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Significant spatial gradients in new particle formation frequency in Greece during summer.

Authors :
Aktypis, Andreas
Kaltsonoudis, Christos
Patoulias, David
Kalkavouras, Panayiotis
Matrali, Angeliki
Vasilakopoulou, Christina N.
Kostenidou, Evangelia
Florou, Kalliopi
Kalivitis, Nikos
Bougiatioti, Aikaterini
Eleftheriadis, Konstantinos
Vratolis, Stergios
Gini, Maria I.
Kouras, Athanasios
Samara, Constantini
Lazaridis, Mihalis
Chatoutsidou, Sofia-Eirini
Mihalopoulos, Nikolaos
Pandis, Spyros N.
Source :
Atmospheric Chemistry & Physics Discussions; 8/29/2023, p1-31, 31p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Extensive continuous particle number size distribution measurements took place during two summers (2020 and 2021) in 11 sites in Greece for the investigation of the frequency and the spatial extent of new particle formation (NPF). The study area is characterized by high solar intensity, fast photochemistry, and has moderate to low fine particulate matter levels during the summer. The average PM2.5 levels were relatively uniform across the examined sites. The NPF frequency during summer varied from close to zero in the southwestern parts of Greece to more than 60% in the northern, central, and eastern regions. The mean particle growth rate for each station varied between 3.4 and 8 nm h<superscript>-1</superscript>, with an average rate of 5.7 nm h<superscript>-1</superscript>. In most of the sites there was no statistical difference in the condensation sink between NPF event and non-event days, while lower relative humidity was observed during the events. The high NPF frequency sites in the north and northeast were in close proximity to both coal-fired power plants (high emissions of SO2) and to agricultural areas with some of the highest ammonia emissions in the country. The southern and western parts of Greece, where NPF was infrequent, were characterized by low ammonia emissions, while moderate levels of sulfuric acid were estimated (10<superscript>7</superscript> molecules cm<superscript>-3</superscript>) in the west. Although the emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds were higher in western and southern sectors, they did not appear to lead to enhanced frequency of NPF. The infrequent events in these sites occurred when the air masses had spent a few hours over areas with agricultural activities, and thus elevated ammonia emissions. Air masses arriving at the sites directly from the sea were not connected with atmospheric nucleation. These results support the hypothesis that ammonia and/or amines are limiting new particle formation in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16807367
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Atmospheric Chemistry & Physics Discussions
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
171333982
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-1899