This project will conduct field trials of in situ burns (ISB) to calibrate the NOAA's HYSPLIT air trajectory model by conducting multiple crude oil burns at the Poker Flat Research Range (PFRR) operated by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks with oil handling support by Alaska Clean Seas.
A series of burn tests of Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil were conducted at the Poker Flat Research Range outside of Fairbanks, Alaska in August 2022. Aerial sensors collected emissions data through horizontal, vertical, and downwind transects of the smoke plume. Four uncrewed aerial vehicles (AUVs) piloted by USGS, USCG, and the International Arctic Research Center operated out of the University of Alaska Fairbanks obtained supporting data. The data will be couple with meteorological data for comprehensive analysis.