Measurements of atmospheric composition on Earth and Mars

Understanding a planetary atmosphere requires that we understand a number of linked phenomena including the composition and chemistry, the way in which energy is transported, and the motions (dynamics) of the atmosphere. The composition, chemistry and energy transport are linked because the absorption and emission of energy are controlled by chemicals such as ozone and carbon dioxide that are present in very low concentrations, and these in turn are affected by the chemistry. The proposed research program has an overall goal of understanding two planetary atmospheres.1) Within the Earth's atmosphere we propose making measurements in Eastern Canada to look at the gases leaving North America to cross the Atlantic to Europe. Intercontinental transport of pollution is important both from a scientific point of view and eventually from a regulatory point of view. Frequent measurements will enable us to understand how this transport occurs, its magnitude and its variations. In addition we will work with satellite instrumentation, both analysing data for gaseous composition of the atmosphere, and developing new instrumentation for use in the future2) Mars is an "Earth-like" planet, but its atmosphere is very different from our own, being much thinner and mostly carbon dioxide. Some significant scientific questions are: Why does it have the composition that it does? How did it get this way? What does this tell us about the rest of the planet? A new instrument to measure the atmosphere of Mars will help us to answer these questions. The Mars Atmospheric Trace Molecule Occultation Spectrometer (MATMOS) will be the primary instrument on the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) that is part of the ESA-NASA Exobiology on Mars (ExoMars) mission. MATMOS has significant Canadian content and Canadian presence in the Science Team led by the Canadian Space Agency. Although launch is not until 2016, investigations will begin now into the best use of the data that will be obtained from this important mission.