Modeling of FT-IR Spectroscopic Measurements of Emissions from Biomass Combustion

The PI submitting this proposal has extensive and very successful experience in fundamental research in chemical kinetics in both the gaseous and liquid phases, especially in the area of chemical oscillations and the theoretical aspects of nonlinear dynamics, including mass transport. A major component of this work has been simulation of the behavior of complex chemical reactions on the basis of detailed mechanisms. This background is ideally suited for transfer to the applied area of atmospheric modeling. He has made a considerable investment in developing the expertise, contacts and facilities to do this. A collaboration has been developed with an experimental program at the USDA Forest service Intermountain Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT. Thus it is a natural collaboration. The PI will have direct access to high-quality data not as readily available to other atmospheric modelers.

Biomass combustion injects large amounts of gaseous emissions into the atmosphere. It has a major atmospheric impact on the local, regional and global scales. These effects are easily observed in satellite data and thus are of interest to NASA, which supports considerable work in this area. My collaborators are deeply involved in making measurements of the amounts of various gaseous and particulate emissions from both controlled laboratory fires and from airborne measurements of emissions in the field. The major tool used to make these measurements is Open-Path, Fourier-Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. We will use software already developed and running to model these data in a modular approach beginning very close to the fire and moving to where the emissions mix with the local and regional air sheds.

Contact Information

Mail:	Dr. Richard J. Field
	Department of Chemistry
	University of Montana
	Missoula, MT 59812