On Tuesday October 10th there was a controlled
burn at the University of Michigan Biological Station. These burns are done
every 20 years or so, allowing researchers to study how the forest responds to
and recovers from fires. We were interested in sampling the smoke plume under these controlled conditions to gain a greater understanding that can be applied to wildfires that are currently ranging across the western US. Pratt Lab graduate students Nate and I (Nick) collaborated with Conner Daube and Ed Fortner from Aerodyne Research to conduct measurements the smoke plume during the burn. We used our new aircraft-aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (A-ATOFMS) to sample over 25 thousand aerosol
particles! In addition we also used a DRUM impactor to collect particle samples for off-line analysis by electron microscopy. This was an excellent
opportunity to learn about the impacts of fresh biomass burning
aerosols on air quality in a minimal risk situation. This field study was
conducted in the incredible Aerodyne Mobile Laboratory!
Aerodyne Mobile Lab as we prepared for the burn.
An inside view of the Lab. In the very back of the picture you can see Maverick (A-ATOFMS).
As a result of wet weather conditions, this burn was incomplete
(evidenced by the green ferns in the burn area). It did however create plenty
of smoke for us to sample.
Sampling performed on Riggsville Road near the Biological Station.
Aftermath of the controlled burn - As you can see the moisture prevented a complete burn, but we still had plenty of aerosol particles!
