Effect of anthropogenic sources on total particles and Cloud Condensation Nuclei levels in the Eastern Mediterranean

The absorption and scattering of radiation by atmospheric aerosol particles, especially those originating from anthropogenic activities, is a key component of anthropogenic climate change. Aerosol particles also act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) “indirectly” forcing climate through the modification of cloud properties and precipitation efficiency. The activation of particles to form CCN depend highly on particle size and chemical composition and differs upon location and proximity to sources. Particle number size distributions, aerosol chemical composition and CCN measurements were performed at two sites in the Eastern Mediterranean, namely a remote background site at Finokalia, Crete and an urban background location downtown Athens, Greece. The aim of the study is to characterize the levels and distribution of total aerosol particles (CN) and CCN in the different environments and analyse the role of anthropogenic sources in the measured levels.