On the photochemical production of new particles in the coastal boundary layer

O'Dowd, C; Mcfiggans, G; Creasey, DJ; Pirjola, L; Hoell, C; Smith, MH; Allan, BJ; Plane, JMC; Heard, DE; Lee, JD; Pilling, MJ; Kulmala, M

HERO ID

90414

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1999

Language

English

HERO ID 90414
In Press No
Year 1999
Title On the photochemical production of new particles in the coastal boundary layer
Authors O'Dowd, C; Mcfiggans, G; Creasey, DJ; Pirjola, L; Hoell, C; Smith, MH; Allan, BJ; Plane, JMC; Heard, DE; Lee, JD; Pilling, MJ; Kulmala, M
Journal Geophysical Research Letters
Volume 26
Issue 12
Page Numbers 1707-1710
Abstract #Concurrent measurements of ultra-fine (r<5 nm) particle (UFP) formation, OH and SO2 concentrations in the coastal environment are examined to further elucidate the processes leading to tidal-related homogeneous heteromolecular nucleation. During almost daily nucleation events, UFP concentration approached approximate to 300,000 cm(-3) under conditions of solar radiation and low tide. Simultaneous measurements of OH illustrate that, as well as occurring during low tide, these events occur during conditions of peak OH concentration, suggesting that at least one of the nucleating species is photochemically produced. Derived H2SO4 production also exhibited remarkable coherence, although phase-lagged, with UFP formation, thus suggesting its involvement, although binary nucleation of H2SO4 and H2O can be ruled out asa plausible mechanism. Ternary nucleation involving NH3 seems most likely as a trigger mechanism, however, at least a fourth condensable species, X, is required for growth to detectable sizes. Since UFP are only observed during low tide events, it is thought that species X, or it's parent, is emitted from the shore biota - without which, no nucleation is detected. Species X remains to be identified. Model simulations indicate that, in order to reproduce the observations, a nucleation rate of 10(7) cm(-3) s(-1), and a condensable vapour concentration of 5 x 10(7) cm(-3), are required.
Doi 10.1029/1999GL900335
Wosid WOS:000080920700017
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments ECRIB.Geophys. Res. Lett. 26: 1707-1710.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword NUCLEATION RATES; TROPOSPHERE
Is Qa No