Mauldin Iii

New particle formation (NPF) is an important source of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the atmosphere, and CCN affect Earth's radiative balance via aerosol-cloud interactions. Numerous chemical species are involved, but most climate models still represent NPF only from sulfuric acid and water. However, the roles of ammonia and ions in NPF alongside sulfuric acid are also well-quantified compared to other species.

Five representative monitoring stations from the Air Quality Network (AQN) of Madrid were selected to carry out this study (Fig. 1). The selected stations are adequate to investigate the air quality evolution in the Madrid metropolitan area since they are typical of locations directly influenced by intense traffic emissions (Escuelas Aguirre), urban background (Plaza del Carmen, Arturo Soria and Farolillo) and suburban (Casa de Campo) environments.