Variations in PM2.5 Surface Concentration in Moscow according to Observations at MSU Meteorological Observatory

Abstract

We considered Moscow-specific features of time variations in PM_2.5 mass concentration in the surface air layer as a function of a number of atmospheric parameters such as the concentrations of certain atmospheric trace gases, aerosol optical depth, surface air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The time series of concentrations of PM_2.5 and gaseous pollutants SO₂, NH₃, NO_x, CO, and O₃, obtained during continuous observations in 2011–2013, were analyzed. We studied the diurnal and seasonal variations in concentrations of PM_2.5 and the trace gases, revealed correlations between them, analyzed variations in PM_2.5 concentration as a function of concentration of certain gases participating in the formation of atmospheric aerosols, and as a function of meteorological parameters. Data on PM_2.5 surface concentrations are compared with measurements of aerosol optical depth.