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

Detailed Reference Information
Bonn & Moortgat 2003
Bonn, B. and Moortgat, G.K. (2003). Sesquiterpene ozonolysis: Origin of atmospheric new particle formation from biogenic hydrocarbons. Geophysical Research Letters 30: doi: 10.1029/2003GL017000. issn: 0094-8276.

Atmospheric new aerosol particle formation observed in remote areas (e.g., in Finland, Portugal and in the U.S.). is generally attributed to low-volatile oxidation products of monoterpenes (C10H16), which are emitted by the vegetation. In this article we show that this atmospheric new particle formation is not caused by monoterpene products, but most likely initiated by very low-volatile substances produced during sesquiterpene (C15H24)-ozone reactions. For this purpose, the nucleation times of the most abundant monoterpene reactions have been calculated and discussed exemplarily for the Finnish site Hyyti¿l¿, at which nucleation events have been observed. In addition, the important negative influence of water vapor on the nucleation threshold of the ¿-caryophyllene-ozone reaction has been studied in detail at different dew points in the laboratory. Therein, the saturation vapor pressure of the nucleating compounds was estimated to be less than 1.2 ¿ 10-10 hPa, which is recommended for atmospheric homogeneous nucleation of non-volatile organics.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801), Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Biosphere/atmosphere interactions, Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Chemical kinetic and photochemical properties
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
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