Influence of atmospheric parameters on vertical profiles and horizontal transport of aerosols generated in the surf zone

• Published in: Atmospheric environment (1994) Vol. 77; pp. 664 - 673
• Main Authors: Kusmierczyk-Michulec, J., Tedeschi, G., Van Eijk, A.M.J., Piazzola, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aerosol transport; Atmospheric stability; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Meteorology; Particles and aerosols; Sciences of the Universe; Surf generated aerosols; Vertical profiles; North Carolina; United States; Surf generated aerosols; Vertical profiles; Aerosol transport; Atmospheric stability; Transport process; aerosols; Environmental factor; Empirical orthogonal function; Surf zone; North America
• ISSN: 1352-2310; 1873-2844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.05.060

The vertical and horizontal transport of aerosols generated over the surf zone is discussed. Experimental data were collected during the second campaign of the Surf Zone Aerosol Experiment that took place in Duck NC (USA) in November 2007. The Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method was used to analyze the vertical concentration gradients, and allowed separating the surf aerosols from aerosols advected from elsewhere. The numerical Marine Aerosol Concentration Model (MACMod) supported the analysis by confirming that the concentration gradients are more pronounced under stable conditions and that aerosol plumes are then more confined to the surface. The model also confirmed the experimental observations made during two boat runs along the offshore wind vector that surf-generated aerosols are efficiently advected out to sea over several tens of kilometers. •The measured vertical distributions of surf generated aerosols are discussed.•The behavior of aerosols during transport is analyzed.•Influence of atmospheric stability is demonstrated.•The EOF methods allowed for separation the surf aerosols from aerosols advected.