Counting Sodium-Containing Particles in the Atmosphere by their Spectral Emission in a Hydrogen Flame

Abstract

An apparatus has been constructed that detects and counts aerosol particles by the pulses of light they produce when they enter a hydrogen flame. Continuous observations made over a period of seven months show that the concentration of large sodium-containing particles in the atmosphere is subject to large fluctuations. No consistent correlations have been observed between the concentration of these particles and other meteorological variables. It appears that the particles being counted originate not only from ocean spray, but also from dust storms and as the result of human activity.