Advances in Laboratory and Field Measurements

The global distribution and the regional and temporal variations of chemical compounds in the atmosphere, both gases and aerosols, are still not well known. A full understanding of the atmospheric system can only be achieved through an integrated use of field measurements, modelling, and laboratory measurements. The past ten years have seen an impressive increase in the number of field measuring systems in use, while laboratory studies of reaction rate coefficients and mechanisms have benefited from advances in technology. The advances are often synergistic, with field instruments frequently being based on laboratory systems, and new versatile detectors brought into the lab to increase the capabilities there.