EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Guest et al. 1984
Guest, P.S., Mach, W.H. and Winchester, J.W. (1984). Meteorological associations with aerosol composition in the boundary layer. Journal of Geophysical Research 89: doi: 10.1029/JD089iD01p01459. issn: 0148-0227.

The association of meteorological parameters with aerosol elemental concentrations in the boundary layer have been studied with measurements obtained at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory from November 29 to December 6, 1979. Air motions were documented by measurements at the tower up to 300 meters and by regional weather data. Aerosols were samples at 4, 9, 23, and 49 meters by particle size selective cascade impactors and by time sequence filter samplers and were analyzed by proton inducted X ray emission (PIXE). Principal sources of fine particle (<1 μm aerodynamic diameter) components were automative emissions for Pb and Br and tall stack emissions and atmospheric conversion of pollution gases to sulfate for S. In coarse particles the major earth crustal elements Al, Si, K, Ca, and Fe were soil derived. Pb and Br concentrations and the ratio Br/Pb generally decreased with height. Also, there concentrations varied with ventilation and vertical mixing and were greatest during southerly air flow from Denver. S concentrations did not generally vary with height, ventilation, vertical mixing, or wind direction, suggesting long-range transport, although 10-fold temporal variations were observed. Crustal element concentration generally decreased with height but depended in part on sampler position on the tower structure, indicating microscale shielding effects of coarse particles which were not observed for fine particle elements. Temporal variations of all elements were associated with major meteorological changes including a cold front passage and a chinook wind.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit