DUSTER - The collection and analyses of solid aerosols in the stratosphere
Palumbo, P ; Rotundi, A ; Aronica, A ; et al. ; - ASI Sponsor
Jan - 2007
ISSN : 03796566 ;
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type: Conference Proceedings

Abstract
The DUSTER (Dust in the Upper Stratosphere Tracking Experiment and Retrieval) project is aimed at uncontaminated collection and retrieval of stratospheric solid aerosol particles, in the submicron/micron range. The approach implies: 1) in-situ particles collection; 2) sample recovering; and 3) laboratory analyses, without sample manipulation among the three phases. We will derive: the dust size distribution, the concentration and the mineralogy of stratospheric aerosols. Isotopic abundance can also be measured on single particles for the identification of parent processes. These data are critically complementary to in-situ measurements (particle counter, gas analyzer) and remote-sensing observations (spectrometer, LIDAR). Dust chemical composition and size distribution lead to the definition of the particles optical properties, essential not only to evaluate and model the radiation balance, but also to interpret optical counter, LIDAR and spectral data. The DUSTER prototype had a technical (qualification) flight from Esrange in January 2006.

keywords : Aerosols;Air pollution;Atmospheric aerosols;Atmosp