Atmospheric Observations Over Howard University Beltsville Campus (HUBC) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract:

Howard University Beltsville Campus (HUBC) had to adapt and continue observing the atmosphere nonstop during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in the I-95 corridor between Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD, HUBC is a privileged place to monitor the region’s atmosphere with an array of upper air measurements of thermodynamic parameters (Microwave Radiometer), aerosols profiles (Ceilometer and Luft) and deployment of weather balloon sondes (radiosondes, ozonesondes, and Cryogen Frostpoint Hydrometers). Part of the World Meteorological Organization’s GCOS Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN), HUBC does weekly launches targeting the NOAA-20 satellite for NOAA’s Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) validation and collaborates with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) by deploying ozonesondes during days of major ozone production over the region.

From March to July, HUBC has launched 30 weather balloon sondes. This study shows the progression of thermodynamic parameters in the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) since the beginning of the pandemic shutdown to the initial phases of reopening. During the minimum activity of the region, ozonesonde readings show ozone concentrations around 50 ppb between 1 and 2 km. As the region started to reopen, ozone concentrations jumped to 60 and 70 ppb from 0.5 to 2 km. Plus, the Mid-Atlantic region has been experimenting higher than average temperatures during July, breaking the record of days with 90F or higher in the month. We will discuss ozone profile concentrations during COVID-19 and its subsequent change associated with the slow buildup of traffic and general activity in the region reflected in probable increase of pollution. We will discuss alerts from MDE, accompanying HUBC deployed ozonesondes (11 in total so far) showing values as high as 80 ppb on July 21. We address if and by how much a near complete shutdown of traffic activities can contribute to the air quality of the region.