysers (L1102i and L2130i models, Picarro, Inc., USA) for measuring δ18O and δ2H in atmospheric moisture at four different H2O levels from 21,500 to 41,000 ppm. These H2O levels were created by a custom-built calibration unit designed for regular in situ calibration. Measurements on the newer analyser model (L2130i) had better precision for δ18O and δ2H and demonstrated less influence of H2O concentration on the measurement accuracy at each moisture level compared to the older L1102i. Based on our findings, we identified the most appropriate calibration strategy for [H2O]-dependence, adapted to our calibration system. The best strategy required using two pairs of a two-point calibration with four different H2O concentration levels. The smallest uncertainties in calibrating [H2O]-dependence of isotopic accuracy of the two analysers were achieved using a linear-surface fitting method and a 28 h calibration interval, except for the δ18O accuracy of the L1102i analyser for which the cubic fitting method gave best results. The uncertainties in [H2O]-dependence calibration did not show any significant difference using calibration intervals from 28 h up to 196 h; this suggested that one [H2O]-dependence calibration per week for the L2130i and L1102i analysers is sufficient.

scholarly journals Robust, spatially scanning, open-path TDLAS hygrometer using retro-reflective foils for fast tomographic 2-D water vapour concentration field measurements

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 12827-12849 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Seidel ◽  
S. Wagner ◽  
A. Dreizler ◽  
V. Ebert
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapour ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Concentration Field ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tunable Diode Laser ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Soil Physics ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Vapour Concentration

Abstract. We have developed a fast, spatially direct scanning tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer (dTDLAS) that combines four polygon-mirror based scanning units with low-cost retro-reflective foils. With this instrument, tomographic measurements of absolute 2-D water vapour concentration profiles are possible without any calibration using a reference gas. A spatial area of 0.8 m × 0.8 m was covered, which allows for application in soil physics, where greenhouse gas emission from certain soil structures shall be monitored. The whole concentration field was measured with up to 2.5 Hz. In this paper, we present the setup and spectroscopic performance of the instrument regarding the influence of the polygon rotation speed and mode on the absorption signal. Homogeneous H2O distributions were measured and compared to a single channel, bi-static reference TDLAS spectrometer for validation of the instrument. Good accuracy and precision with errors of less than 6% of the absolute concentration and length and bandwidth normalized detection limits of up to 1.1 ppmv · m · √Hz−1 were achieved. The spectrometer is a robust and easy to set up instrument for tomographic reconstructions of 2-D-concentration fields that can be considered a good basis for future field measurements in environmental research.

scholarly journals Characterizing water vapour concentration dependence of commercial cavity ring-down spectrometers for continuous on-site atmospheric water vapour isotope measurements in the tropics

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1439-1455
Author(s):  
Shujiro Komiya ◽  
Fumiyoshi Kondo ◽  
Heiko Moossen ◽  
Thomas Seifert ◽  
Uwe Schultz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapour ◽  
Concentration Dependence ◽  
Central Amazon ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Fitting Method ◽  
In Situ Calibration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Calibration Interval ◽  
Cavity Ring Down

Abstract. The recent development and improvement of commercial laser-based spectrometers have expanded in situ continuous observations of water vapour (H2O) stable isotope compositions (e.g. δ18O and δ2H) in a variety of sites worldwide. However, we still lack continuous observations in the Amazon, a region that significantly influences atmospheric and hydrological cycles on local to global scales. In order to achieve accurate on-site observations, commercial water isotope analysers require regular in situ calibration, which includes the correction of H2O concentration dependence ([H2O] dependence) of isotopic measurements. Past studies have assessed the [H2O] dependence for air with H2O concentrations of up to 35 000 ppm, a value that is frequently surpassed in tropical rainforest settings like the central Amazon where we plan continuous observations. Here we investigated the performance of two commercial analysers (L1102i and L2130i models, Picarro, Inc., USA) for measuring δ18O and δ2H in atmospheric moisture at four different H2O levels from 21 500 to 41 000 ppm. These H2O levels were created by a custom-built calibration unit designed for regular in situ calibration. Measurements on the newer analyser model (L2130i) had better precision for δ18O and δ2H and demonstrated less influence of H2O concentration on the measurement accuracy at each concentration level compared to the older L1102i. Based on our findings, we identified the most appropriate calibration strategy for [H2O] dependence, adapted to our calibration system. The best strategy required conducting a two-point calibration with four different H2O concentration levels, carried out at the beginning and end of the calibration interval. The smallest uncertainties in calibrating [H2O] dependence of isotopic accuracy of the two analysers were achieved using a linear surface fitting method and a 28 h calibration interval, except for the δ18O accuracy of the L1102i analyser for which the cubic fitting method gave the best results. The uncertainties in [H2O] dependence calibration did not show any significant difference using calibration intervals from 28 up to 196 h; this suggested that one [H2O] dependence calibration per week for the L2130i and L1102i analysers is sufficient. This study shows that the cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) analysers, appropriately calibrated for [H2O] dependence, allow the detection of natural signals of stable water vapour isotopes at very high humidity levels, which has promising implications for water cycle studies in areas like the central Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions.

scholarly journals Effect of moisture condensation on vapour transmission through porous membranes

2021 ◽  
pp. 152808372110142
Author(s):  
Ariana Khakpour ◽  
Michael Gibbons ◽  
Sanjeev Chandra
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapour ◽  
Moisture Diffusion ◽  
Porous Membrane ◽  
Water Evaporation ◽  
Porous Membranes ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Vapour Concentration ◽  
Vapour Diffusion ◽  
Pore Blockage ◽  
The Impact

Porous membranes find natural application in various fields and industries. Water condensation on membranes can block pores, reduce vapour transmissibility, and diminish the porous membranes' performance. This research investigates the rate of water vapour transmission through microporous nylon and nanofibrous Gore-Tex membranes. Testing consisted of placing the membrane at the intersection of two chambers with varied initial humidity conditions. One compartment is initially set to a high ([Formula: see text]water vapour concentration and the other low ([Formula: see text], with changes in humidity recorded as a function of time. The impact of pore blockage was explored by pre-wetting the membranes with water or interposing glycerine onto the membrane pores before testing. Pore blockage was measured using image analysis for the nylon membrane. The mass flow rate of water vapour ( ṁv) diffusing through a porous membrane is proportional to both its area (A) and the difference in vapour concentration across its two faces ([Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] where K is defined as the moisture diffusion coefficient. Correlations are presented for the variation of K as a function of [Formula: see text]. Liquid contamination on the porous membrane has been shown to reduce the moisture diffusion rate through the membrane due to pore blockage and the subsequent reduced open area available for vapour diffusion. Water evaporation from the membrane's surface was observed to add to the mass of vapour diffusing through the membrane. A model was developed to predict the effect of membrane wetting on vapour diffusion and showed good agreement with experimental data.

scholarly journals Influence of water vapour on the height distribution of positive ions, effective recombination coefficient and ionisation balance in the quiet lower ionosphere

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Barabash ◽  
A. Osepian ◽  
P. Dalin
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapour ◽  
Electron Density ◽  
Electron Number Density ◽  
Lower Ionosphere ◽  
Recombination Coefficient ◽  
Height Distribution ◽  
Number Density ◽  
Electron Number ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Vapour Concentration

Abstract. Mesospheric water vapour concentration effects on the ion composition and electron density in the lower ionosphere under quiet geophysical conditions were examined. Water vapour is an important compound in the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere that affects ion composition due to hydrogen radical production and consequently modifies the electron number density. Recent lower-ionosphere investigations have primarily concentrated on the geomagnetic disturbance periods. Meanwhile, studies on the electron density under quiet conditions are quite rare. The goal of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the ionospheric parameter responses to water vapour variability in the quiet lower ionosphere. By applying a numerical D region ion chemistry model, we evaluated efficiencies for the channels forming hydrated cluster ions from the NO+ and O2+ primary ions (i.e. NO+.H2O and O2+.H2O, respectively), and the channel forming H+(H2O)n proton hydrates from water clusters at different altitudes using profiles with low and high water vapour concentrations. Profiles for positive ions, effective recombination coefficients and electrons were modelled for three particular cases using electron density measurements obtained during rocket campaigns. It was found that the water vapour concentration variations in the mesosphere affect the position of both the Cl2+ proton hydrate layer upper border, comprising the NO+(H2O)n and O2+(H2O)n hydrated cluster ions, and the Cl1+ hydrate cluster layer lower border, comprising the H+(H2O)n pure proton hydrates, as well as the numerical cluster densities. The water variations caused large changes in the effective recombination coefficient and electron density between altitudes of 75 and 87 km. However, the effective recombination coefficient, αeff, and electron number density did not respond even to large water vapour concentration variations occurring at other altitudes in the mesosphere. We determined the water vapour concentration upper limit at altitudes between 75 and 87 km, beyond which the water vapour concentration ceases to influence the numerical densities of Cl2+ and Cl1+, the effective recombination coefficient and the electron number density in the summer ionosphere. This water vapour concentration limit corresponds to values found in the H2O-1 profile that was observed in the summer mesosphere by the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). The electron density modelled using the H2O-1 profile agreed well with the electron density measured in the summer ionosphere when the measured profiles did not have sharp gradients. For sharp gradients in electron and positive ion number densities, a water profile that can reproduce the characteristic behaviour of the ionospheric parameters should have an inhomogeneous height distribution of water vapour.

Characterization of the time evolution of the PBL structure and dry-layers based on the us of Raman Lidar measurements collected during HYMEX-SOP1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Summa ◽  
Paolo Di Girolamo ◽  
Noemi Franco ◽  
Benedetto De Rosa ◽  
Fabio Madonna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Water Vapour ◽  
Planetary Boundary Layer ◽  
Grid Point ◽  
Laser Source ◽  
Raman Lidar ◽  
Water Vapour Concentration ◽  
Vapour Concentration

<p>The exchange processes between the Earth and the atmosphere play a crucial role in the development of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). Different remote sensing techniques can provide PBL measurement with different spatial and temporal resolutions. Vertical profiles of atmospheric thermodynamic variables, i.e.  temperature and humidity, or wind speed, clouds and aerosols can be used as proxy to retrieve PBL height from active and passive remote sensing instruments. The University of BASILicata ground-based Raman Lidar system (BASIL) was deployed in the North-Western Mediterranean basin in the Cévennes-Vivarais site (Candillargues, Southern France, Lat: 43°37' N, Long: 4° 4' E, Elev: 1 m) and operated between 5 September and 5 November 2012, collecting more than 600 hours of measurements, distributed over 51 days and 19 intensive observation periods (IOPs). BASIL is capable to provide high-resolution and accurate measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapour, both in daytime and night-time, based on the application of the rotational and vibrational Raman lidar techniques in the UV. This measurement capability makes BASIL a key instrument for the characterization of the water vapour concentration. BASIL makes use of a Nd:YAG laser source capable of emitting pulses at 355, 532 and 1064 nm, with a single pulse energy at 355nm of 500 mJ [1] .In the presented research effort, water vapour concentration was  computed and used to determine the PBL height. [2]. A dynamic index  included in the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5 atmospheric reanalysis (CAPE, Friction velocity, etc.) is also considered and compared with BASIL resutls. ERA5 provides hourly data on regular latitude-longitude grids at 0.25° x 0.25° resolution at 37 pressure levels [3]. ERA5 is publicly available through the Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS, https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu).  In order to properly carry out the comparison, the nearest ERA5 grid point to the lidar site has been considered assuming the representativeness uncertainty due to the use of the nearest grid-point comparable with other methods (e.g. kriging, bilinear interpolation, etc.). More results from this  measurement  effort will  be reported and discussed at the Conference.</p><p><strong>Reference</strong></p><p>[1] Di Girolamo, Paolo, De Rosa, Benedetto, Flamant, Cyrille, Summa, Donato, Bousquet, Olivier, Chazette, Patrick, Totems, Julien, Cacciani, Marco. Water vapor mixing ratio and temperature inter-comparison results in the framework of the Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean Experiment—Special Observation Period 1. BULLETIN OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ISSN: 2662-1495, doi: 10.1007/s42865-020-00008-3</p><p>[2] D. Summa, P. Di Girolamo, D. Stelitano, and M. Cacciani. Characterization of the planetary boundary layer height and structure by Raman lidar: comparison of different approaches  Atmos. Meas. Tech., 6, 3515–3525, 2013 www.atmos-meas-tech.net/6/3515/2013/doi:10.5194/amt-6-3515-2013</p><p>[3] Hersbach et al. The ERA5 global reanalysis Hans  https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.3803[3]</p>

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