[Level Up] [Doc Top] [Doc End] [Next Item] [Home Page]
More than 40 scientists have gathered in Wagga Wagga for an ambitious experiment to measure greenhouse gas emissions from typical Australian landscapes.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are likely to contribute to global warming.
The scientists are using planes, a 4-km high kite, satellites, and instruments on the ground to monitor gas release from farm land. They are also studying the way in which water vapour and energy are exchanged between the land and the air.
The experiment, known as OASIS, began with a month -long preliminary program last October.
"OASIS is the most comprehensive program of its type ever carried out in Australia," said Coordinator Dr Mike Raupach, from the CSIRO Centre for Environmental Mechanics.
"The challenge is to obtain agreement between measurements made at small scales, such as a one- square metre chamber, and larger scales , such as a region 100 km across," Dr Raupach said.
More than $5 million worth of sophisticated equipment has been set up at three sites in the Wagga Wagga region, at Urana, at Charles Sturt University campus and at a site near Lockhart. The sites span a distance of 100 km.
This intensive measurement stage of the experiment will chart the interaction between land and air from spring through to early summer.
"OASIS is yet another example of the practical application of long-term fundamental scientific studies," said Dr Raupach. "We are applying our knowledge to a very real environmental problem confronting Australians."
Results from OASIS will also help improve computer climate models that are assessing the likely impact of global warming.
A motorised glider from Flinders University is making air chemistry and meteorological measurements.
OASIS involves researchers from the CSIRO Climate Change Research Program; Flinders University; the Australian National University; the University of Wollongong; and two New Zealand agencies: the Horticultural Research Institute and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.
The experimental team is holding an open day for the media and invited guests on Wednesday, 18 October from 10 am to 2 pm. Media are invited to see demonstrations of the equipment and talk to scientists. A group of Asian scientists who are in Australia to learn more about the greenhouse effect will be present.
There will be good photo opportunities of scientists operating the equipment. The Flinders University aircraft is based at RAAF Base Wagga and can be inspected there with prior arrangement.
The research site for the open day is located 10 km out of Wagga, off Pine Gully Rd on the western side of Charles Sturt University. Follow the signs.
For further information please contact:
Mike Raupach
Paul Holper
Mobile: 014 692 767
[Level Up] [Doc Top] [Doc End] [Next Item] [Home Page]