Dry deposition of particles^*

* This paper is based on a background document which was prepared for discussions to assess the current state of knowledge at a workshop on deposition organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers and EMEP (Gothenburg, Sweden, 3–6 November 1992).

Abstract

This paper assesses current knowledge about the dry deposition of particles with a focus on implications for Europe. General aspects of sources, physical characteristics and concentration data of particles in the atmosphere are considered. Current modelling approaches for calculating the dry deposition of small and coarse particles are reviewed. Shortcomings and uncertainties of these models are presented. Measurements of small- and large-particle deposition with various techniques are summarized together with their limitations. Finally, implications of scale aspects of particle dry deposition are treated with an emphasis on Europe. The overall conclusion is that knowledge on particle dry deposition is still insufficient, both experimentally and theoretically, undermining reliable estimates of deposition fluxes over Europe.

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Dry deposition of particles

Notes

* This paper is based on a background document which was prepared for discussions to assess the current state of knowledge at a workshop on deposition organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers and EMEP (Gothenburg, Sweden, 3–6 November 1992).