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
Acid rain effects on Adirondack streams— Results from the 2003–05 Western Adirondack Stream Survey (the WASS Project)
Total mercury and methylmercury in Indiana streams, August 2004-September 2006
Comparison of Atmospheric Deposition Among Three Sites In and Near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Colorado, 2003-2005
Atmospheric Deposition and Surface-Water Chemistry in Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks, U.S.A., Water Years 2000 and 2005-2006
Mercury Deposition Network Site Operator Training for the System Blank and Blind Audit Programs
Summary of mercury and trace element results in precipitation from the Culpeper, Virginia, Mercury Deposition Network Site (VA-08), 2002-2006
Effects of forest harvesting on ecosystem health in the headwaters of the New York City Water Supply, Catskill Mountains, New York
Pesticides in air and rainwater in the midcontinental United States, 1995: Methods and data
Differences in phosphorus and nitrogen delivery to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River Basin
Mercury in precipitation in Indiana, January 2004–December 2005
Assessment of Historical Water-Quality Data for National Park Units in the Rocky Mountain Network, Colorado and Montana, through 2004
Investigating atmospheric mercury with the U.S. Geological Survey Mobile Mercury Laboratory
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.