A comprehensive study of physical and chemical parameters of the Arctic summer aerosol; results from the Swedish expedition Ymer-80

Abstract

The Swedish icebreaker expedition Ymer-80 exploring the Norwegian part of the Arctic during the summer of 1980 offered unique opportunities for a coordinated atmospheric research program. Chemical and physical properties of the Arctic aerosol were studied using different kinds of samplers and continuous monitors connected to a common air inlet. Local contamination such as emissions from the ship and its helicopters were avoided using a condensation nucleus counter to control the sampling. Emissions from Arctic settlements were found to contribute only condensation nuclei and to have no significant influence on the aerosol mass and chemical composition. Arctic summer grand average levels, especially those of possible anthropogenic components i.e. soot, non-marine S , Ni. Cu, Zn and Pb, were lower by one order of magnitude or more than late winter levels as found on Spitsbergen, but on the same level as summer values in Northern Greenland. Most of the components varied over 1 to 2. orders of magnitude during the expedition. Sampling periods mainly influenced by sea spray were characterized by high TSP and chlorine levels. A few cases. possibly influenced by long-range transport from the European continent, were characterized by high σ_sp soot, sulphur and heavy metal concentrations. The Arctic background aerosol composition was found to be determined by the relative strength of active source and sink mechanisms in combination with the sampling time resolution.