Abstract
Abstract Nitrate is an important component of fine aerosols in Europe. We present model simulations for the year 1995 accounting for the formation of the ammonium nitrate, a semi-volatile component. For this purpose we have used the new LOTOS-EUROS model. During winter, fall and especially spring, high nitrate levels are projected over north-western, central and eastern Europe. During winter, nitrate concentrations are highest in the Po valley, Italy. Appreciable ammonium nitrate concentrations in summer are limited to those areas with high ammonia emissions, e.g., the Netherlands, since high ammonia concentrations are necessary to stabilise this aerosol component at high temperatures. Verification with measurements shows that the model is able to reproduce the basic features of nitrate and sulphate concentrations over Europe. Already for 1995, the annual direct forcing by nitrate over Europe is calculated to be about 20% of that by sulphate. In summer, nitrate is found to be regionally important, e.g. equally in the Netherlands. In winter, spring and fall, the nitrate forcing over Europe is about half that by sulphate. Over north-western Europe and the alpine region the forcing by nitrate was calculated to be similar to that of sulphate. Overall, nitrate forcing is significant and should be taken into account to estimate the impact of regional climate change in Europe.
Published Version
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