Laser Technology Drives New Aerosol Research in New Zealand

A new laser system is set to enhance our understanding of aerosols and their impact on climate as part of the goSouth-2 research project. This initiative, conducted at the MetService site near Invercargill Airport, aims to provide critical data on how tiny airborne particles affect the atmosphere. The project is a collaboration between German and New Zealand institutions, including the Meteorological Institute of the University of Leipzig and the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), along with New Zealand partners such as the University of Canterbury and The Air Quality Collective.

As the project gears up for its official opening on September 3, 2023, TROPOS researchers have begun setting up equipment at the site. Five staff members from TROPOS are currently on location, preparing for the extensive data collection that will follow. According to Patric Seifert, a researcher with TROPOS, aerosols are essential for cloud formation as they serve as nuclei for water droplets. He explained, “The less aerosol particles are available, the less cloud particles can form, and vice-versa.”

Understanding Aerosol Influence on Clouds

The southern tip of New Zealand, situated at the northern edge of the Southern Ocean, provides a unique setting for studying the dynamics between aerosols and clouds. This region’s atmosphere can be remarkably clean when influenced by air masses from Antarctica. Conversely, air masses originating from Australia can introduce higher levels of pollutants. This variability allows researchers to investigate how differences in aerosol content affect cloud formation.

Dr. Seifert highlighted that current atmospheric and climate models are still less accurate at simulating cloud behavior over the Southern Ocean compared to the Northern Hemisphere. The disparity in aerosol levels between the two hemispheres may contribute to these modeling challenges. “There is more data collected about the northern hemisphere atmosphere, which is more polluted,” he noted. This project could help bridge that knowledge gap.

The choice of Invercargill as a research location is strategic due to its logistical support capabilities, which are crucial for operating the complex equipment and accommodating staff. The MetService already conducts vital observations at the site, including long-term weather balloon soundings, precipitation measurements, and solar and thermal radiation assessments.

Laser Technology and Data Collection

Residents near Invercargill can expect to see a green laser beam in the sky as part of the research. The lidar (light detection and ranging) systems used in the project emit laser pulses to investigate aerosol levels in the atmosphere. Dr. Seifert confirmed that airport staff have been informed about the beam’s presence. In addition to lidar, radar systems will also be employed to study cloud formations and precipitation patterns.

The TROPOS team will remain on-site for a duration of 18 months to gather and analyze data. Meanwhile, a separate group of around 15 researchers will be working in Germany to process the findings. This follows the successful completion of goSouth-1, a preliminary month-long study conducted in 2022 approximately 50 kilometers from Invercargill, which had fewer resources.

The goSouth-2 project represents a significant advancement in atmospheric research, aiming to deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between aerosols and clouds. As the project unfolds, it holds the potential to contribute valuable insights into climate models and environmental policy.