The distribution of PM2.5 in the Arctic and the impacts of deposited Black Carbon on snow albedo

Abstract:

Long-range transport of atmospheric particles from mid-latitudes to the Arctic is the main contributor to the Arctic aerosol distribution. Black Carbon (BC) is considered of great climatic importance and is the main absorber of sunlight in the atmosphere. Besides, wet and dry deposition of BC on snow cause reduction of snow and ice albedo. This will cause sea ice and snow to warm and melt more quickly. WRF-STEM model is used to predict the transport of aerosols from different geographical sources and sectors (i.e. transportation, residential, industry, biomass burning and power) to the Arctic. The model is evaluated and interpreted with the observations from NASA ARCTAS campaign flights in spring and summer 2008. Furthermore, the amount of particles deposited (by wet and dry deposition) is calculated. The results show that the major sector contributor to BC concentration is residential and the main source region contribution is from Europe annually. Both wet and dry deposition shows seasonality with the maximum occurring during spring for BC dry deposition and during summer for BC wet deposition