The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) is a collaboration of atmospheric monitoring networks. The purpose of the networks is to collect data to evaluate air quality. Network data also inform science-based actions to protect human health and preserve ecosystems for current and future generations.
The NADP National Trends Network (NTN) quantifies the concentration of eight major ions and acidity present in precipitation samples for 250 sites across the United States. The Mercury Deposition (MDN), Ammonia Monitoring (AMoN), Atmospheric Mercury (AMNET), and Mercury Litterfall (MLN) Networks comprise the other NADP networks.
The USGS has been an NADP partner agency since 1981 and participates by providing funds for 69 NTN sites. USGS also funds one MDN and one MLN site.
Quick Links
USGS supports monitoring sites within the National Trends Network, Mercury Deposition Network, and Mercury Litterfall Network of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program.
Data from the NADP networks are used to track trends and examine spatial patterns in atmospheric deposition of chemical elements that include nitrogen, sulfur, mercury, calcium, and others. Many of these chemical elements are naturally present in the atmosphere but also originate in part as air pollutant emissions from human activities including power plants and vehicles.
Policies implemented under the Clean Air Act, as part of global treaties, and by other regulations typically set targets for reducing emissions. Changes in air pollutant emissions are tracked by NADP measurements. Therefore, there is a close link between science, policy, and management at the heart of the NADP.
![Photo of five scientists working at a remote, mountain field site. One scientist is examining sample collection equipment.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/media/images/CO98_Aug10_2010%20014.jpg?itok=pjfklbu2)
Site operators collect samples following approved methods. The NADP Analytical Laboratory (NAL) analyzes the samples using consistent methods. This facilitates comparisons across sites and ensures consistent data for evaluation of long-term trends in deposition chemistry.
The USGS participation in the NADP is funded by the National Water Quality Program.
Annual gradient maps
Since 1985, the NADP has created annual gradient maps of precipitation-weighted mean concentrations and deposition for several different chemical elements.
► More about the NADP data, program, and networks
Below are data associated with National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP).
Scientists use National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) data to investigate nitrogen sources to watersheds and estuaries, ecosystem effects of pollutant deposition, and results of implementation of clean air policies.
Atmospheric Deposition Program of the U.S. Geological Survey
Variability in wet atmospheric deposition data determined with collocated samplers
Initial findings of synoptic snowpack sampling in the Colorado Rocky Mountains
Acid-rain induced changes in streamwater quality during storms on Catoctin Mountain, Maryland
Acid rain and its effects on streamwater quality on Catoctin Mountain, Maryland
External quality-assurance results for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network during 1989
Summary of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network intersite-comparison program, November 1978-November 1989
Assessing the response of Emerald Lake, an alpine watershed in Sequoia National Park, California, to acidification during snowmelt by using a simple hydrochemical model
Chemical stability of wet-deposition samples, subsampled daily for one week
External quality-assurance results for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network during 1988
Programs and analytical methods for the US Geological Survey Acid Rain Quality-Assurance Project
Stability of nitrate-ion concentrations in simulated deposition samples used for quality-assurance activities by the U.S. Geological Survey
External quality-assurance results for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and the National Trends Network during 1987
The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) is a collaboration of atmospheric monitoring networks. The purpose of the networks is to collect data to evaluate air quality. Network data also inform science-based actions to protect human health and preserve ecosystems for current and future generations.
The NADP National Trends Network (NTN) quantifies the concentration of eight major ions and acidity present in precipitation samples for 250 sites across the United States. The Mercury Deposition (MDN), Ammonia Monitoring (AMoN), Atmospheric Mercury (AMNET), and Mercury Litterfall (MLN) Networks comprise the other NADP networks.
The USGS has been an NADP partner agency since 1981 and participates by providing funds for 69 NTN sites. USGS also funds one MDN and one MLN site.
Quick Links
USGS supports monitoring sites within the National Trends Network, Mercury Deposition Network, and Mercury Litterfall Network of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program.
Data from the NADP networks are used to track trends and examine spatial patterns in atmospheric deposition of chemical elements that include nitrogen, sulfur, mercury, calcium, and others. Many of these chemical elements are naturally present in the atmosphere but also originate in part as air pollutant emissions from human activities including power plants and vehicles.
Policies implemented under the Clean Air Act, as part of global treaties, and by other regulations typically set targets for reducing emissions. Changes in air pollutant emissions are tracked by NADP measurements. Therefore, there is a close link between science, policy, and management at the heart of the NADP.
![Photo of five scientists working at a remote, mountain field site. One scientist is examining sample collection equipment.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/media/images/CO98_Aug10_2010%20014.jpg?itok=pjfklbu2)
Site operators collect samples following approved methods. The NADP Analytical Laboratory (NAL) analyzes the samples using consistent methods. This facilitates comparisons across sites and ensures consistent data for evaluation of long-term trends in deposition chemistry.
The USGS participation in the NADP is funded by the National Water Quality Program.
Annual gradient maps
Since 1985, the NADP has created annual gradient maps of precipitation-weighted mean concentrations and deposition for several different chemical elements.
► More about the NADP data, program, and networks
Below are data associated with National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP).
Scientists use National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) data to investigate nitrogen sources to watersheds and estuaries, ecosystem effects of pollutant deposition, and results of implementation of clean air policies.