Dynamics of trace gases and aerosols in the atmosphere with consideration for heterogeneous processes

A combined mathematical model has been developed to reproduce space and time variations in the concentrations of multicomponent gas constituents and aerosols in the atmosphere on both regional and urban scales. This model contains blocks of transport of gas constituents and aerosols in the atmosphere with consideration for homogeneous binary nucleation, the kinetic processes of condensation/evaporation and coagulation, chemical processes occurring in both gas and liquid phases, and the processes of mass exchange during the gas-droplet (particle) interaction. A nonhydrostatic model of atmospheric mesoscale processes is used to calculate the fields of meteorological elements and turbulent characteristics. The generation of new-phase particles from precursor gases by the mechanism of homogeneous binary nucleation and their interaction with background aerosol are considered. The results of numerical experiments are compared with the data obtained from field observations of both space and time variations in the concentrations of gas constituents and aerosols and in the ionic content of aerosol particles over the Baikal region under the influence of emissions from powerful industrial sources.     

Modeling aerosol dynamics during forest fires

A hydrodynamic model is used to reproduce the atmospheric circulation during forest fires. The dynamics is simulated with an improved model of free convection with allowance for heat flux emission from the fire area. Against the background of the atmospheric circulation patterns obtained, the problem of aerosol evolution and size distribution due to the forest’s combustible materials from the fire area was solved. The evolution of soot particles is described by solving the kinetic equations of condensation and coagulation. The results of numerical experiments to develop a process that considers water-vapor condensation in a moist atmosphere are presented.     

On the influence of atmospheric chemical reactions on the ion composition of aerosol particles in the Baikal region

Monitoring data on the ion composition of aerosols and gas admixtures in the background and polluted atmosphere of the Lake Baikal region are presented. The ion composition and morphology of aerosols are affected by heterogeneous chemical reactions and variations in relative humidity. Two types of aerosol particles are revealed over this region. The fraction of solid particles recorded in most episodes includes primarily carbonates of alkaline and alkaline-earth metals. With increased atmospheric humidity, these particles are engaged in heterogeneous chemical reactions with gas-phase NH₃ and H₂SO₄, proceeding through the phase of watering. As a result, the composition of these aerosols is changed, and a fraction of aqueous H₂O/H₂SO₄/(NH₄)₂SO₄ aerosol particles of a different composition is formed. On the basis of a physical and chemical analysis of monitoring data on the aerosol composition and concentrations of gas admixtures, the average aerosol-size distribution of different types is estimated. For the first time, the mean acidity of aqueous aerosol particles is estimated.     

Dynamics of Sulfate Formation in the Atmospheric Droplet Phase with the Participation of Transition Metal Ions

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - Laboratory data on the kinetics of the aqueous-phase oxidation of SO2 with dissolved oxygen in the presence of Mn/Fe ions are summarized as applied to...