EDMONTON, August 10, 2005 -- Environment Canada has commenced a four
week air quality research project in the Edmonton area called PrAIRie2005. The
study, which runs from August 10 to September 10, 2005, will estimate the
movement of pollutants across Central Alberta to examine chemical processes
and evaluate the accuracy of air quality computer models.
Ongoing industrial development, and the increasing size of urban centres,
emphasizes the need to better understand air quality issues in the Canadian
Prairies. PrAIRie2005 is a joint effort, supported by Alberta Environment,
West Central Airshed Association, Parkland Airshed Management Zone, Fort Air
Partnership, the Canadian Forest Service, Millwoods Honda and Toyota Canada.
Environment Canada is bringing scientists and sophisticated instruments
from across Canada to participate in PrAIRie2005. A Cessna 207 equipped with
special laser technology will fly in a grid pattern collecting data on
pollution and ground level ozone. The measurements will be compared with
Environment Canada's high-tech mobile laboratories on the ground, and
observation from Alberta Environment and local airsheds.
RASCAL (Rapid Acquisition Scanning Aerosol Lidar) is one of the mobile
laboratories participating in PrAIRie2005. The laboratory operates in a
converted motorhome equipped with a high-powered laser and telescope that
provides images of the distribution of atmospheric particles.
Technical briefing and photo opportunity
When: Saturday, August 13, 2005
Where: Telus World of Science Centre, 1121-142 St., Edmonton
EVENTS:
6:00 p.m.: Edmontonians are invited to an informal discussion with
atmospheric scientists from the Meteorological Service of Canada.
8:00 p.m.: A media focused technical briefing and opportunity to view
RASCAL
9:00 p.m. (approximately): Live demonstration of high-powered laser
(weather permitting).
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For further information:
Gloria Trimble
Communications Advisor
Environment Canada
Tel.: (780) 951-8721
www.ec.gc.ca
