ISSN:
1573-2932
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract Atmospheric monitoring activities in Canada relevant to the long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants and the ‘acid rain’ problem are reviewed. Particular aspects examined are network objectives, station density and location, sampling protocol, and quality assurance. Results from a number of these networks are presented for the purpose of outlining the nature and extent of air and precipitation contamination by pollution released in eastern North America. Examples discussed include: the spatial distribution of acidic wet deposition, the temporal variation of acid-related substances in both air and precipitation, an episode of long-range transport, and the impact of acidic emissions on the Arctic atmosphere. Acidic wet deposition is greatest in Canada east of the Manitoba-Ontario border. In 1978, it ranged from 18 to 46 mmol H+ m−2 yr−1 in the southern half of eastern Canada, with maxima in southern Ontario (44 mmol H+ m−2 yr−1) and southwestern Quebec (46 mmol H+ m−2 yr−1). Western Canada receives less acidity in precipitation, but areas of some concern are the Pacific Coast (10 mmol H+ m−2 yr−1) and to a lesser extent northern Alberta and Saskatchewan (3 to 5 mmol H+ m−2 yr−1). Acidic emissions from mid-latitude sources which reach the Arctic in winter cause an increase in the acidity of snow from a pH of approximately 5.6 in the summer to values of 4.9 to 5.1 in January through March.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02419400
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