Obtaining a sample of the atmosphere in a period which is short compared with the
duration of the sampling exercise. Such samples are often called '
grab' samples, a term not recommended. These are useful for the analysis of
hydrocarbons and other complicated mixtures of trace gases which are relatively
stable in a stainless steel canister or tank and can be transported back to the laboratory
for chromatographic or other analysis which cannot be done satisfactorily in the field.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167
(Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990))
on page 2197