ABLE-2 Atmospheric Exchange Data for Amazon Dry and Wet Seasons

ABLE-2A and ABLE-2B data capture aerosol and gas exchange rates between the Amazon Basin and its atmospheric boundary layer. The dataset combines NASA Electra aircraft flights with ground-based chemical and meteorological measurements from two expeditions in 1985 and 1987. It documents dramatic seasonal shifts in air quality, from clean wet-season air to pollution from biomass burning.

Use Cases

• Analyzing seasonal variation in ozone deposition rates, which were measured at 5 to 50 times higher than over pine forests.
• Quantifying methane emissions from the Amazon floodplain, estimated to supply 12% of the global wetland total.
• Studying carbon monoxide enhancement factors (1.2 to 2.7) due to isoprene oxidation and biomass burning.
• Comparing trace gas and aerosol concentrations between the atmospheric boundary layer and the free troposphere.
• Investigating the impact of dry-season biomass burning on concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.

Strengths

• Data combines airborne and multi-platform ground measurements, including an instrumented tower, tethered balloon, and sondes.
• Captures a complete seasonal cycle with expeditions in both the dry (July-August 1985) and wet (April-May 1987) seasons.
• Documents specific, quantified findings like methane contribution and ozone deposition rate multipliers.

Limitations

• Exact row count, column names, and dataset size are unknown across all sources.
• Conflicting last updated dates exist: one source lists 2026-03-12, another lists 1987-05-13.

Provenance

Source

NASA Electra aircraft flights and ground-based measurements, organized by ORNL_CLOUD.

Collection Method

Aircraft flights from Belem to Tabatinga based in Manaus, supplemented by enclosures, a tower, balloon, and sondes.

Time Range

July-August 1985 and April-May 1987

Freshness

2026-03-12 22:32:49.476044

Geography

Amazon Basin, Brazil, from Belem at the river mouth to Tabatinga on the Brazil-Colombia border.