SOUTHWEST SCIENCES INC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 29a

Description

There is a lack of data, and the field instrumentation required to obtain it, concerning the emissions and absorptions (fluxes) of important greenhouse gases (GHG) in ecosystems such as lake and river shorelines, estuaries, marshes and other wetlands. These data are needed to improve models of the atmosphere and climate and to guide mitigation strategies. Southwest Sciences proposes to develop field instrumentation for measurement of the important GHGs nitrous oxide and methane. The instrument will measure both gases in a single package capable of operating unattended at remote sites using solar or battery power. In Phase I, an existing prototype high speed, high precision nitrous oxide sensor will be modified for field operation and combined with a sonic anemometer for flux measurements. Extensive field testing in a variety of ecosystems will be made. Methane measurement capability will be added in Phase II. The overall goal is to develop an instrument that can be operated unattended in the field, with remote reporting and access to the data. Methane and nitrous oxide are the second and third most important greenhouse gases after carbon dioxide. High precision, globally distributed data in a variety of ecosystems will permit researchers to refine atmospheric models and inform mitigation strategies. This technology will be useful to the global GHG flux measurement networks, FLUXNET and Ameriflux, as well as other researchers. Measurement and reduction of nitrous oxide emissions is important in the agricultural industry where 80% of its emissions occur. Monitoring of GHG emissions will be increasingly important as countries adopt policies such as cap and trade, emissions limits, and carbon taxes.