NARSTO EPA Supersite Atlanta 1999: Single-Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometry Data

Single-particle aerosol data collected in Atlanta during August 1999 using a Rapid Single-particle Mass Spectrometer (RSMS). The measurements provide aerodynamic particle size and positive mass spectra for individual particles, along with timestamps and laser parameters. This data product was created under the EPA Particulate Matter Supersites Program, with support from the EPA and National Science Foundation.

Use Cases

• Identify aerosol particle sources based on retained source characteristics mentioned in the description.
• Assess particle-to-particle composition variations (external mixing properties) as described.
• Analyze temporal trends in aerosol composition based on the real-time, high-temporal-resolution collection method.
• Study particle size distributions across the measured range of 40 to 1300 nm partitioned into nine size classes.

Strengths

• Data has excellent temporal resolution due to real-time collection and analysis.
• Particle sizes were measured across a defined range from about 40 to 1300 nm.
• Measurements were conducted as part of a coordinated EPA research program from 1999-2004 with specific scientific priorities.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data is from a single month (August 1999) and location, which may limit generalizability.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), originating from the NARSTO/EPA Supersites Program.

Collection Method

Individual aerosol particles were sized and analyzed using a Rapid Single-particle Mass Spectrometer (RSMS) employing a 193 nm excimer laser and time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

Time Range

August 1999.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:31:57.784753; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Atlanta, Georgia, USA.