LOS ANGELES, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Thursday that its
scientists, in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board, will conduct
a series of research flights over California in an effort to learn more about
smog and greenhouse gases.
NASA said its DC-8 airborne laboratory will take off
from the NASA Dryden Aircraft Operations Center in Palmdale near Los Angeles and
will cover an area that stretches from San Diego to the coast north of Eureka in
Southern California.
The aircraft will take atmospheric composition
measurements, while two other specially outfitted aircraft take additional
samples.
"This collaboration will give us information on how
pollution is created, transported and even destroyed," said Bart Croes, chief of
the Air Resources Board's Research Division.
"The use of highly sophisticated technology, data
gathered at levels far beyond our normal reach, and collaboration with NASA's
very knowledgeable technicians and scientists combine to create a rare
opportunity," he said.
The DC-8 airborne laboratory will fly four flights
through June25, including low-level passes over California's Central Valley and
coastal areas, according to mission manager Frank Cutler.
Researchers will simultaneously gather information
from NASA Earth observing satellites, which will allow them to validate data
from the flights and improve modeled predictions of the impact of air pollution
on the state.
