Grain size analysis of atmospheric particulates in aerosol and rain collected in Sardinia (Italy).

A comprehensive data set of aerosols and precipitations collected in Sardinia is presented for grain size analysis characterisation. The particle size analysis of aerosol and rain are difficult because of the low concentration of particles per unit volume. A Coulter Counter TA II has been used to analyse the aerosols and a Galai Cis I laser system has been used to analyse the particles in precipitations, with both instruments a large number of particles (up to 3 X 105) were counted. The Saharan dusts have been characterised and distinguished from non-Saharan in both Coulter and Galai analyses in aerosols and rains. The results were interpreted with special mention to Saharan dusts. As a very preliminary conclusion, we may be speculate that the Saharan events show a different seasonal particle size distribution in both aerosols and rains. To establish this result we certainly need to analyse a greater number of outbreaks of dust-laden Saharan air.