Changes in monoterpene mixing ratios during summer storms in rural New Hampshire (USA)

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
By: , and 

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Abstract

Monoterpenes are an important class of biogenic hydrocarbons that influence ambient air quality and are a principle source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Emitted from vegetation, monoterpenes are a product of photosynthesis and act as a response to a variety of environmental factors. Most parameterizations of monoterpene emissions are based on clear weather models that do not take into account episodic conditions that can drastically change production and release rates into the atmosphere. Here, the monoterpene dataset from the rural Thompson Farm measurement site in Durham, New Hampshire is examined in the context of a set of known severe storm events. While some storm systems had a negligible influence on ambient monoterpene mixing ratios, the average storm event increased mixing ratios by 0.59 ± 0.21 ppbv, a factor of 93% above pre-storm levels. In some events, mixing ratios reached the 10's of ppbv range and persisted overnight. These mixing ratios correspond to increases in the monoterpene emission rate, ranging from 120 to 1240 g km−2 h−1 compared to an estimated clear weather rate of 116 to 193 g km−2 h−1. Considering the regularity of storm events over most forested areas, this could be an important factor to consider when modeling global monoterpene emissions and their resulting influence on the formation of organic aerosols.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Changes in monoterpene mixing ratios during summer storms in rural New Hampshire (USA)
Series title Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
DOI 10.5194/acp-11-11465-2011
Volume 11
Issue 22
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Copernicus Publications
Publisher location Göttingen, Germany
Contributing office(s) Branch of Regional Research-Eastern Region
Description 9 p.
First page 11465
Last page 11476
Country United States
State New Hampshire
Other Geospatial Thompson Farm
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