Title
Novel insights on new particle formation derived from a pan-european observing system
Author
Dall'Osto, M.
Beddows, D.C.S.
Asmi, A.
Poulain, L.
Hao, L.
Freney, E.
Allan, J.D.
Canagaratna, M.
Crippa, M.
Bianchi, F.
De Leeuw, G.
Eriksson, A.
Swietlicki, E.
Hansson, H.C.
Henzing, J.S.
Granier, C.
Zemankova, K.
Laj, P.
Onasch, T.
Prevot, A.
Putaud, J.P.
Sellegri, K.
Vidal, M.
Virtanen, A.
Simo, R.
Worsnop, D.
O'Dowd, C.
Kulmala, M.
Harrison, R.M.
Publication year
2018
Abstract
The formation of new atmospheric particles involves an initial step forming stable clusters less than a nanometre in size (<~1 nm), followed by growth into quasi-stable aerosol particles a few nanometres (~1-10 nm) and larger (>~10 nm). Although at times, the same species can be responsible for both processes, it is thought that more generally each step comprises differing chemical contributors. Here, we present a novel analysis of measurements from a unique multi-station ground-based observing system which reveals new insights into continental-scale patterns associated with new particle formation. Statistical cluster analysis of this unique 2-year multi-station dataset comprising size distribution and chemical composition reveals that across Europe, there are different major seasonal trends depending on geographical location, concomitant with diversity in nucleating species while it seems that the growth phase is dominated by organic aerosol formation. The diversity and seasonality of these events requires an advanced observing system to elucidate the key processes and species driving particle formation, along with detecting continental scale changes in aerosol formation into the future. © 2018 The Author(s).
Subject
Environment & Sustainability
Environment
Urbanisation
Aerosol
Cluster analysis
Europe
Growth curve
Seasonal variation
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:86b32769-ce54-4686-aab9-6a2c6b2d876d
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17343-9
TNO identifier
787798
ISSN
2045-2322
Source
Scientific Reports, 8 (1)
Article number
1482
Document type
article