An integrated study of aerosol concentrations and meteorological conditions in El Paso airshed using modeling and instrumentation

Atmospheric aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. Aerosols can be primary, which are directly emitted into the atmosphere, or secondary, which are formed when emitted gases undergo complex chemical reactions. Atmospheric aerosols can range from a few nanometers to tens of microns in diameter. Atmospheric aerosols play a significant role in climate; they can absorb or reflect heat, influencing temperature and weather patterns. Air quality is also affected by aerosols, which can have detrimental effects on human health, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems. El Paso Texas is located at the south of the New Mexico state line and is surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert. It is also adjacent to Ciudad Juarez - one of Mexico's largest industrial cities - making it an ideal hub for studying atmospheric aerosols. This dissertation comprises several studies focused on aerosols within the El Paso airshed. Chapter 3 examines the behavior of meteorological parameters during dust events, and their impact on the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer. Chapter 4 employs convergent cross mapping and time series data to investigate the causality relationships between aerosols and meteorological parameters. Chapter 5 delves into the impact of particle coating on aerosol optical properties which is critical for understanding the radiative effects of aerosols. Collectively, these studies contribute to a deeper understanding of aerosol behavior in the El Paso region.