ACP - recent papers
https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/
Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics and the recent discussion forum Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DiscussionsInfluence of lower-tropospheric moisture on local soil moisture–precipitation feedback over the US Southern Great Plains
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3857-2024
<b>Influence of lower-tropospheric moisture on local soil moisture–precipitation feedback over the US Southern Great Plains</b><br>
Gaoyun Wang, Rong Fu, Yizhou Zhuang, Paul A. Dirmeyer, Joseph A. Santanello, Guiling Wang, Kun Yang, and Kaighin McColl<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3857–3868, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3857-2024, 2024<br>
This study investigates the influence of lower-tropospheric humidity on land–atmosphere coupling (LAC) during warm seasons in the US Southern Great Plains. Using radiosonde data and a buoyancy model, we find that elevated LT humidity is crucial for generating afternoon precipitation events under dry soil conditions not accounted for by conventional LAC indices. This underscores the importance of considering LT humidity in understanding LAC over dry soil during droughts in the SGP.
2024-03-28T17:36:03+01:00Measurement report: Insights into the chemical composition and origin of molecular clusters and potential precursor molecules present in the free troposphere over the southern Indian Ocean: observations from the Maïdo Observatory (2150 m a.s.l., Réunion)
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3785-2024
<b>Measurement report: Insights into the chemical composition and origin of molecular clusters and potential precursor molecules present in the free troposphere over the southern Indian Ocean: observations from the Maïdo Observatory (2150 m a.s.l., Réunion)</b><br>
Romain Salignat, Matti Rissanen, Siddharth Iyer, Jean-Luc Baray, Pierre Tulet, Jean-Marc Metzger, Jérôme Brioude, Karine Sellegri, and Clémence Rose<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3785–3812, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3785-2024, 2024<br>
Using mass spectrometry data collected at the Maïdo Observatory (2160 m a.s.l., Réunion), we provide the first detailed analysis of molecular cluster chemical composition specifically in the marine free troposphere. The abundance of the identified species is related both to in situ meteorological parameters and air mass history, which also provide insight into their origin. Our work makes an important contribution to documenting the chemistry and physics of the marine free troposphere.
2024-03-27T17:36:03+01:00Identification of stratospheric disturbance information in China based on the round-trip intelligent sounding system
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3839-2024
<b>Identification of stratospheric disturbance information in China based on the round-trip intelligent sounding system</b><br>
Yang He, Xiaoqian Zhu, Zheng Sheng, and Mingyuan He<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3839–3856, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3839-2024, 2024<br>
The round-trip intelligent sounding system (RTISS) is a new detection technology, developed in recent years, that can capture atmospheric fine-structure information via three-stage (rising, flat-floating, and falling) detection. Based on the RTISS, we developed a method to quantify stratospheric atmospheric disturbance information; this method shows sufficient potential in the analysis of stratospheric disturbances and their role in material transport and energy transfer.
2024-03-27T17:36:03+01:00Distribution, chemical, and molecular composition of high and low molecular weight humic-like substances in ambient aerosols
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3769-2024
<b>Distribution, chemical, and molecular composition of high and low molecular weight humic-like substances in ambient aerosols</b><br>
Xingjun Fan, Ao Cheng, Xufang Yu, Tao Cao, Dan Chen, Wenchao Ji, Yongbing Cai, Fande Meng, Jianzhong Song, and Ping'an Peng<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3769–3783, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3769-2024, 2024<br>
Molecular-level characteristics of high molecular weight (HMW) and low MW (LMW) humic-like substances (HULIS) were comprehensively investigated, where HMW HULIS had larger chromophores and larger molecular size than LMW HULIS and exhibited higher aromaticity and humification. Electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed more aromatic molecules in HMW HULIS. HMW HULIS had more CHON compounds, while LMW HULIS had more CHO compounds.
2024-03-27T17:36:03+01:00Powering aircraft with 100 % sustainable aviation fuel reduces ice crystals in contrails
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3813-2024
<b>Powering aircraft with 100 % sustainable aviation fuel reduces ice crystals in contrails</b><br>
Raphael Satoru Märkl, Christiane Voigt, Daniel Sauer, Rebecca Katharina Dischl, Stefan Kaufmann, Theresa Harlaß, Valerian Hahn, Anke Roiger, Cornelius Weiß-Rehm, Ulrike Burkhardt, Ulrich Schumann, Andreas Marsing, Monika Scheibe, Andreas Dörnbrack, Charles Renard, Maxime Gauthier, Peter Swann, Paul Madden, Darren Luff, Reetu Sallinen, Tobias Schripp, and Patrick Le Clercq<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3813–3837, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3813-2024, 2024<br>
In situ measurements of contrails from a large passenger aircraft burning 100 % sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) show a 56 % reduction in contrail ice crystal numbers compared to conventional Jet A-1. Results from a climate model initialized with the observations suggest a significant decrease in radiative forcing from contrails. Our study confirms that future increased use of low aromatic SAF can reduce the climate impact from aviation.
2024-03-27T17:36:03+01:00Solar FTIR measurements of NOx vertical distributions – Part 1: First observational evidence of a seasonal variation in the diurnal increasing rates of stratospheric NO2 and NO
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3743-2024
<b>Solar FTIR measurements of NOx vertical distributions – Part 1: First observational evidence of a seasonal variation in the diurnal increasing rates of stratospheric NO2 and NO</b><br>
Pinchas Nürnberg, Markus Rettinger, and Ralf Sussmann<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3743–3757, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3743-2024, 2024<br>
For a better understanding of stratospheric photochemistry, we analyzed long-term data from spectroscopic measurements at Zugspitze and Garmisch, Germany. We provide information about the seasonal cycle of diurnal nitrogen oxide variation in the stratosphere. For the first time we create an experimental data set to validate stratospheric model simulation that can improve satellite validation to gain further insights into ozone depletion and smog prevention.
2024-03-26T17:36:03+01:00Production of oxygenated volatile organic compounds from the ozonolysis of coastal seawater
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3729-2024
<b>Production of oxygenated volatile organic compounds from the ozonolysis of coastal seawater</b><br>
Delaney B. Kilgour, Gordon A. Novak, Megan S. Claflin, Brian M. Lerner, and Timothy H. Bertram<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3729–3742, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3729-2024, 2024<br>
Laboratory experiments with seawater mimics suggest ozone deposition to the surface ocean can be a source of reactive carbon to the marine atmosphere. We conduct both field and laboratory measurements to assess abiotic VOC composition and yields from ozonolysis of real surface seawater. We show that C5–C11 aldehydes contribute to the observed VOC emission flux. We estimate that VOCs generated by the ozonolysis of surface seawater are competitive with biological VOC production and emission.
2024-03-26T17:36:03+01:00Comment on “Transport of substantial stratospheric ozone to the surface by a dying typhoon and shallow convection” by Chen et al. (2022)
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3759-2024
<b>Comment on “Transport of substantial stratospheric ozone to the surface by a dying typhoon and shallow convection” by Chen et al. (2022)</b><br>
Xiangdong Zheng, Wen Yang, Yuting Sun, Chunmei Geng, Yingying Liu, and Xiaobin Xu<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3759–3768, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3759-2024, 2024<br>
Chen et al. (2022) attributed the nocturnal ozone enhancement (NOE) during the night of 31 July 2021 in the North China Plain (NCP) to "the direct stratospheric intrusion to reach the surface". We analyzed in situ data from the NCP. Our results do not suggest that there was a significant impact from the stratosphere on surface ozone during the NOE. We argue that the NOE was not caused by stratospheric intrusion but originated from fresh photochemical production in the lower troposphere.
2024-03-26T17:36:03+01:00LIME: Lunar Irradiance Model of ESA, a new tool for absolute radiometric calibration using the Moon
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3649-2024
<b>LIME: Lunar Irradiance Model of ESA, a new tool for absolute radiometric calibration using the Moon</b><br>
Carlos Toledano, Sarah Taylor, África Barreto, Stefan Adriaensen, Alberto Berjón, Agnieszka Bialek, Ramiro González, Emma Woolliams, and Marc Bouvet<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3649–3671, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3649-2024, 2024<br>
The calibration of Earth observation sensors is key to ensuring the continuity of long-term and global climate records. Satellite sensors, calibrated prior to launch, are susceptible to degradation in space. The Moon provides a stable calibration reference; however, its illumination depends on the Sun–Earth–Moon geometry and must be modelled. A new lunar irradiance model is presented, built upon observations over 5 years at a high-altitude observatory and a rigorous calibration and validation.
2024-03-25T17:36:03+01:00Uncertainties from biomass burning aerosols in air quality models obscure public health impacts in Southeast Asia
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3699-2024
<b>Uncertainties from biomass burning aerosols in air quality models obscure public health impacts in Southeast Asia</b><br>
Margaret R. Marvin, Paul I. Palmer, Fei Yao, Mohd Talib Latif, and Md Firoz Khan<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3699–3715, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3699-2024, 2024<br>
We use an atmospheric chemistry model to investigate aerosols emitted from fire activity across Southeast Asia. We find that the limited nature of measurements in this region leads to large uncertainties that significantly hinder the model representation of these aerosols and their impacts on air quality. As a result, the number of monthly attributable deaths is underestimated by as many as 4500, particularly in March at the peak of the mainland burning season.
2024-03-25T17:36:03+01:00Assessment of smoke plume height products derived from multisource satellite observations using lidar-derived height metrics for wildfires in the western US
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3673-2024
<b>Assessment of smoke plume height products derived from multisource satellite observations using lidar-derived height metrics for wildfires in the western US</b><br>
Jingting Huang, S. Marcela Loría-Salazar, Min Deng, Jaehwa Lee, and Heather A. Holmes<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3673–3698, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3673-2024, 2024<br>
Increased wildfire intensity has resulted in taller wildfire smoke plumes. We investigate the vertical structure of wildfire smoke plumes using aircraft lidar data and establish two effective smoke plume height metrics. Four novel satellite-based plume height products are evaluated for wildfires in the western US. Our results provide guidance on the strengths and limitations of these satellite products and set the stage for improved plume rise estimates by leveraging satellite products.
2024-03-25T17:36:03+01:00High-resolution mapping of nitrogen oxide emissions in large US cities from TROPOMI retrievals of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide columns
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3717-2024
<b>High-resolution mapping of nitrogen oxide emissions in large US cities from TROPOMI retrievals of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide columns</b><br>
Fei Liu, Steffen Beirle, Joanna Joiner, Sungyeon Choi, Zhining Tao, K. Emma Knowland, Steven J. Smith, Daniel Q. Tong, Siqi Ma, Zachary T. Fasnacht, and Thomas Wagner<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3717–3728, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3717-2024, 2024<br>
Using satellite data, we developed a coupled method independent of the chemical transport model to map NOx emissions across US cities. After validating our technique with synthetic data, we charted NOx emissions from 2018–2021 in 39 cities. Our results closely matched EPA estimates but also highlighted some inconsistencies in both magnitude and spatial distribution. This research can help refine strategies for monitoring and managing air quality.
2024-03-25T17:36:03+01:00Measurement report: Hygroscopicity of size-selected aerosol particles in the heavily polluted urban atmosphere of Delhi: impacts of chloride aerosol
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3627-2024
<b>Measurement report: Hygroscopicity of size-selected aerosol particles in the heavily polluted urban atmosphere of Delhi: impacts of chloride aerosol</b><br>
Anil Kumar Mandariya, Ajit Ahlawat, Mohammed Haneef, Nisar Ali Baig, Kanan Patel, Joshua Apte, Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz, Alfred Wiedensohler, and Gazala Habib<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3627–3647, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3627-2024, 2024<br>
The current study explores the temporal variation of size-selected particle hygroscopicity in Delhi for the first time. Here, we report that the high volume fraction contribution of ammonium chloride to aerosol governs the high aerosol hygroscopicity and associated liquid water content based on the experimental data. The episodically high ammonium chloride present in Delhi's atmosphere could lead to haze and fog formation under high relative humidity in the region.
2024-03-22T17:36:03+01:00Organosulfate produced from consumption of SO3 speeds up sulfuric acid–dimethylamine atmospheric nucleation
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3593-2024
<b>Organosulfate produced from consumption of SO3 speeds up sulfuric acid–dimethylamine atmospheric nucleation</b><br>
Xiaomeng Zhang, Yongjian Lian, Shendong Tan, and Shi Yin<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3593–3612, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3593-2024, 2024<br>
Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) has a significant influence on the global climate, local air quality and human health. Using a combination of quantum chemical calculations and kinetics modeling, we find that thhe gas-phase organosulfate produced from consumption of SO3 can significantly enhance SA–DMA nucleation in the polluted boundary layer, resulting in non-negligible contributions to NPF. Our findings provide important insights into organic sulfur in atmospheric aerosol formation.
2024-03-22T17:36:03+01:00Quantifying the tropospheric ozone radiative effect and its temporal evolution in the satellite era
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3613-2024
<b>Quantifying the tropospheric ozone radiative effect and its temporal evolution in the satellite era</b><br>
Richard J. Pope, Alexandru Rap, Matilda A. Pimlott, Brice Barret, Eric Le Flochmoen, Brian J. Kerridge, Richard Siddans, Barry G. Latter, Lucy J. Ventress, Anne Boynard, Christian Retscher, Wuhu Feng, Richard Rigby, Sandip S. Dhomse, Catherine Wespes, and Martyn P. Chipperfield<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3613–3626, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3613-2024, 2024<br>
Tropospheric ozone is an important short-lived climate forcer which influences the incoming solar short-wave radiation and the outgoing long-wave radiation in the atmosphere (8–15 km) where the balance between the two yields a net positive (i.e. warming) effect at the surface. Overall, we find that the tropospheric ozone radiative effect ranges between 1.21 and 1.26 W m−2 with a negligible trend (2008–2017), suggesting that tropospheric ozone influences on climate have remained stable with time.
2024-03-22T17:36:03+01:00Global and regional chemical influence of sprites: reconciling modelling results and measurements
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3577-2024
<b>Global and regional chemical influence of sprites: reconciling modelling results and measurements</b><br>
Francisco J. Pérez-Invernón, Francisco J. Gordillo-Vázquez, Alejandro Malagón-Romero, and Patrick Jöckel<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3577–3592, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3577-2024, 2024<br>
Sprites are electrical discharges that occur in the upper atmosphere. Recent modelling and observational data suggest that they may have a measurable impact on atmospheric chemistry. We incorporate both the occurrence rate of sprites and their production of chemical species into a chemistry–climate model. While our results indicate that sprites have a minimal global influence on atmospheric chemistry, they underscore their noteworthy importance at a regional scale.
2024-03-22T17:36:03+01:00Mixing-layer-height-referenced ozone vertical distribution in the lower troposphere of Chinese megacities: stratification, classification, and meteorological and photochemical mechanisms
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3541-2024
<b>Mixing-layer-height-referenced ozone vertical distribution in the lower troposphere of Chinese megacities: stratification, classification, and meteorological and photochemical mechanisms</b><br>
Zhiheng Liao, Meng Gao, Jinqiang Zhang, Jiaren Sun, Jiannong Quan, Xingcan Jia, Yubing Pan, and Shaojia Fan<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3541–3557, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3541-2024, 2024<br>
This study collected 1897 ozonesondes from two Chinese megacities (Beijing and Hong Kong) in 2000–2022 to investigate the climatological vertical heterogeneity of lower-tropospheric ozone distribution with a mixing-layer-height-referenced (h-referenced) vertical coordinate system. This vertical coordinate system highlighted O3 stratification features existing at the mixing layer–free troposphere interface and provided a better understanding of O3 pollution in urban regions.
2024-03-21T17:36:03+01:00Quasi-10 d wave activity in the southern high-latitude mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region and its relation to large-scale instability and gravity wave drag
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3559-2024
<b>Quasi-10 d wave activity in the southern high-latitude mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region and its relation to large-scale instability and gravity wave drag</b><br>
Wonseok Lee, In-Sun Song, Byeong-Gwon Song, and Yong Ha Kim<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3559–3575, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3559-2024, 2024<br>
We investigate the seasonal variation of westward-propagating quasi-10 d wave (Q10DW) activity in the southern high-latitude mesosphere. The observed Q10DW is amplified around equinoxes. The model experiments indicate that the Q10DW can be enhanced in the high-latitude mesosphere due to large-scale instability. However, an excessively strong instability in the summer mesosphere spuriously generates the Q10DW in the model, potentially leading to inaccurate model dynamics.
2024-03-21T17:36:03+01:00Observations of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the global troposphere and their relation to polar surface O3 destruction
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024
<b>Observations of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the global troposphere and their relation to polar surface O3 destruction</b><br>
James M. Roberts, Siyuan Wang, Patrick R. Veres, J. Andrew Neuman, Michael A. Robinson, Ilann Bourgeois, Jeff Peischl, Thomas B. Ryerson, Chelsea R. Thompson, Hannah M. Allen, John D. Crounse, Paul O. Wennberg, Samuel R. Hall, Kirk Ullmann, Simone Meinardi, Isobel J. Simpson, and Donald Blake<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3421–3443, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024, 2024<br>
We measured cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the troposphere for the first time. BrCN is a product of the same active bromine chemistry that destroys ozone and removes mercury in polar surface environments and is a previously unrecognized sink for active Br compounds. BrCN has an apparent lifetime against heterogeneous loss in the range 1–10 d, so it serves as a cumulative marker of Br-radical chemistry. Accounting for BrCN chemistry is an important part of understanding polar Br cycling.
2024-03-20T17:36:03+01:00Above-cloud concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei help to sustain some Arctic low-level clouds
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3529-2024
<b>Above-cloud concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei help to sustain some Arctic low-level clouds</b><br>
Lucas J. Sterzinger and Adele L. Igel<br>
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3529–3540, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3529-2024, 2024<br>
Using idealized large eddy simulations, we find that clouds forming in the Arctic in environments with low concentrations of aerosol particles may be sustained by mixing in new particles through the cloud top. Observations show that higher concentrations of these particles regularly exist above cloud top in concentrations that are sufficient to promote this sustenance.
2024-03-20T17:36:03+01:00