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Two-years of NO3 radical observations in the boundary layer over the Eastern Mediterranean
1Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory – Department of Chemistry, University of Crete – P.O. Box 2208, 71003 Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
2Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie – Abt. Luftchemie, Mainz, Germany
*now at: Institute of Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, Athens, Greece
Abstract. This is the first study that investigates the seasonal variability of nitrate (NO3) radicals in the marine boundary layer over the East Mediterranean Sea. An extensive data set of NO3 radical observations on the north coast of Crete for more than two years (June 2001–September 2003) is presented here. NO3 radicals follow a distinct seasonal dependency with maximum mixing ratios in summer (5.6±1.2 pptv) and minimum in winter (1.2±1.2 pptv). Episodes with high NO3 mixing ratios have been encountered mainly in polluted air masses originating from mainland Greece, Central and East Europe, and Turkey. Ancillary measurements of ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2 and meteorological parameters have been conducted and used to explain the observed NO3 variability. The acquired NO2 nighttime observations provide the up-to-date most complete overview of NO2 temporal variability in the area. The data show that the NO3 nighttime mixing ratios are primarily dependent on NO2 (positive correlation) and relative humidity (negative correlation) and to a lesser extend on temperature (positive correlation). As inferred from these observations, on average the major sink of NO3 radicals in the area is the heterogeneous reaction of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) on aqueous particles whereas the homogeneous gas phase reactions of NO3 are most important during spring and summer. NO 3 chemistry in the area significantly contributes to VOC oxidation and to the nighttime formation of peroxy radicals, nitric acid and particulate nitrate.
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Citation: Vrekoussis, M., Mihalopoulos, N., Gerasopoulos, E., Kanakidou, M., Crutzen, P., and Lelieveld, J.: Two-years of NO3 radical observations in the boundary layer over the Eastern Mediterranean, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 6, 9517-9544, 2006. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager
