The effect of atmospheric boundary layer meteorology in climate-related gases and VOCs concentrations over 3 European cities using an aerial platform

In the frame of the EU Horizon2020 ICARUS project, a N.A.S.A Awarded Light Manned Aircraft equipped with high-tech scientific instrumentation was used to perform an aerial mapping over Athens, Thessaloniki and Ljubljana greater areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) on Green House Gases (GHGs) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) concentrations over urban and rural areas of the above cities. Simultaneous ground-based measurements were performed in the respective regions. Air samples were pressurized with a stainless-steel bellows compressor into electropolished stainless steel canisters and analyzed by the use of a novel gas chromatographic system. The estimation of the mixing height (ΜΗ) of the ABL was based on the synoptic scale atmospheric circulation and the prevailing background wind. It was found that the MH variation, following the prevailing meteorological conditions, results in different concentration profiles in the lower troposphere over the examined regions. The pollutants concentrations were generally decreasing with altitude in the ABL. Under certain meteorological conditions, vertical mixing plus horizontal transport can cause a high pollution level at the top of ABL. The pollutants concentrations were low over less industrialized and upwind regions, suggesting that local emission sources play significant role on the GHGs and VOCs levels over the regions. However, due to the large scale of sampling area that the aircraft covers the above gradients in concentrations are relative low. AQ modelling activities for simulating the cases studied in the current or any relative future work could reduce operating costs and allow projections of potential impacts.