The Aerosol Characterization Experiments (ACE) , which are sponsored by the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Program (IGAC), are envisioned as a series of international field studies aimed at understanding the combined chemical and physical processes that control the evolution of those aerosol properties that are relevant to radiative forcing and climate. The ultimate goal of this series of studies is to provide the necessary data to incorporate aerosols into global climate models and to reduce the overall uncertainty in the climate forcing by aerosols.
ACE-Asia is a two-year observational program sponsored by IGAC, with intensive observation periods in the springs of 2000 and 2001. It is aimed at characterizing the physical, chemical, and radiative properties of aerosols in Asian outflow to the Pacific and at quantifying the processes that control those aerosol concentrations. The overall objective is to make models of aerosol radiative forcing of climate more realistic. Details can be found in the Nagoya Meeting Report (14-16 November, 1997) and in the homepage of ACE-Asia."
The ACE-Asia scientists also plans a Lagrangian experiment in Cheju, Korea in 1999 (or in 2000 if ACE-Asia will be scheduled to 2001) in the purpose of gaining some pre-ACE-Asia experience in that region, in particular of the region between China/Korea and Japan. A collection of information on the ACE-Asia Lagrangian experiment, including analyses of trajectories and meteorological fields, and comparison of numerical and observed balloon trajectories, can be found here.
To be placed in the e-mail distribution list for further information on the ACE-Asia activities, please contact Prof. Barry J. Huebert of University of Hawaii at huebert@soest.hawaii.edu.