The Atmospheric Deposition Program includes research to gain an
understanding of the spatial and temporal variations of the concentrations of chemicals in wet and dry deposition. The
concentration of species such as sulfate in rain and snow samples depends on characteristics of the emitting sources, the transport and
transformation processes in clear air and the scavenging processes occurring in clouds. Data analyzed are from ISWS field studies and from
regional and national monitoring networks. Estimates of deposition of the various chemical species are required to assess effects on
ecological systems (e.g. eutrophication or acidification) and on manmade surfaces (e.g. weathering and discoloration rates of stone, metal and
painted surfaces).
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