In:
Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, American Geophysical Union (AGU), Vol. 93, No. D4 ( 1988-04-20), p. 3760-3772
Abstract:
Time histories of surface air composition and cloud water composition in winter in Central Ontario are compared in order to establish a winter data set for this region, and to identify dominant processes responsible for the incorporation of sulfate, nitrate, and acidity into cloud water. Cloud water comparisons are restricted to low‐level collections (median altitude 625 m above ground) within the boundary layer. Surface level measurements during the 6‐week period show a variety of conditions, including several episodes of elevated concentrations of SO 2 , NO 3 − , HNO 3 , aerosol SO 4 = , and occasionally aerosol NO 3 − . Nitric acid comprised the majority of soluble acidity at ground level more than half the time, and was relatively more important during the periods of elevated SO 4 = and NO 3 − concentrations. Examination of cloud water composition indicated that HNO 3 was also the dominant contributor to cloud water acidity on the majority of days sampled. Comparisons of air and cloud water absolute concentrations and concentration ratios suggest that aqueous SO 2 oxidation was of minor importance in determining cloud composition. The conclusion is supported by measurements of hydrogen peroxide in cloud water samples. Cloud water NO 3 − /SO 4 = ratios were found to exceed (HNO 3 + aerosol NO 3 − )/SO 4 = ratios in air at the surface in most cases, and in a few instances cloud water NO 3 − concentrations were higher than expected based on the surface air composition data; several possible causes for this observation are discussed. It is concluded that in this region in winter, the composition of low‐level clouds can be estimated to within a factor of 2 by measurements of air composition at the surface, and that dissolution of soluble aerosol and gaseous species is primarily responsible for cloud composition. In‐cloud SO 2 oxidation is found to be of minor significance, but the data may indicate in‐cloud production of HNO 3 in some cases.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0148-0227
DOI:
10.1029/JD093iD04p03760
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Publication Date:
1988
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