Particle size distribution factor as an indicator for the impact of the Eyjafjallajökull ash plume at ground level in Augsburg, Germany

• Main Authors: M. Pitz, J. Gu, J. Soentgen, A. Peters, J. Cyrys
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copernicus Publications 2011-09-01
• Series: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
• Online Access: http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/11/9367/2011/acp-11-9367-2011.pdf

During the time period of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption in 2010 increased mass concentration of PM<sub>10</sub> (particulate matter, diameter <10 μm) were observed at ground level in Augsburg, Germany. In particular on 19 and 20 April 2010 the daily PM<sub>10</sub> limit value of 50 μg m<sup>−3</sup> was exceeded. Because ambient particles are in general a complex mixture originating from different sources, a source apportionment method (positive matrix factorization (PMF)) was applied to particle size distribution data in the size range from 3 nm to 10 μm to identify and estimate the volcanic ash contribution to the overall PM<sub>10</sub> load in the ambient air in Augsburg. A PMF factor with relevant particle mass concentration in the size range between 1 and 4 μm (maximum at 2 μm) was associated with long range transported dust. This factor increased from background concentration to high levels simultaneously with the arrival of the volcanic ash plume in the planetary boundary layer. Hence, we assume that this factor could be used as an indicator for the impact of the Eyjafjallajökull ash plume on ground level in Augsburg. From 17 to 22 April 2010 long range transported dust factor contributed on average 30 % (12 μg m<sup>−3</sup>) to PM<sub>10</sub>. On 19 April 2010 at 20:00 UTC+1 the maximum percentage of the long range transported dust factor accounted for around 65 % (35 μg m<sup>−3</sup>) to PM<sub>10</sub> and three hours later the maximum absolute value with around 48 μg m<sup>−3</sup> (61 %) was observed. Additional PMF analyses for a Saharan dust event occurred in May and June 2008 suggest, that the long range transported dust factor could also be used as an indicator for Saharan dust events.