Spatially resolved photochemistry impacts emissions estimates in fresh wildfire plumes

Predictions of these impacts using models are limited by uncertainties in emissions and chemical evolution of smoke plumes. Using high-time-resolution aircraft measurements, we illustrate spatial variations that can exist within a plume due to differences in the photochemical environment.

Horizontal and vertical crosswind gradients of dilution-corrected mixing ratios were observed in midday plumes for reactive compounds and their oxidation products, such as nitrous acid, catechol, and ozone, likely due to faster photochemistry in optically thinner plume edges relative to darker plume cores. Gradients in plumes emitted close to sunset are characterized by titration of O-3 in the plume and reduced or no gradient formation.