Some approximations for the wet and dry removal of particles and gases from the atmosphere

Abstract

Semi-empirical formulae are presented which can be used to estimate precipitation scavenging and dry deposition of particles and gases. The precipitation scavenging formulae are appropriate both for in- and below-cloud scavenging and comparisons with data indicate the importance of accounting for aerosol particle growth by water vapor condensation and attachment of the pollutant to plume or cloud particles. It is suggested that both wet and dry removal of gases is usually dictated by other than atmospheric processes. Dry deposition of particles to a canopy is shown to depend on canopy height, biomass, vegetative type and mean wind. Two large-scale practical problems are addressed dealing with the relative importance of wet and dry deposition and with the sources which contribute to deposition in a specific location.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the first international symposium on acid precipitation and the forest ecosystem

Citation

Slinn, W. G. N. 1976. Some approximations for the wet and dry removal of particles and gases from the atmosphere. In: Dochinger, L. S.; Seliga, T. A., eds. Proceedings of the first international symposium on acid precipitation and the forest ecosystem; Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-23. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 857-894