AAAR 35th Annual Conference October 17 - October 21, 2016 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Catching the Freshwater Wave: Lake Spray Aerosol Production, Size, and Chemical Composition in the Lab and Field
ANDREW AULT, Nathaniel May, Jessica Axson, Isabel Colon-Bernal, Alexa Watson, Kerri Pratt, University of Michigan
Abstract Number: 612 Working Group: Remote and Regional Atmospheric Aerosols
Abstract Aerosol production from wave breaking on freshwater lakes, such as the Laurentian Great Lakes, is poorly understood in comparison to sea spray aerosol (SSA). Herein, lake spray aerosol (LSA) is defined as aerosol generated from freshwater through bubble bursting, analogous to SSA from seawater. LSA have the potential to impact regional climate and health, but their composition has not been reported. LSA number concentration, size, and chemical composition were measured on the southeastern corner of Lake Michigan during an event with wave heights up to 3.1 m (July 6 – 8th, 2015). Single particle microscopy and mass spectrometry analysis of field and lab-generated samples show that LSA particles are primarily calcium (carbonate), with lower concentrations of other inorganic ions and organic material. These measurements were coupled with results from an LSA generator (LSAG) used to isolate the properties of LSA from background particles. These studies of LSA are needed as models, at present, utilize SSA parametrizations for freshwater systems. As LSA can be generated and act as CCN, IN or eject toxic materials from harmful algal blooms, an improved understanding of LSA physicochemical properties is needed to determine the impacts on climate and health in the Great Lakes region.