Spain DNAAP campaign is over

Spain DNAAP (Detection of Non-Anthropogenic Air Pollution) campaign co-ordinated by Aerosol d.o.o. which is co-financed by RS and EU is over. We have been lucky with perfect condition to measure Sahara dust mixed with anthropogenic pollution like black carbon around Barcelona. Researchers dr. Griša Močnik and dr. Luka Drinovec will have a lot of data collected from our flying laboratory referenced by ground station on the Montseny mountain North of Barcelona, satellite imagery and lidar located in Barcelona. Flying was demanding as we had to take-off and land fully loaded with instruments at short airfield Avinyonet with power lines on both sides. Beside temperatures were very high what is not normal for operation such piston engine. High above the mountains we experienced fluctuation of fuel pressure and finally engine stop probably due vapour lock. Auxiliary fuel pump and fuel tank change solved the problem, so we landed safely. On the way back to Slovenija we flew at about 3000 m as the Sahara dust was predicted at that level. A day off is necessary for Cyprus permission renewal and some rest to cure virosis we got in Spain. Tomorrow morning we plan to take-off again from Slovenske Konjice airfield.

Photo: Montserrat conglomerate mountain wonder