Superaggregates or instrument artifact?

Abstract. Previous studies have indicated that superaggregates, clusters of aggregates of soot primary particles, can be formed in large-scale turbulent fires. High intensity fires may also produce the right circumstances to inject plumes into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere during pyrocumulonimbus thunderstorms, where the superaggregates can then be transported long distances. Due to lower effective densities, higher porosity, and lower aerodynamic diameters, superaggregates may be deposited past inlets designed to stop particles 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter were collected on 36 days. On preliminary analysis, it was thought that these particles were superaggregates, depositing past PM10 (particles