Abstract
Nowadays a recognized need for accurate observations of atmospheric aerosols (AEs) and reactive gases (RGs) exists in the framework of regional, national and global near-surface networks based on permanent or mobile measurement stations. In this context, a paramount and not-trivial issue is related to the correct execution of continuous sampling of ambient air and its subsequent distribution to measurement analyzers hosted inside the stations. Sampling artifacts must be minimized for obtaining reliable pictures of ambient air composition. To respond to this need, a suite of novel “smart” and relatively low-cost systems for the continuous sampling of ambient air was developed in the framework of the 2012–2015 I-AMICA Project. These systems were designed to execute AE and RG measurements according with WMO/GAW and ACTRIS recommendations and standard operation procedures. A particular attention was dedicated to the stabilization and control of the sampling flow rates and temperatures. The analysis of one full year of operations at the WMO/GAW regional station of Capo Granitola (GAW ID: CGR, Italy), allowed to conclude that these systems are effective in meeting the technical requirements for correct execution of AE and RG measurements.
Highlights
The provision of reliable observations of the chemical composition and physical properties of the atmosphere is a pillar for understanding atmospheric chemistry and climate change both in term of process investigation and detection of regional and global changes
To assure the reliability of observed data, it is crucial to standardize and increase compatibility of measurements and data: to these aims global (e.g., Global Atmosphere Watch by the World Meteorological Organization—GAW/WMO) and regional (e.g., Aerosol, Clouds, and Trace gases Infrastructure—ACTRIS) efforts were undertaken in the last decades
This location is affected by the sea-land breeze regime, with prevailing (49% of hourly occurrence throughout the measurement period) gentle wind breezes from inland (NW-NE) during the night and prevailing (80%) winds from the sea (W-SE) during daytime
Summary
The provision of reliable observations of the chemical composition and physical properties of the atmosphere is a pillar for understanding atmospheric chemistry and climate change both in term of process investigation and detection of regional and global changes. To assure the reliability of observed data, it is crucial to standardize and increase compatibility of measurements and data: to these aims global (e.g., Global Atmosphere Watch by the World Meteorological Organization—GAW/WMO) and regional (e.g., Aerosol, Clouds, and Trace gases Infrastructure—ACTRIS) efforts were undertaken in the last decades (see [1,2]). The standardization of measurement techniques is an urgent issue especially for atmospheric aerosols (hereinafter AEs) and reactive gases (hereinafter RGs). AEs influence the energy budget of the atmosphere through direct and indirect radiative effects. Direct effects include the scattering and absorption of radiation in sensible wavelengths, while indirect effects involve the influence of AEs on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) which in turn affects cloud albedo, lifetime and precipitation frequency.
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