Meteorological Tracer Techniques for Parameterizing Atmospheric Dispersion

Abstract

Although tracer materials have been used in atmospheric dispersion studies for decades, basic information about meteorological tracer techniques is scattered among a number of different sources. This paper attempts to pull together this information in a comprehensive, albeit brief, review that is intended to be useful to new investigators contemplating conducting tracer studies. The paper focuses on recent advances in meteorological tracer techniques, with particular emphasis given to new developments in the areas of long-range tracer technology and the application of lidar remote sensing to tracer measurements. Detailed information is included about experimental design considerations, as well as sample collection and analysis techniques, for both gaseous and particulate tracers.