Isoprene (C5H8) is one of the most abundant biogenic organic compounds emitted by vegetation, particularly by broadleaf trees commonly found in tropical rainforests. These emissions play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry, influencing the global radiation balance and impacting climate systems worldwide.
The importance of isoprene to atmospheric radiation has been further verified by two recent studies published in Nature, which show the importance of isoprene in forming atmospheric particles. Both of the studies, one carried out over the Amazon rainforest and the other in CERN’s CLOUD chamber, showcase the significance of isoprene in cloud formation.
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The Amazon Rainforest’s Role in the World’s Climate
Researchers recently carried out a large-scale aircraft campaign to research the upper troposphere of the Amazon rainforest and tropical oceans. Throughout the study, the team observed elevated concentrations of newly formed particles in these areas.
The particles originated from the interaction of biogenic emissions, including isoprene, with atmospheric processes, including lightning-generated nitrogen oxides (NOx), oxidation photochemistry, and deep tropical convection at low temperatures.
The study then used the IONICON PTR-TOF (adapted for flight campaigns) alongside other high-end tools to assess the origin, oxidation, and effect of these convected air masses, which contain isoprene. The resulting article can be found here.
CLOUD Project Research Under Upper-Tropospheric Conditions
As a proud partner of the CLOUD project (Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Droplets), Ionicon Analytik is excited to celebrate the remarkable outcomes from recent assessment campaigns at the CLOUD chamber. These results reveal how isoprene-derived oxygenated organic molecules (IP-OOMs) drive new particle formation (NPF) under extreme atmospheric conditions.
The resulting Nature study highlights the powerful synergy between laboratory experiments and fieldwork, offering deeper insights into the role of biogenic emissions and atmospheric processes in shaping climate-relevant aerosols.
Celebrating Collaborative Accomplishments in Atmospheric Research and Beyond
Ionicon Analytik congratulates the CLOUD community and the CAFE-Brasil team, especially the authors of the recent Nature papers, on their outstanding achievements.
The company is committed to supporting future research in this field by providing exceptional assessment data and innovative insights. Ionicon Analytik aims to contribute to the continued exploration of the intricate connections between biology, chemistry, and climate.
References
- Curtius, J. et al. (2024). Isoprene nitrates drive new particle formation in Amazon’s upper troposphere. Nature, 636(8041), pp. 124–130. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08192-4.
- Shen, J., et al. (2024). New particle formation from isoprene under upper-tropospheric conditions. Nature, 636(8041), pp. 115–123. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08196-06-0.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by IONICON Analytik.
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