A joint research team from the CAS Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) and Lanzhou University carried out the "SWOP" (Sounding of Water Vapor, Ozone, and Particles) field campaign in Golmud  (approx. 2800m above sea level) over Qinghai-Xizang plateau from July to August 2025. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the project aims to capture vertical profiles of ozone, water vapor, and aerosol particles using instrumented hydrogen balloons. The team also recovered equipment after balloon bursts at around 30km and conducted continuous lidar observations and surface sampling across the Qaidam Basin.

Preparation for balloon launch carrying atmospheric sounding instruments. (Image by IAP)

Research team hiking into uninhabited area to recover instruments after balloon descent. (Image by IAP)

Recovery of scientific instruments following balloon burst at high altitude.

Aerosol lidar system performing continuous atmospheric observations. (Image by IAP)

Surface sand sample collection at one of the 19 sites across the Qaidam Basin. (Image by IAP)

One of sand sampling sites. (Image by IAP)

Meanwhile, the research team drove over 3000 kilometers and collected 19 surface sand samples at different locations across the Qaidam Basin under various surface conditions. These samples will help study the physical and chemical properties of dust aerosols emitted from this region and understand their effects on weather and climate. Continuous sampling of VOCs and OVOCs in the surface atmosphere of the Golmud area was also conducted during the campaign.