Indirect measurements of the composition of ultrafine particles in the
Arctic late-winter
Abstract
We present indirect measurements of size-resolved ultrafine particle
composition conducted during the Ocean–Atmosphere–Sea Ice–Snowpack
(OASIS) Campaign in Utqiagvik, Alaska, during March 2009. This study
focuses on measurements of size-resolved particle hygroscopicity and
volatility measured over two periods of the campaign. During a period
that represents background conditions in this location, particle
hygroscopic growth factors (HGF) at 90% relative humidity ranged from
1.45-1.51, which combined with volatility measurements suggest a mixture
of ~30% ammoniated sulfates and ~70%
oxidized organics. Two separate regional ultrafine particle growth
events were also observed during this campaign. Event 1 coincided with
elevated levels of H2SO4 and solar
radiation. These particles were highly hygroscopic (HGF=2.1 for 35 nm
particles), but were almost fully volatilized at 160 °C. The air masses
associated with both events originated over the Arctic Ocean. Event 1
was influenced by the upper marine boundary layer, while Event 2 spent
more time closer to the surface and over open ocean leads, suggesting
marine influence in growth processes. Event 2 particles were slightly
less hygroscopic (HGF=1.94 for 35nm and 1.67 for 15nm particles), and
similarly volatile. We hypothesize that particles formed during both
events contained 60-70% hygroscopic salts by volume, with the balance
for Event 1 being sulfates and oxidized organics for Event 2. These
observations suggest that primary sea spray may be an important
initiator of ultrafine particle formation events in the Arctic
late-winter, but a variety of processes may be responsible for
condensational growth.