Measurements of precipitation composition at UK EMEP sites 1987?1992 and comparison with the HARM model

Abstract

Precipitation composition has been measured daily at five UK EMEP sites since 1987. Sulphur dioxide and sulphate aerosol concentrations are also measured daily at the sites. Back trajectories and wind sectors calculated by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute have been used to characterise the variation in wet deposition in terms of air mass source. Contributions to wet deposition from various source regions have been estimated for Eskdalemuir. Observations from the EMEP sites have been compared with output from the Hull Acid Rain Model (HARM). HARM is a Lagrangian model using simplified meteorology but straight-line trajectories. Results are compared on a site-by-site and sector-by-sector basis and the model reproduces the general features of pollutant concentration and wet deposition indicated by the measurements. The possible effects of future reductions in emissions of SO2 and NOx on precipitation concentrations by wind sector are described.