Western Kentucky University
An Examination of Atmospheric Composition Data from Mammoth Cave National Park
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Matthew J. Nee
Abstract
Data obtained from an atmospheric chemistry field station located in Mammoth Cave National Park was analyzed over multiple time-scales with the purpose of finding any correlations between nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and solar irradiance. These correlations are expected due to the large number of photochemical reactions involving NOx in Earth’s atmosphere. The data from the field station was organized into graphs in order to make the correlations visible. Time correlations and correlations of composition with other factors such as sun levels, precipitation, temperature, humidity, and particulate matter were considered. These data represented a first step toward correlating NOx levels with nitrate content in local soil and water samples, a relatively unexplored area, particularly in the Commonwealth. Any correlations in the data allowed better understanding of the role NO3 has in producing tropospheric NOx and promoted awareness of its harmful potential in promoting acid rain and increased amounts of ground ozone.
An Examination of Atmospheric Composition Data from Mammoth Cave National Park
Data obtained from an atmospheric chemistry field station located in Mammoth Cave National Park was analyzed over multiple time-scales with the purpose of finding any correlations between nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and solar irradiance. These correlations are expected due to the large number of photochemical reactions involving NOx in Earth’s atmosphere. The data from the field station was organized into graphs in order to make the correlations visible. Time correlations and correlations of composition with other factors such as sun levels, precipitation, temperature, humidity, and particulate matter were considered. These data represented a first step toward correlating NOx levels with nitrate content in local soil and water samples, a relatively unexplored area, particularly in the Commonwealth. Any correlations in the data allowed better understanding of the role NO3 has in producing tropospheric NOx and promoted awareness of its harmful potential in promoting acid rain and increased amounts of ground ozone.