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Title: Dependence of nephelometer scattering coefficients on relative humidity: fronts, nocturnal disturbance, and wood smoke

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5107218

The dependence of the nephelometer scattering coefficient of atmospheric air on the relative humidity at the RTP is discussed for four different meteorological examples. These examples feature (1) the passage of a low pressure system with thunderstorms, (2) the passage of a cold, dry front, (3) a nocturnal weather disturbance due to an unknown source, and (4) wood smoke aerosols from burning tree piles. Nephelometer scattering coefficient data were obtained by the use of two nephelometers. One nephelometer was operated at the ambient outside relative humidity and the other nephelometer at a different relative humidity. Using this operational mode of data acquisition, qualitative temporal information was deduced on the variations of aerosol size and number density as various meteorological parameters vary. The temporal trend of the visibility is also discussed for each example.

Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA). Environmental Sciences Research Lab.
OSTI ID:
5107218
Report Number(s):
PB-82-188913; EPA-600/3-82-006
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English