The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Erik Swietlicki. Photo.

Erik Swietlicki

Professor

Erik Swietlicki. Photo.

Novel insights on new particle formation derived from a pan-european observing system

Author

  • M. Dall'Osto
  • D. C.S. Beddows
  • A. Asmi
  • L. Poulain
  • L. Hao
  • E. Freney
  • J. D. Allan
  • M. Canagaratna
  • M. Crippa
  • F. Bianchi
  • G. De Leeuw
  • A. Eriksson
  • E. Swietlicki
  • H. C. Hansson
  • J. S. Henzing
  • C. Granier
  • K. Zemankova
  • P. Laj
  • T. Onasch
  • A. Prevot
  • J. P. Putaud
  • K. Sellegri
  • M. Vidal
  • A. Virtanen
  • R. Simo
  • D. Worsnop
  • C. O'Dowd
  • M. Kulmala
  • Roy M. Harrison
Show all

Summary, in English

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.

Department/s

  • Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology
  • Nuclear physics
  • MERGE: ModElling the Regional and Global Earth system

Publishing year

2018-12-01

Language

English

Publication/Series

Scientific Reports

Volume

8

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group

Topic

  • Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2045-2322