Developing laser-based technology that could track SO2 dispersal

Anthropogenic SO2 emissions, which stem from combustion processes, are increasing rapidly in developing nations like China and India. Once in the atmosphere, SO2 significantly affects air quality and climate. The mechanisms that might rapidly transport SO2 molecules from Earth’s surface high into the atmosphere are not well understood and have been difficult to measure. Rollins and his colleagues have designed a small, sensitive, laser-based instrument that will use fluorescence to detect SO2 and they plan to demonstrate that the instrument could be operated on small, unmanned aircraft. This type of aircraft is ideal for measuring SO2 concentrations in the stratosphere, and investigators will use the gathered data to understand decadal climate variability and the movement of SO2 around the Earth.