Abstract
Atmospheric peroxides and formaldehyde were measured at two sites in Sweden; inside a Scots pine stand (Jädraås) and on top of Mt. Åreskutan (1250 msl). Peroxide levels at Jädraås were highest during the day and lowest during the night. Mid-day concentrations of H2O2 varied between 0.05 and 2 ppbv. Isentropic trajectories together with local O3 measurements indicated the importance of long range transport on surface H2O2 lévels. Large diurnal variations and vertical profiles showed the importance of turbulent mixing processes and dry deposition. A comparison of H2O2 and O3 diurnal variations indicated a more rapid dry deposition of H2O2 to the forest. It would appear that terpenes emitted from the forest play a minor role in controlling the H2O2 levels. Formaldehyde at Jädraås had a different diurnal variation than peroxides; highest levels were observed in the early evening indicating chemical production of CH2O. Diurnal variations of peroxides on Mt Åreskutan were opposite to those at Jädraås, highest concentrations were observed during the night. This result is to be expected if during the day air from inside the valley, with lower peroxide levels relative to the free troposphere, rises to the mountain top. In the evening, subsidence brings free tropospheric air with higher peroxides levels to the mountain.
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Ross, H.B., Johansson, C., de Serves, C. et al. Summertime diurnal variations of atmospheric peroxides and formaldehyde in Sweden. J Atmos Chem 14, 411–423 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00115248
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00115248