Home of the 110 mph SkyDoc™
Since 1989
Note:
Dr. Detlev Helmig and his research team left on
another expedition to the Arctic which departed January of 2009 returning March 2009. The University Of
Colorado team is using the SkyDoc™ Aerostats from previous expeditions and the
newest SkyDoc™ Aerostat 2-ply models. Be sure to check back for information on
the results and papers to be published on the expedition and the results of the
SkyDoc™ performance.
Previous Expedition Information
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Dr. Detlev Helmig proposes to obtain vertical
profile measurements of ozone within the planetary boundary layer at
Summit/Greenland during a 2-week field experiment within the period of June 1
– August 1, 2000. Besides measurements of ozone, he will also monitor carbon
monoxide and meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, wind speed,
wind direction, pressure) across the boundary layer. For sampling he will use
a tethered SkyDoc™ balloon sampling platform capable of
reaching well above the planetary boundary layer to a altitudes of
approximately 2002 m above ground |
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Measurements at Summit performed during the summer
of 2002 have shown depletion of ozone in interstitial air. The mechanisms of
the ozone loss and the role of reactions with photo chemically formed
nitrogen oxides will be further investigated during a field study in the
summer of 2000.
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The SkyDoc™
aerostat will be there providing the lifting platform for the
sampling of interstitial air. |
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Dr. Detlev Helmig, Ph.D. Chemistry, of Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Colorado will be leading a team
to the Summit of Greenland, a two mile thick sheet of ice. Once there
Vertical Profiling through the Atmospheric Boundary Layer will be conducted.
The SkyDoc™ will be allowed to ascend an additional 5,000 feet. |
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The vertical ozone profile data will be used to calculate
the boundary layer ozone budget and diurnal trends of the deposition rate
between the surface and boundary layer. These data will be an important
supplement to the previous and the currently planned snowpack and ground
level observations. Our proposed measurements will elucidate the impact of
this surface chemistry on the atmospheric ozone budget. Overall, this
experiment is an important contribution towards further improving our
understanding of the budgets of atmospheric oxidants in the polar and global
atmosphere. |
