On the atmospheric input of sulfur into the ocean

Abstract

The dry deposition of sulfur onto the ocean surface is calculated by using the results of trace gas observations and aerosol measurements carried out in the marine boundary layer as well as available information on the deposition velocity of different materials at the air-sea interface. The input by precipitation into the ocean is estimated on the basis of precipitation composition at three stations located in Hawaii, American Samoa and on the west coast of Ireland. It is found that the total air-sea transfer of sulfur is equal to 324 Tg yr^-1. The major part of this quantity (82%) is carried down by precipitation. 50% of the total input is due to the presence of excess sulfate in the marine atmosphere.