Acid Deposition Atmospheric Processes in Eastern North America (1983) / Chapter Skim
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5. Research Needs
5. Research Needs
Pages 148-154
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From page 148... ...
On the basis of our review of current knowledge as described in this report, we are convinced that the research that we recommend forms essential elements in an integrated effort to improve understanding of the phenomenon of acid deposition. We do not know whether incorporation into a model of all the chemical and physical processes currently thought to be important would account for the concentrations of sulfate observed in precipitation during both winter and summer.
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From page 149... ...
Although the results of such field studies may not yield complete detailed descriptions of the interactions of all the processes involved, they are likely to provide basic phenomenological evidence with sufficient reliability to form the basis for improving the near-term strategy for dealing with the problem of acid deposition. The data are essential for enhancing theoretical understanding and developing improved deposition models.
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From page 150... ...
This could be readily checked experimentally with available technology in appropriate storm systems, such as warm fronts and summertime convective storms. Studies of Chemical Mechanisms A number of key problems relating to the linearity of the dependence of acid production rates on precursor concentrations provide the focus for studies of chemical mechanisms.
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From page 151... ...
The eddy-correlation technique, in which simultaneous measurements of the vertical wind speeds and specific pollutant concentrations are measured with rapid-response instrumentation, should prove to be a valuable tool in the study of the deposition of S02, NO2, HNO3, and other pollutant gases. The development, refinement, and application of this method and possibly other new and accurate methods of measuring dry deposition, which are suitable for monitoring applicar Lions, are important research objectives.
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From page 152... ...
Research using elemental tracers would attempt to determine if particles coming from major source regions have distinctive chemical signatures that can be used to identify the origins of polluted air masses at long distances from source regions. For example, are there elemental tracers that can be used as clear indicators of coal combustion, in the same way as vanadium apparently can be used to indicate oil combustion?
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From page 153... ...
Despite the associated uncertainties, statistical studies of air parcel trajectories associated with the types of storm systems responsible for depositing acid precipitation would also be extremely valuable. An important requirement in the experimental determination of rates of SO2 and NOx oxidation in clouds is a realistic evaluation of the airflow in the vicinity of clouds to establish the quantity of materials nroo-~.~a by and the time resident in the cloud.
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From page 154... ...
State-of-the-art theoretical models that treat quantitatively the complicated gasphase chemistry, cloud processes, transport, and deposition will require many years for development. The ultimate test of our understanding of the chemistry and physics of the processes of acid rain is the successful development and use of such models.
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