Biogenic Hydrocarbon Chemistry within and Above a Mixed Deciduous Forest

• DOI: 10.1007/s10874-006-9048-4
• Publication Date: 2006-12-07T11:48:18Z
• Authors: Jose D. Fuentes; Daniel Wang; Dave R. Bowling; Mark Potosnak; Russell K. Monson; Wendy S. Goliff; William R. Stockwell
• Keywords: Isoprene; Methacrolein; Atmospheric chemistry; Mixing ratio; Tree canopy

This manuscript includes findings from field and numerical modeling inves- tigations designed to quantify the degree and rates of biogenic hydrocarbon chemical processing within and above a mixed deciduous forest in the southeastern United States. The study site was under the influences of nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon emissions from suburban automobile traffic. The most common ambient biogenic hydrocarbons measured within and above the forest included isoprene, α-pinene, and d-limonene. Isoprene was the most abundantly produced biogenic hydrocarbon, with maximum isoprene flux densities reaching 50 nmol m �2 s �1 . Isoprene and its reaction products (methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein) comprised over 75% of the measured hydrocarbon mass. Substantial nitrate (NO3) and hydroxyl (HO) radical formation occurred within the forest canopy, with maximum NO3 and HO levels approaching 1 part per trillion on a volume basis (pptv) and