Date

2009

Author

Kubilay, Nilgün
Koçak, Mustafa

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The current study considers the spatial and temporal variability in aerosol water soluble ions (Na+ , NH4 + , K+ , Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl- , NO3 - , SO4 2-, C2O4 2 ) concentrations and aerosol optical measurements in the eastern Mediterranean, utilizing an extensive data library collected in 2003 at two stations along the Turkish (Erdemli) and Cretan (Finokalia) coastline. In addition, aerosol samples were collected aboard the research vessel’s BILIM II cruising the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea during two periods in March-May 2008 (Cruise I) and September-October 2008 (Cruise II). During Cruise II aerosol sampling was performed both on board and at the Erdemli station simultaneously. The ionic concentrations of aerosols collected in 2003 at both stations indicated that the seasonal variability were related to precipitation events. The atmospheric concentrations of measured species (except those of marine origin) decreases to minimum values during winter, whereas, during dry summer months the lack of precipitation resulted in their accumulation in the atmosphere. During the transition periods, although there was still precipitation, crustal ions exhibited sporadic but intense concentration peaks due to the intrusion of dust from the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula. Ground based aerosol optical measurements were conducted within framework of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET)I program both at Erdemli and Finokolia. The measurements were used to identify and define predominant regional aerosol optical properties. A relationship between aerosol sulfate (nss-SO4 -2) and aerosol optical thickness (AOT440) at both stations denoted that sulfate particles are the main components of the optical thickness derived at 440 nm. Geometric mean concentrations of PM10, aerosol water soluble ions and elemental compositions determined in samples collected on board are at similar level with the concentrations reported for the coastal stations of Erdemli and Finokalia. High concentrations of aerosols (especially for crustal elements) collected during Cruise I relative to Cruise II corresponded to incursions of Saharan dust. The relative contribution of mineral dust, sea salt, ionic mass, organic and black carbon on PM10 mass concentrations was calculated and compared with Finokalia data.

Subject Keywords

Aerosol, Eastern Mediterranean, Chemical composition, Optical properties, Seasonal variation, Long-range transport

URI

https://app.trdizin.gov.tr/publication/project/detail/TVRBME5EZzQ
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/50004

Collections

Graduate School of Marine Sciences, Project and Design