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Number Size Distributions of Submicron Particles in Europe

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Urban Air Quality in Europe

Part of the book series: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry ((HEC,volume 26))

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Abstract

The aerosol particle number size distribution is a key component in aerosol indirect climate effects, and is also a key factor on potential nanoparticle health effects. This chapter will give background on particle number size distributions, their monitoring and on potential climate and health effects of submicron aerosol particles. The main interest is on the current variability and concentration levels in European background air.

The submicron particle number size distribution controls many of the main climate effects of submicron aerosol populations. The data from harmonized particle number size distribution measurements from European field monitoring stations are presented and discussed. The results give a comprehensive overview of the European near surface aerosol particle number concentrations and number size distributions between 30 and 500 nm of dry particle diameter. Spatial and temporal distributions of aerosols in the particle sizes most important for climate applications are presented. Annual, weekly, and diurnal cycles of the aerosol number concentrations are shown and discussed. Emphasis is placed on the usability of results within the aerosol modeling community and several key points of model-measurement comparison of submicron aerosol particles are discussed along with typical concentration levels around European background.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Dr. A. Wiedensohler for the useful comments in the review. The extensive work of all scientists and technical staff maintaining and operating the stations and the instruments is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    Ari Asmi

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  1. Ari Asmi
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Correspondence to Ari Asmi .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA-CSIC), Spanish Research Council – CSIC, Barcelona, Spain

    Mar Viana

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Asmi, A. (2012). Number Size Distributions of Submicron Particles in Europe. In: Viana, M. (eds) Urban Air Quality in Europe. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 26. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2012_197

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