Acid precipitation patterns and trends in eastern North America, 1980--84

Journal Article · Sat Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Appl. Meteorol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450(1987)026<0980:APPATI>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6027833

Selkop, S K; Finkelstein, P L

Using data compiled from seven nationwide precipitation chemistry networks in the United States and Canada, the spatial distribution of hydrogen, sulfate and nitrate ions in North America is discussed. Geographic patterns of concentration and deposition are characterized using isopleth maps which are presented and interpreted for the years 1980--84. The maps were developed using a geostatistical technique known as kriging. This method allows for the estimation of confidence limits on interpolated values. Using these limits, the significance of an observed decrease in the spatial patterns of deposition and concentration is assessed. Decreases of as large as 15--20% were observed in sulfate and nitrate concentrations between 1980 and 1983.

• Research Organization: U.S. Environment Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
• OSTI ID: 6027833
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Meteorol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Meteorol.; (United States) Vol. 26:8; ISSN JAMOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID RAIN
ANNUAL VARIATIONS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
DISTRIBUTION
HYDROGEN IONS
IONS
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RAIN
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
VARIATIONS