The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $399,519 Project Grant under its Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) to the University of Wisconsin System's University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) campus. The grant, titled "EMBRACE-AGS-GROWTH: Development and Integration of an Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Vertical Profiler to Probe Air Pollution at the Lake Michigan Shoreline", focuses on investigating the influence of lake-breeze circulation on the distribution of air pollutants such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using UAS technology. The project aims to (1) study differences in lake breeze events under varying synoptic conditions and their impact on coastal pollutant concentrations, (2) examine the roles of atmospheric layer mixing and its influence on near-surface O3 and NO2 levels, and (3) develop a conceptual model of shoreline circulation patterns and their impact on the vertical structure of O3 and NO2. The award also includes collaborations with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for NO2 instrument development and Purdue University for student training in UAS regulations and field campaign management. This project will enhance UWEC's research capacity, provide valuable educational opportunities for undergraduate students, and contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between lake-breeze circulations and air quality in coastal Great Lakes communities.
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