EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF AEROSOLS IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF SEMIARID LANDSCAPES OF KALMYKIA
1.  MICROPHYSICAL PARAMETERS
AND MASS CONCENTRATION OF AEROSOL PARTICLES

D.P. Gubanova1, 2, O.G. Chkhetiani2, 3, T.M. Kuderina4, M.A. Iordanskii1,
Y.I. Obvintsev
1, 2, M.S. Artamonova2

1 Karpov Research Physical-Chemical Institute, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation,
State Corporation «Rosatom», Moscow, Russia

2 Obukhov Institute of Physics of Atmosphere, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

3 Space Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

4 Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Abstract. The paper summarizes the results of multi-year (2004–2016) comprehensive experimental studies of microphysical parameters and the mass concentration of aerosol particles in the atmospheric surface layer of semiarid regions of Kalmykia, organized by the Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The characteristic values ​​of the mass and counting concentrations of aerosol particles in the summer hot period at different wind speeds are established. A significant decrease in the concentration of surface submicron and micron aerosols was found in comparison with the values ​​of their concentrations observed in the desert regions of Kalmykia in the 1990s. Mass concentration distributions are obtained over fractions of aerosol particles. The daily course of the counted concentration of aerosol particles was studied taking into account meteorological conditions (air temperature and underlying surface, wind speed, humidity). Particle size distribution functions characteristic of atmospheric aerosols in Kalmykia have been determined. The relationships of the removal of particles with the main meteorological parameters in the near-surface layer of air have been established. The constant presence of a large number of submicron particles in the surface layer of the atmosphere of semi-arid landscapes has been revealed, confirming that such landscapes are the main sources of aerosol release of finely dispersed mineral aerosols, which are most dangerous for people's health and play an active role in the processes of biosphere and climate change.

Keywords: semiarid zone, aerosol particles, submicron and micron fractions, mass concentration, counting concentration, size distribution function, meteorological conditions.

About the authors

GUBANOVA Dina P. – Ph. D. (phys. and math.), leading researcher, Karpov Research Physical-Chemical Institute, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation, State Corporation «Rosatom»; leading researcher, Obukhov Institute of Physics of Atmosphere RAS. Moscow, Russia.
Tel.: +7 (495) 916-10-42 (extension number 112). E-mail: dgubanova@mail.ru

CHKHETIANI Otto G. – Ph. D. (phys. and math.), head of laboratory, Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Moscow, Russia. Tel.: +7 (495) 951-84-80.
E-mail: lgg@ifaran.ru

KUDERINA Tatiana M. – Ph. D. (geogr.), senior researcher, Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences. Moscow, Russia. Tel.: +7 (495) 959-00-27. E-mail: kuderina@igras.ru

IORDANSKII Mikhail A. – Ph. D. (tech.), leading researcher, Karpov Research Physical-Chemical Institute, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation, State Corporation «Rosatom».  
Tel.: +7 (495) 916-10-42 (extension number 112). E-mail: miordan@mail.ru

OBVINTSEV Yurii I. – Ph. D. (chem.), senior researcher, Karpov Research Physical-Chemical Institute, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation, State Corporation «Rosatom». Moscow, Russia. Tel.: +7 (495) 916-10-42 (extension number 112). E-mail: obvintyu@mail.ru

ARTAMONOVA Maria St. – leading mathematician, Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Moscow, Russia. Tel.: +7 (495) 953-21-58. E-mail:
artamonova@ifaran.ru