The vertical distribution of atmospheric DMS in the high Arctic summer

Abstract

The vertical structure of gas-phase dimethyl sulphide [DMS(g)] in the high Arctic atmosphere is investigated during a summer season. The model results show that the near-surface DMS(g) concentration over open ocean is very variable both in time and space, depending on the local atmospheric conditions. Profiles over ocean have typically highest concentration near the surface and decrease exponentially with height. Over the pack-ice, the concentrations are typically lower and the vertical structure changes as the air is advected northward. Modelled DMS(g) maxima above the local boundary layer were present in about 3% of the profiles found over the pack-ice. These maxima were found in association to frontal zones. Our results also show that DMS(g) can be mixed downward by turbulence into the local boundary layer and act as a local near-surface DMS(g) source over the pack-ice and may hence influence the growth of cloud condensation nuclei and cloud formation in the boundary layer. Profile observations are presented in support to the model results. They show that significant DMS(g) concentrations exist in the Arctic atmosphere at altitudes not to be expected when only considering vertical mixing in the boundary layer