Publication Date:
2022-06-09
Description:
In remote marine areas, biogenic productivity and atmospheric particulate are coupled
through dimethylsulfide (DMS) emission by phytoplankton. Once in the atmosphere, the gaseous
DMS is oxidized to produce H2SO4 and methanesulfonic acid (MSA); both species can a ect the
formation of cloud condensation nuclei. This study analyses eight years of biogenic aerosol evolution
and variability at two Arctic sites: Thule (76.5 N, 68.8 W) and Ny Ålesund (78.9 N, 11.9 E).
Sea ice plays a key role in determining the MSA concentration in polar regions. At the beginning
of the melting season, in April, up to June, the biogenic aerosol concentration appears inversely
correlated with sea ice extent and area, and positively correlated with the extent of the ice-free
area in the marginal ice zone (IF-MIZ). The upper ocean stratification induced by sea ice melting
might have a role in these correlations, since the springtime formation of this surface layer regulates
the accumulation of phytoplankton and nutrients, allowing the DMS to escape from the sea to the
atmosphere. The multiyear analysis reveals a progressive decrease in MSA concentration in May at
Thule and an increase in July August at Ny Ålesund. Therefore, while the MSA seasonal evolution is
mainly related with the sea ice retreat in April, May, and June, the IF-MIZ extent appears as the main
factor a ecting the longer-term behavior of MSA.
Description:
MIUR PRIN 2007 and PRIN 2009, PNRA 2010-2012, PNRA 2015-2016, PNRA 2016-2018
Description:
Published
Description:
id 349
Description:
5A. Ricerche polari e paleoclima
Description:
JCR Journal
Keywords:
biogenic aerosol, Arctic, sea ice extent, MSA
;
01.01. Atmosphere
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
Permalink
