The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Thursday that its scientists, in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board, will conduct a series of research flights over California in an effort to learn more about smog and greenhouse gases.
NASA said its DC-8 airborne laboratory will take off from the NASA Dryden Aircraft Operations Center in Palmdale near Los Angeles and will cover an area that stretches from San Diego to the coast north of Eureka in Southern California.
The aircraft will take atmospheric composition measurements, while two other specially outfitted aircraft take additional samples.
"This collaboration will give us information on how pollution is created, transported and even destroyed," said Bart Croes, chief of the Air Resources Board's Research Division.
"The use of highly sophisticated technology, data gathered at levels far beyond our normal reach, and collaboration with NASA's very knowledgeable technicians and scientists combine to create a rare opportunity," he said.
The DC-8 airborne laboratory will fly four flights through June25, including low-level passes over California's Central Valley and coastal areas, according to mission manager Frank Cutler.
Researchers will simultaneously gather information from NASA Earth observing satellites, which will allow them to validate data from the flights and improve modeled predictions of the impact of air pollution on the state.
Source: Xinhua
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