Summertime diurnal variations of atmospheric peroxides and formaldehyde in Sweden

Atmospheric peroxides and formaldehyde were measured at two sites in Sweden; inside a Scots pine stand (Jädraås) and on top of Mt. Åreskutan (1250 msl). Peroxide levels at Jädraås were highest during the day and lowest during the night. Mid-day concentrations of H₂O₂ varied between 0.05 and 2 ppbv. Isentropic trajectories together with local O₃ measurements indicated the importance of long range transport on surface H₂O₂ lévels. Large diurnal variations and vertical profiles showed the importance of turbulent mixing processes and dry deposition. A comparison of H₂O₂ and O₃ diurnal variations indicated a more rapid dry deposition of H₂O₂ to the forest. It would appear that terpenes emitted from the forest play a minor role in controlling the H₂O₂ levels. Formaldehyde at Jädraås had a different diurnal variation than peroxides; highest levels were observed in the early evening indicating chemical production of CH₂O. Diurnal variations of peroxides on Mt Åreskutan were opposite to those at Jädraås, highest concentrations were observed during the night. This result is to be expected if during the day air from inside the valley, with lower peroxide levels relative to the free troposphere, rises to the mountain top. In the evening, subsidence brings free tropospheric air with higher peroxides levels to the mountain.