Researchers measure atmospheric water vapor using open-air spectroscopy

Researchers have shown that a new mid-infrared spectrometer can precisely measure the ratios of different forms of water--known as isotopologues--in atmospheric water vapor through open air in a little over 15 minutes. Isotopologue ratios, which can be affected by land-based water evaporation and plant transpiration, are used to develop models of climate change and to understand how water is transported globally in the atmosphere.