SHARP - Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors

Campaign Intensive Dates 15 April – 31 May, 2009

Based on the TexAQS-II and TRAMP findings concerning radical processes in the Houston atmosphere, the SHARP project intends to investigate the following processes:

1. The contribution of direct emissions of radical precursors HCHO and HONO from flares, stacks, and other point and mobile sources.
2. The identification of formation pathways of HONO (Night/Day, surface, heterogeneous, homogenous).
3. Impact of of soot (fresh and coated) on chemistry, radiation (photochemistry/climate), and dynamics.
4. The ambient levels of ClNO₂ in Houston and potential as a radical source.
5. The relative importance of measured radicals and other “missing” radical sources.
6. Identify important Springtime ozone formation mechanisms in Houston.

Reducing uncertainties surrounding these processes will improve our ability to model radicals and ozone formation.