Total Nitrogen Deposition Across the Contiguous United States

2002 data provides total nitrogen deposition estimates for the contiguous United States, combining wet and dry forms. The dataset integrates model outputs from the EPA's CMAQ and interpolated NADP measurements, with spatial resolutions ranging from 375 meters to 36 kilometers. Units are expressed in kilograms per hectare per year.

Use Cases

• Model atmospheric nitrogen pollution impacts using kg/ha/yr deposition estimates across the contiguous United States.
• Compare spatial patterns of wet deposition from NADP interpolations against dry deposition from CMAQ model estimates.
• Analyze regional differences in oxidized and reduced nitrogen forms between eastern and western U.S. data sources.

Strengths

• Integrates data from authoritative sources including the EPA's CMAQ model and the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP).
• Provides high-resolution (375m) wet deposition data for the eastern United States.
• Covers the complete contiguous United States with estimates for both wet and dry nitrogen deposition.

Limitations

• Primary temporal coverage is centered on year 2002, limiting analysis of recent trends.
• Data is a composite from different models and resolutions, which may introduce consistency challenges at regional boundaries.
• Lacks underlying tabular structure or sample data, complicating direct statistical or machine learning applications.

Provenance

Source

Department of the Interior, incorporating EPA CMAQ model estimates and NADP interpolations.

Collection Method

Combined 36km CMAQ model estimates for the western U.S. and 375m NADP interpolations with 12km CMAQ estimates for the eastern U.S.

Time Range

Centered on 2002 (wet deposition is a 3-year average).

Freshness

null

Geography

Contiguous United States.