Multivariate space analysis of the major precipitation ions over Europe, 1986-1997

The annual average concentrations (1986-1997) of the major ions SO42-, NO3- , Cl-, NH4+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and K+ in precipitation are analyzed for sele cted EMEP stations. The objective is to determine the ion patterns or typol ogies in precipitation by principal component analysis (PCA) combined with a cluster analysis. SO42- and NO3- ions are predominant in central and east ern Europe. This area corresponds to high emissions of SO, and NO,. Sea spr ay ions are predominant in coastal sites. The soil components show an impor tant contribution in southern Europe, possibly due to the soil dust transpo rted from northern Africa.