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The role of anthropogenic species in Biogenic aerosol formation
Citation:
Pye, H. The role of anthropogenic species in Biogenic aerosol formation. Harvard University Atmospheric Sciences Seminar Series, Cambridge, MA, April 10, 2015.
Impact/Purpose:
The National Exposure Research Laboratory’s Atmospheric Modeling Division (AMAD) conducts research in support of EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. AMAD’s research program is engaged in developing and evaluating predictive atmospheric models on all spatial and temporal scales for forecasting the Nation’s air quality and for assessing changes in air quality and air pollutant exposures, as affected by changes in ecosystem management and regulatory decisions. AMAD is responsible for providing a sound scientific and technical basis for regulatory policies based on air quality models to improve ambient air quality. The models developed by AMAD are being used by EPA, NOAA, and the air pollution community in understanding and forecasting not only the magnitude of the air pollution problem, but also in developing emission control policies and regulations for air quality improvements.
Description:
Isoprene is a widely recognized source of organic aerosol in the southeastern United States. Models have traditionally represented isoprene-derived aerosol as semivolatile species formed from the initial isoprene + OH reaction. Recent laboratory and field studies indicate later generation epoxides serve as aerosol precursors via acid-catalyzed particle-phase reactions. In this work, we contrast the traditional representation of isoprene aerosol with a reactive uptake model. We show that the two parameterizations differ in the amount of aerosol produced and sensitivity of that aerosol to changes in acidity and emissions.