Four years of atmospheric mercury records in Northwestern Patagonia (Argentina): potential sources, concentration patterns and influence of environmental variables observed at the GMOS EMMA station

Abstract. The Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) project, has developed a global-scale network of ground-based atmospheric monitoring sites, expanding the coverage of atmospheric mercury (Hg) measurements worldwide and improving the understanding of global atmospheric Hg transport and deposition, particularly in regions of the South Hemisphere where atmospheric Hg observational data is limited. This work provides the first continuous records of gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) concentrations observed from October 2012 to May 2016 in Northwestern Patagonia (Argentina) at the GMOS EMMA monitoring station (41°7'43.82" S, 71°25'11.89" W, 803 m a.s.l). The monitoring site is located inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, a natural reserve in the Lake District of Andean Patagonia. The area is within the Southern Volcanic Zone, influenced by several active volcanoes aligned in the Andes cordillera. During the studied period, GEM concentrations ranged between 0.23 and 1.43 ng m−3, with an annual mean of 0.9 ± 0.15 ng m−3. GEM records at EMMA station resemble background concentrations measured in Antarctica and other remote locations of the Southern Hemisphere. GEM concentrations showed seasonal variation with mean values higher during spring (0.93 ± 0.13 ng m−3) and winter (0.92 ± 0.10 ng m−3) followed by summer (0.86 ± 0.15 ng m−3) and at last by autumn (0.81 ± 0.15 ng m−3). Further, a clear daily pattern was observed, with higher GEM levels during day-time than at night-time across all seasons. Multivariate analyses showed that GEM levels are chiefly determined by meteorological parameters, and, in particular by the westerly winds which represented the most influential variable on GEM records. In order to investigate the potential impact of natural and/or anthropogenic emission sources as well as the role played by the long-range transport on GEM levels, analyses of HYSPLIT backward trajectories (BWT) were carried out for different periods characterized by low and high GEM concentrations. The BWT analysis highlighted the influence of clean oceanic air masses and also of the local and regional active volcanoes in the Andes cordillera.

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Atmospheric Mercury Concentrations observed at ground-based monitoring sites globally distributed in the framework of the GMOS network

10.5194/acp-2016-466 ◽

2016 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Francesca Sprovieri ◽

Nicola Pirrone ◽

Mariantonia Bencardino ◽

Francesco D’Amore ◽

Francesco Carbone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atmospheric Chemistry ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Global Scale ◽

Atmospheric Mercury ◽

Global Network ◽

Observation System ◽

Large Network ◽

Deposition Processes ◽

The Impact

Abstract. Long-term monitoring data of ambient mercury (Hg) on a global scale to assess its emission, transport, atmospheric chemistry, and deposition processes is vital to understanding the impact of Hg pollution on the environment. The Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) project was funded by the European Commission (www.gmos.eu), and started in November 2010 with the overall goal to develop a coordinated global observing system to monitor Hg on a global scale, including a large network of ground-based monitoring stations, ad-hoc periodic oceanographic cruises and measurement flights in the lower and upper troposphere, as well as in the lower stratosphere. To date more than 40 ground-based monitoring sites constitute the global network covering many regions where little to no observational data were available before GMOS. This work presents atmospheric Hg concentrations recorded worldwide in the framework of the GMOS project (2010–2015), analyzing Hg measurement results in terms of temporal trends, seasonality and comparability within the network. Major findings highlighted in this paper include a clear gradient of Hg concentrations between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, confirming that the gradient observed is mostly driven by local and regional sources, which can be anthropogenic, natural or a combination of both.

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Atmospheric mercury concentrations observed at ground-based monitoring sites globally distributed in the framework of the GMOS network

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics ◽

10.5194/acp-16-11915-2016 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (18) ◽

pp. 11915-11935 ◽

Cited By ~ 86

Author(s):

Francesca Sprovieri ◽

Nicola Pirrone ◽

Mariantonia Bencardino ◽

Francesco D'Amore ◽

Francesco Carbone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atmospheric Chemistry ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Global Scale ◽

Atmospheric Mercury ◽

Global Network ◽

Observation System ◽

Large Network ◽

Deposition Processes ◽

The Impact

Abstract. Long-term monitoring of data of ambient mercury (Hg) on a global scale to assess its emission, transport, atmospheric chemistry, and deposition processes is vital to understanding the impact of Hg pollution on the environment. The Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) project was funded by the European Commission (http://www.gmos.eu) and started in November 2010 with the overall goal to develop a coordinated global observing system to monitor Hg on a global scale, including a large network of ground-based monitoring stations, ad hoc periodic oceanographic cruises and measurement flights in the lower and upper troposphere as well as in the lower stratosphere. To date, more than 40 ground-based monitoring sites constitute the global network covering many regions where little to no observational data were available before GMOS. This work presents atmospheric Hg concentrations recorded worldwide in the framework of the GMOS project (2010–2015), analyzing Hg measurement results in terms of temporal trends, seasonality and comparability within the network. Major findings highlighted in this paper include a clear gradient of Hg concentrations between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, confirming that the gradient observed is mostly driven by local and regional sources, which can be anthropogenic, natural or a combination of both.

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Fe Skarn, Iron Oxide Cu-Au, and Manto Cu-(Ag) Deposits in the Andes Cordillera of Southwest Mendoza Province (34 -36 S), Argentina

Exploration and Mining Geology ◽

10.2113/gsemg.16.3-4.233 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 16 (3-4) ◽

pp. 233-265 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

M.B. Franchini ◽

R.E. de Barrio ◽

M.J. Pons ◽

I.B. Schalamuk ◽

F.J. Rios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Iron Oxide ◽

The Andes ◽

Andes Cordillera

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Tectonic role of margin-parallel and margin-transverse faults during oblique subduction in the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes: Insights from Boundary Element Modeling

Tectonics ◽

10.1002/2016tc004226 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 35 (9) ◽

pp. 1990-2013 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

A. Stanton-Yonge ◽

W. A. Griffith ◽

J. Cembrano ◽

R. St. Julien ◽

P. Iturrieta

Keyword(s):

Boundary Element ◽

Volcanic Zone ◽

Oblique Subduction ◽

Element Modeling ◽

The Andes ◽

Southern Volcanic Zone

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Crustal seismicity associated to rpid surface uplift at Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex, Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research ◽

10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2018.01.009 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 353 ◽

pp. 83-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Carlos Cardona ◽

Andrés Tassara ◽

Fernando Gil-Cruz ◽

Luis Lara ◽

Sergio Morales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Volcanic Complex ◽

Volcanic Zone ◽

Surface Uplift ◽

The Andes ◽

Southern Volcanic Zone

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Insights from mercury stable isotopes on terrestrial–atmosphere exchange of Hg(0) in the Arctic tundra

Biogeosciences ◽

10.5194/bg-16-4051-2019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (20) ◽

pp. 4051-4064 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Martin Jiskra ◽

Jeroen E. Sonke ◽

Yannick Agnan ◽

Detlev Helmig ◽

Daniel Obrist

Keyword(s):

Stable Isotope ◽

Dominant Role ◽

Arctic Tundra ◽

Atmospheric Mercury ◽

The Arctic ◽

Night Time ◽

Field Station ◽

Terrestrial Atmosphere ◽

Tundra Ecosystem ◽

Flux Measurements

Abstract. The tundra plays a pivotal role in the Arctic mercury (Hg) cycle by storing atmospheric Hg deposition and shuttling it to the Arctic Ocean. A recent study revealed that 70 % of the atmospheric Hg deposition to the tundra occurs through gaseous elemental mercury (GEM or Hg(0)) uptake by vegetation and soils. Processes controlling land–atmosphere exchange of Hg(0) in the Arctic tundra are central, but remain understudied. Here, we combine Hg stable isotope analysis of Hg(0) in the atmosphere, interstitial snow air, and soil pore air, with Hg(0) flux measurements in a tundra ecosystem at Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska (USA). In the dark winter months, planetary boundary layer (PBL) conditions and Hg(0) concentrations were generally stable throughout the day and small Hg(0) net deposition occurred. In spring, halogen-induced atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs) occurred, with the fast re-emission of Hg(0) after AMDEs resulting in net emission fluxes of Hg(0). During the short snow-free growing season in summer, vegetation uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) enhanced atmospheric Hg(0) net deposition to the Arctic tundra. At night, when PBL conditions were stable, ecosystem uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) led to a depletion of atmospheric Hg(0). The night-time decline of atmospheric Hg(0) was concomitant with a depletion of lighter Hg(0) isotopes in the atmospheric Hg pool. The enrichment factor, ε202Hgvegetationuptake=-4.2 ‰ (±1.0 ‰) was consistent with the preferential uptake of light Hg(0) isotopes by vegetation. Hg(0) flux measurements indicated a partial re-emission of Hg(0) during daytime, when solar radiation was strongest. Hg(0) concentrations in soil pore air were depleted relative to atmospheric Hg(0) concentrations, concomitant with an enrichment of lighter Hg(0) isotopes in the soil pore air, ε202Hgsoilair-atmosphere=-1.00 ‰ (±0.25 ‰) and E199Hgsoilair-atmosphere=0.07 ‰ (±0.04 ‰). These first Hg stable isotope measurements of Hg(0) in soil pore air are consistent with the fractionation previously observed during Hg(0) oxidation by natural humic acids, suggesting abiotic oxidation as a cause for observed soil Hg(0) uptake. The combination of Hg stable isotope fingerprints with Hg(0) flux measurements and PBL stability assessment confirmed a dominant role of Hg(0) uptake by vegetation in the terrestrial–atmosphere exchange of Hg(0) in the Arctic tundra.

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Assessment of wood burning versus fossil fuel contribution to wintertime black carbon and carbon monoxide concentrations in Athens, Greece

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics ◽

10.5194/acp-18-10219-2018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 10219-10236 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Athina-Cerise Kalogridis ◽

Stergios Vratolis ◽

Eleni Liakakou ◽

Evangelos Gerasopoulos ◽

Nikolaos Mihalopoulos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Monoxide ◽

Black Carbon ◽

Fossil Fuel ◽

Road Traffic ◽

Monitoring Site ◽

Night Time ◽

Urban Background ◽

Wood Burning ◽

Ambient Concentrations ◽

Co Concentrations

Abstract. The scope of this study was to estimate the contribution of fossil fuel and wood burning combustion to black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) during wintertime, in Athens. For that purpose, in situ measurements of equivalent black carbon (eBC) and CO were simultaneously conducted in a suburban and an urban background monitoring site in Athens during the 3 months of winter 2014–2015. For the deconvolution of eBC into eBC emitted from fossil fuel (BCff) and wood burning (BCwb), a method based on the spectral dependency of the absorption of pure black carbon and brown carbon was used. Thereafter, BCwb and BCff estimated fractions were used along with measured CO concentrations in a multiple regression analysis, in order to quantify the contribution of each one of the combustion sources to the ambient CO levels. For a comparative analysis of the results, we additionally estimated the wood burning and fossil fuel contribution to CO, calculated on the basis of their CO ∕ NOx emission ratios. The results indicate that during wintertime BC and CO are mainly emitted by local sources within the Athens Metropolitan Area (AMA). Fossil fuel combustion, mainly from road traffic, is found to be the major contributor to both eBC in PM2.5 and CO ambient concentrations in AMA. However, wintertime wood burning makes a significant contribution to the observed eBC (of about 30 %) and CO concentrations (on average, 11 and 16 % of total CO in the suburban and urban background sites respectively). Both BC and CO from biomass burning (BCwb and COwb, respectively) present a clear diurnal pattern, with the highest concentrations during night-time, supporting the theory of local domestic heating being their main source.

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The Andes Cordillera. Part III: glacier surface mass balance and contribution to sea level rise (1979-2014)

International Journal of Climatology ◽

10.1002/joc.4907 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (7) ◽

pp. 3154-3174 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Sebastian H. Mernild ◽

Glen E. Liston ◽

Christopher Hiemstra ◽

Ryan Wilson

Keyword(s):

Mass Balance ◽

Sea Level Rise ◽

Sea Level ◽

Surface Mass Balance ◽

Glacier Surface ◽

Surface Mass ◽

The Andes ◽

Andes Cordillera

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Arctic Datasets as Part af PEEX International Collaboration

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-13244 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nuria Altimir ◽

Alexander Mahura ◽

Tuukka Petäjä ◽

Hanna K Lappalainen ◽

Alla Borisova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Arctic Region ◽

End Users ◽

Atmospheric Mercury ◽

Collaboration Network ◽

Observation System ◽

Western Coast ◽

Observation Data ◽

Russian Arctic ◽

Local Conditions

Keywords:Arctic datasets, research infrastructures, in-situ observations, PEEX e-Catalogue, INTAROS, iCUPE&#160;&#160;The INAR is leading the Pan-Eurasian EXperiment (PEEX; www.atm.helsinki.fi/peex) initiative. The PEEX Research Infrastructure&#8217;s has 3 components: observation, data and modelling. Observations networks produce large volumes of raw data to be pre/processed/analysed and delivered in a form of datasets (or products) to research and stakeholders/end-users communities. Here, steps taken are discussed and include an overview (as PEEX-e-Catalogue) of measurement capacity of exiting stations and linkages to INTAROS (intaros.nersc.no) and iCUPE (www.atm.helsinki.fi/icupe).&#160;In-Situ Atmospheric-Ecosystem Collaborating StationsAlthough more than 200 stations are presented in the PEEX regions of interest, but so far only about 60+ Russian stations have metadata information available. The station metadata enables to categorize stations in a systematic manner and to connect them to international observation networks, such as WMO-GAWP, CERN and perform standardization of data formats. As part of the INAR activities with Russian partners, an e-catalogue was published as a living document (to be updated as new stations will joinin the PEEX network). This catalogue (www.atm.helsinki.fi/peex/index.php/peex-russia-in-situ-stations-e-catalogue) introduces information on measurements and contacts of the Russian stations in the collaboration network, and promotes research collaboration and stations as partners of the collaboration network and to give wider visibility to the stations activities.&#160;Integrated Arctic Observation System (INTAROS)For Arctic region, 11 stations were selected for the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Cryospheric parts/themes. The updated metadata were obtained for these measurement stations located within the Russian Arctic territories. Metadata include basic information, physico-geographical and infrastructure description of the sites and details on atmosphere and ecosystem (soils&#8211;forest&#8211;lakes&#8211;urban&#8211;peatland&#8211;tundra) measurements. Measurements at these sites represent more local conditions of immediate surrounding environment and datasets (as time-series) are available under request. For SMEAR-I (Station for Measuring Atmosphere-Ecosystem Relations) station included in the INTAROS web-based catalogue (catalog-intaros.nersc.no/dataset), the measurement programme includes meteorological (wind speed and direction, air temperature and relative humidity), radiation (global, reflected, net), chemistry/aerosols (CO2, SO2, O3, NOx, etc.); ecosystem, photosynthesis, irradiance related measurements.&#160;Integrative and Comprehensive Understanding on Polar Environments (iCUPE)More than 20 open access datasets as products for researchers, decision- and policy makers, stakeholders and end-users communities are produced. A list of expected datasets is presented at www.atm.helsinki.fi/icupe/index.php/datasets/list-of-datasets-as-deliverables. These datasets are promoted to larger science and public communities through so-called &#8220;teasers&#8221; (www.atm.helsinki.fi/icupe/index.php/submitted-datasets). For the Russian Arctic regions, these also include those from the iCUPE Russian collaborators: atmospheric mercury measurements at Amderma station; elemental and organic carbon over the north-western coast of the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea; micro-climatic features and Urban Heat Island intensity in cities of Arctic region; and others. Delivered datasets (www.atm.helsinki.fi/icupe/index.php/datasets/delivered-datasets) are directly linked (and downloadable) at website, and corresponding Read-Me files are available with detailed description and metadata information included. Selected datasets are also to be tested for pre/post-processing/analysis on several cloud-based online platforms.

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