Multi-site aerosol measurement harmonization

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Method synopsis

Standardized processing and quality control of aerosol measurements from multiple DOE/ARM sites to create consistent, intercomparable datasets. Includes size distribution harmonization, temporal averaging, and closure test validation.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Harmonized aerosol size distribution, cloud condensation nuclei, chemistry and optical properties at 10 sites (2025), Scientific Data. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Data acquisition and initial processing
   Downloaded raw data files from DOE/ARM data archive for all 10 sites covering the period 2010-2024. Applied instrument-specific processing following DOE/ARM protocols for SMPS, CPC, CCNC, ACSM, nephelometer, and PSAP measurements. Converted all measurements to standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions.
   Quantities: 10 sites, 14-year time period, 6 main instrument typesDuration: Continuous measurements over deployment periods ranging from 6 months to 13 years per siteConditions: Various environmental conditions across polar, marine, continental, mountain, and urban sites
   Equipment: DOE/ARM data archive, SMPS, CPC, CCNC, ACSM, nephelometer, PSAP
2. Size distribution harmonization
   Generated harmonized SMPS size distribution files with consistent diameter bins (113 bins from 9.14 nm to 514 nm) across all sites. Applied quality control flags to identify periods with charging efficiency issues or other measurement problems. Filled missing values for size ranges not measured at specific sites.
   Quantities: 113 consistent size bins, diameter range 9.14-514 nmDuration: Applied to entire SMPS datasetConditions: Site-specific size range capabilities varying from 11-461 nm to 22-461 nm
   Equipment: SMPS spectrometers, TSI 3936, TSI 3938
3. CCNC data interpolation
   Performed three-step harmonization process: (1) calculated mean NCCN and SSout for each SSsetpoint scan; (2) derived polynomial fit coefficients relating NCCN to supersaturation; (3) interpolated NCCN values to standard SS values (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%). Applied 20% outlier threshold for quality control.

Typical Equipment

• DOE/ARM data archive
• SMPS
• CPC
• CCNC
• ACSM
• nephelometer
• PSAP

Output Measurements

• harmonized size distributions
• CCN concentrations
• optical properties
• chemical composition
• derived parameters

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Places Where Used