Multi-seasonal ultrafine aerosol particle number concentration measurements at the Gruvebadet observatory, Ny-lesund, Svalbard Islands

The object of this study was to investigate the different modal behavior of ultrafine aerosol particles collected at the Gruvebadet observatory located in Ny-lesund (Svalbard Islands, 78A degrees 55'N, 11A degrees 56'E). Aerosol particle size distribution was measured in the size range from 10 to 470 nm typically from the beginning of spring to the beginning of fall during four (non-consecutive) years (2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014). The median concentration for the whole period taken into account was 214 particles cm(-3), oscillating between the median maximum in July with a concentration of 257 particles cm(-3) and a median minimum in April with 197 particles cm(-3). The median total number concentration did not present a well-defined seasonal behavior, as shown by contrast looking at the sub/modal number concentration, where distinct trends appeared in the predominant accumulation concentration recorded during April/May and the preponderant concentration of Aitken particles during the summer months. Lastly, the short side-by-side spring 2013 campaign performed at the Zeppelin observatory with a differential mobility particle sizer was characterized by an aerosol concentration mean steady difference between the two instruments of around 14 %, thereby supporting the reliability of the device located at Gruvebadet.