Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Number Size Distributions of Submicron
Particles in Europe
Ari Asmi
Abstract The aerosol particle number size distribution is a key component in
aerosol indirect climate effects, and is also a key factor on potential nanoparticle
health effects. This chapter will give background on particle number size
distributions, their monitoring and on potential climate and health effects of
submicron aerosol particles. The main interest is on the current variability and
concentration levels in European background air.
The submicron particle number size distribution controls many of the main
climate effects of submicron aerosol populations. The data from harmonized particle
number size distribution measurements from European field monitoring stations are
presented and discussed. The results give a comprehensive overview of the European
near surface aerosol particle number concentrations and number size distributions
between 30 and 500 nm of dry particle diameter. Spatial and temporal distributions of
aerosols in the particle sizes most important for climate applications are presented.
Annual, weekly, and diurnal cycles of the aerosol number concentrations are shown
and discussed. Emphasis is placed on the usability of results within the aerosol
modeling community and several key points of model-measurement comparison of
submicron aerosol particles are discussed along with typical concentration levels
around European background.
Keywords Aerosol number concentration, Aerosol number size distribution,
Atmospheric aerosols, CCN
