scholarly journals DMS and MSA measurements in the Antarctic Boundary Layer: impact of BrO on MSA production

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 2985-2997 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Read ◽  
A. C. Lewis ◽  
S. Bauguitte ◽  
A. M. Rankin ◽  
R. A. Salmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Sea Ice ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
Atmospheric Concentration ◽  
Sea Ice Extent ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. In situ measurements of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and methane sulphonic acid (MSA) were made at Halley Station, Antarctica (75°35' S, 26°19' W) during February 2004–February 2005 as part of the CHABLIS (Chemistry of the Antarctic Boundary Layer and the Interface with Snow) project. DMS was present in the atmosphere at Halley all year (average 38.1±43 pptV) with a maximum monthly average value of 113.6±52 pptV in February 2004 coinciding temporally with a minimum in sea extent. Whilst seasonal variability and interannual variability can be attributed to a number of factors, short term variability appeared strongly dependent on air mass origin and trajectory pressure height. The MSA and derived non-sea salt sulphate (nss-SO42−) measurements showed no correlation with those of DMS (regression R2=0.039, and R2=0.001 respectively) in-line with the complexity of DMS fluxes, alternative oxidation routes, transport of air masses and variable spatial coverage of both sea-ice and phytoplankton. MSA was generally low throughout the year, with an annual average of 42 ng m−3 (9.8±13.2 pptV), however MSA: nss-SO42− ratios were high implying a dominance of the addition oxidation route for DMS. Including BrO measurements into MSA production calculations demonstrated the significance of BrO on DMS oxidation within this region of the atmosphere in austral summer. Assuming an 80% yield of DMSO from the reaction of DMS+BrO, an atmospheric concentration of BrO equal to 3 pptV increased the calculated MSA production from DMS by a factor of 9 above that obtained when considering only reaction with the hydroxyl radical. These findings have significant atmospheric implications, but may also impact on the interpretation of ice cores which previously relied on the understanding of MSA and nss-SO42− chemistry to provide information on environmental conditions such as sea ice extent and the origins of sulphur within the ice.

scholarly journals DMS and MSA measurements in the Antarctic boundary layer: impact of BrO on MSA production

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 2657-2694 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Read ◽  
A. C. Lewis ◽  
S. Bauguitte ◽  
A. M. Rankin ◽  
R. A. Salmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Atmospheric Concentration ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. In situ measurements of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and methane sulphonic acid (MSA) were made at Halley Station, Antarctica (75°35´S, 26°19W) during February 2004–February 2005 as part of the CHABLIS (Chemistry of the Antarctic boundary layer and the interface with snow) project. DMS was present in the atmosphere at Halley all year (average 38.1±43 pptV) with a maximum monthly average value of 113.6±52 pptV in February 2004 coinciding temporally with a minimum in sea extent. Whilst seasonal variability and interannual variability can be attributed to a number of factors, short term variability appeared strongly dependent on air mass origin and trajectory pressure height. The MSA and derived non-sea salt sulphate (nss-SO42−) measurements showed no correlation with those of DMS (regression R2=0.039, and R2=0.001, respectively) in-line with the complexity of DMS fluxes, conflicting oxidation routes, transport of air masses and variable spatial coverage of both sea-ice and phytoplankton. MSA was generally low throughout the year, with an annual average of 42 ng m−3 (9.8±13.2 pptV), however MSA: nss-SO42− ratios were high implying a dominance of the addition oxidation route for DMS. Including BrO measurements into MSA production calculations demonstrated the significance of BrO on DMS oxidation within this region of the atmosphere in austral summer. Assuming an 80% yield of DMSO from the reaction of DMS+BrO, an atmospheric concentration of BrO equal to 3 pptV increased the calculated MSA production from DMS by a factor of 9 above that obtained when considering only reaction with the hydroxyl radical.

scholarly journals The multi-seasonal NO<sub>y</sub> budget in coastal Antarctica and its link with surface snow and ice core nitrate: results from the CHABLIS campaign

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 4127-4163 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Jones ◽  
E. W. Wolff ◽  
D. Ames ◽  
S. J.-B. Bauguitte ◽  
K. C. Clemitshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Ice Core ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Surface Snow ◽  
Consistent Picture ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. Measurements of individual NOy components were carried out at Halley station in coastal Antarctica. The measurements were made as part of the CHABLIS campaign (Chemistry of the Antarctic Boundary Layer and the Interface with Snow) and cover over half a year, from austral winter 2004 through to austral summer 2005. They are the longest duration and most extensive NOy budget study carried out to date in polar regions. Results show clear dominance of organic NOy compounds (PAN and MeONO2) during the winter months, with low concentrations of inorganic NOy, but a reversal of this situation towards summer when the balance shifts in favour of inorganic NOy. Multi-seasonal measurements of surface snow nitrate correlate strongly with inorganic NOy species. One case study in August suggested that particulate nitrate was the dominant source of nitrate to the snowpack, but this was not the consistent picture throughout the measurement period. An analysis of NOx production rates showed that emissions of NOx from the snowpack dominate over gas-phase sources of "new NOx", suggesting that, for certain periods in the past, the flux of NOx into the boundary layer can be calculated from ice core nitrate data.

scholarly journals New observations of late summer bio-physical ice and snow conditions in the northwestern Weddell Sea

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Arndt ◽  
Christian Haas ◽  
Ilka Peeken
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Weddell Sea ◽  
Sea Ice Extent ◽  
Snow Properties ◽  
Snow Conditions ◽  
Surface Ice ◽  
Remote Sensing Methods ◽  
The Antarctic

&lt;p&gt;Summer sea ice extent in the Weddell Sea has increased overall during the last four decades, with large interannual variations. However, the underlying causes and the related ice and snow properties are still poorly known. Here we present results of the interdisciplinary Weddell Sea Ice (WedIce) project carried out in the northwestern Weddell Sea on board the German icebreaker R/V Polarstern in February and March 2019, i.e. at the end of the summer ablation period. This is the region of the thickest, oldest ice in the Weddell Sea, at the outflow of the Weddell Gyre. Measurements included airborne ice thickness surveys and in-situ snow and ice sampling of mostly second- and third year ice. Preliminary results show mean ice thicknesses between 2.6 and 5.4 m, increasing from the Antarctic Sound towards the Larsen B region. The ice had mostly positive ice freeboard. Mean snow thicknesses ranged between 0.05 and 0.46 m. Snow was well below the melting temperature on most days and was highly metamorphic and icy, with melt-freeze forms as dominant snow type. In addition, as a result of the summer&amp;#8217;s thaw, an average of 0.14 m of superimposed ice was found in all ice cores drilled during the cruise. Although there was rotten ice below a solid, ca. 30 cm thick surface ice layer, pronounced gap layers typical for late summer ice in the marginal ice zone were rare, and algal&amp;#160;biomass was patchily distributed within individual sea ice cores. Overall, there was a strong gradient of increasing ice algal biomass from the Larsen B to the Antarctic Sound region. The presented results show that sea ice conditions in the northwestern Weddell Sea are still severe and have not changed significantly since the last observations carried out in 2004 and 2006. The presence of relatively thin, icy snow has strong implications for the ice and snow mass balance, for freshwater oceanography, and for the application of remote sensing methods. Overall sea ice properties strongly affect the biological productivity of this region and limit carbon fluxes to the seafloor in the northwestern Weddell Sea.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals The multi-seasonal NO<sub>y</sub> budget in coastal Antarctica and its link with surface snow and ice core nitrate: results from the CHABLIS campaign

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 9271-9285 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Jones ◽  
E. W. Wolff ◽  
D. Ames ◽  
S. J.-B. Bauguitte ◽  
K. C. Clemitshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Ice Core ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Alkyl Nitrates ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Surface Snow ◽  
Consistent Picture ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. Measurements of a suite of individual NOy components were carried out at Halley station in coastal Antarctica as part of the CHABLIS campaign (Chemistry of the Antarctic Boundary Layer and the Interface with Snow). Conincident measurements cover over half a year, from austral winter 2004 through to austral summer 2005. Results show clear dominance of organic NOy compounds (PAN and MeONO2) during the winter months, with low concentrations of inorganic NOy. During summer, concentrations of inorganic NOy compounds are considerably greater, while those of organic compounds, although lower than in winter, are nonetheless significant. The relative concentrations of the alkyl nitrates, as well as their seasonality, are consistent with an oceanic source. Multi-seasonal measurements of surface snow nitrate correlate strongly with inorganic NOy species (especially HNO3) rather than organic. One case study in August suggested that, on that occasion, particulate nitrate was the dominant source of nitrate to the snowpack, but this was not the consistent picture throughout the measurement period. An analysis of NOx production rates showed that emissions of NOx from the snowpack overwhelmingly dominate over gas-phase sources. This result suggests that, for certain periods in the past, the flux of NOx into the Antarctic boundary layer can be calculated from ice core nitrate data.

scholarly journals Coupling of HO<sub>x</sub>, NO<sub>x</sub> and halogen chemistry in the Antarctic boundary layer

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 15109-15165 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Bloss ◽  
M. Camredon ◽  
J. D. Lee ◽  
D. E. Heard ◽  
J. M. C. Plane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Layer Structure ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Chemical Mechanism ◽  
Ozone Production ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. A modelling study of radical chemistry in the coastal Antarctic boundary layer, based upon observations performed in the course of the CHABLIS (Chemistry of the Antarctic Boundary Layer and the Interface with Snow) campaign at Halley Research Station in coastal Antarctica during the austral summer 2004/2005, is described: a detailed zero-dimensional photochemical box model was used, employing inorganic and organic reaction schemes drawn from the Master Chemical Mechanism, with additional halogen (iodine and bromine) reactions added. The model was constrained to observations of long-lived chemical species, measured photolysis rates and meteorological parameters, and the simulated levels of HOx, NOx and XO compared with those observed. The model was able to replicate the mean levels and diurnal variation in the halogen oxides IO and BrO, and to reproduce NOx levels and speciation very well. The NOx source term implemented compared well with that directly measured in the course of the CHABLIS experiments. The model systematically overestimated OH and HO2 levels, likely a consequence of the combined effects of (a) estimated physical parameters and (b) uncertainties within the halogen, particularly iodine, chemical scheme. The principal sources of HOx radicals were the photolysis and bromine-initiated oxidation of HCHO, together with O(1D)+H2O. The main sinks for HOx were peroxy radical self- and cross-reactions, with the sum of all halogen-mediated HOx loss processes accounting for 40% of the total sink. Reactions with the halogen monoxides dominated CH3O2–HO2–OH interconversion, with associated local chemical ozone destruction in place of the ozone production which is associated with radical cycling driven by the analogous NO reactions. The analysis highlights the need for observations of physical parameters such as aerosol surface area and boundary layer structure to constrain such calculations, and the dependence of simulated radical levels and ozone loss rates upon a number of uncertain kinetic and photochemical parameters for iodine species.

scholarly journals Coupling of HO<sub>x</sub>, NO<sub>x</sub> and halogen chemistry in the antarctic boundary layer

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 10187-10209 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Bloss ◽  
M. Camredon ◽  
J. D. Lee ◽  
D. E. Heard ◽  
J. M. C. Plane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Layer Structure ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Chemical Mechanism ◽  
Ozone Production ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. A modelling study of radical chemistry in the coastal Antarctic boundary layer, based upon observations performed in the course of the CHABLIS (Chemistry of the Antarctic Boundary Layer and the Interface with Snow) campaign at Halley Research Station in coastal Antarctica during the austral summer 2004/2005, is described: a detailed zero-dimensional photochemical box model was used, employing inorganic and organic reaction schemes drawn from the Master Chemical Mechanism, with additional halogen (iodine and bromine) reactions added. The model was constrained to observations of long-lived chemical species, measured photolysis frequencies and meteorological parameters, and the simulated levels of HOx, NOx and XO compared with those observed. The model was able to replicate the mean levels and diurnal variation in the halogen oxides IO and BrO, and to reproduce NOx levels and speciation very well. The NOx source term implemented compared well with that directly measured in the course of the CHABLIS experiments. The model systematically overestimated OH and HO2 levels, likely a consequence of the combined effects of (a) estimated physical parameters and (b) uncertainties within the halogen, particularly iodine, chemical scheme. The principal sources of HOx radicals were the photolysis and bromine-initiated oxidation of HCHO, together with O(1D) + H2O. The main sinks for HOx were peroxy radical self- and cross-reactions, with the sum of all halogen-mediated HOx loss processes accounting for 40% of the total sink. Reactions with the halogen monoxides dominated CH3O2-HO2-OH interconversion, with associated local chemical ozone destruction in place of the ozone production which is associated with radical cycling driven by the analogous NO reactions. The analysis highlights the need for observations of physical parameters such as aerosol surface area and boundary layer structure to constrain such calculations, and the dependence of simulated radical levels and ozone loss rates upon a number of uncertain kinetic and photochemical parameters for iodine species.

Effective real refractive index of dry aerosols in the Antarctic boundary layer

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Virkkula ◽  
I. K. Koponen ◽  
K. Teinilä ◽  
R. Hillamo ◽  
V-M. Kerminen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Refractive Index ◽  
Antarctic Boundary Layer ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Real Refractive Index

scholarly journals Climate change in the western Antarctic Peninsula since 1945: observations and possible causes

1998 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 571-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. King ◽  
S. A. Harangozo
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Antarctic Peninsula ◽  
The West ◽  
Sea Ice Extent ◽  
The North ◽  
Ultimate Cause ◽  
Temperature Records ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Antarctic

Temperature records from slations on the west roast of the Antarctic Peninsula show a very high level of interannual variability and, over the last 50 years, larger warming trends than are seen elsewhere in Antarctica. in this paper we investigate the role of atmospheric circulation variability and sea-ice extent variations in driving these changes. Owing to a lack of independent data, the reliability of Antarctic atmospheric analyses produced in the 1950s and 1960s cannot be readily established, but examination of the available data suggests that there has been an increase in the northerly component of the circulation over the Peninsula since the late 1950s. Few observations of sea-ice extent are available prior to 1973, but the limited data available indicate that the ice edge to the west of the Peninsula lay to the north of recently observed extremes during the very cold conditions prevailing in the late 1950s. The ultimate cause of the atmospheric-circulation changes remains to be determined and may lie outside the Antarctic region.

scholarly journals Characteristics of The Seasonal Sea Ice of East Antarctica and Comparisons with Satellite Observations

1987 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.H. Jacka ◽  
I. Allison ◽  
R. Thwaites ◽  
J.C. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Visual Channel ◽  
Antarctic Waters ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Satellite Sensors ◽  
The Antarctic

A cruise to Antarctic waters from late October to mid December 1985 provided the opportunity to study characteristics of the seasonal sea ice from a time close to that of maximum extent through early spring decay. The area covered by the observations extends from the northern ice limit to the Antarctic coast between long. 50 °E and 80 E. Shipboard observations included ice extent, type and thickness, and snow depth. Ice cores were drilled at several sites, providing data on salinity and structure.The observations verify the highly dynamic and divergent nature of the Antarctic seasonal sea-ice 2one. Floe size and thickness varied greatly at all locations, although generally increasing from north to south. A high percentage of the total ice mass exhibited a frazil crystal structure, indicative of the existence of open water in the vicinity.The ground based observations are compared with observations from satellite sensors. The remote sensing data include the visual channel imagery from NOAA 6, NOAA 9, and Meteor 11. Comparisons are made with the operational ice charts produced (mainly from satellite data) by the Joint Ice Center, and with the analyses available by facsimile from Molodezhnaya.

scholarly journals Influence of Seasonal Environmental Variables on the Distribution of Presumptive Fecal Coliforms around an Antarctic Research Station

2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 4884-4891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin A. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Sea Ice ◽  
Fecal Coliform ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Research Station ◽  
The Antarctic

ABSTRACT Factors affecting fecal microorganism survival and distribution in the Antarctic marine environment include solar radiation, water salinity, temperature, sea ice conditions, and fecal input by humans and local wildlife populations. This study assessed the influence of these factors on the distribution of presumptive fecal coliforms around Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, Antarctic Peninsula during the austral summer and winter of February 1999 to September 1999. Each factor had a different degree of influence depending on the time of year. In summer (February), although the station population was high, presumptive fecal coliform concentrations were low, probably due to the biologically damaging effects of solar radiation. However, summer algal blooms reduced penetration of solar radiation into the water column. By early winter (April), fecal coliform concentrations were high, due to increased fecal input by migrant wildlife, while solar radiation doses were low. By late winter (September), fecal coliform concentrations were high near the station sewage outfall, as sea ice formation limited solar radiation penetration into the sea and prevented wind-driven water circulation near the outfall. During this study, environmental factors masked the effect of station population numbers on sewage plume size. If sewage production increases throughout the Antarctic, environmental factors may become less significant and effective sewage waste management will become increasingly important. These findings highlight the need for year-round monitoring of fecal coliform distribution in Antarctic waters near research stations to produce realistic evaluations of sewage pollution persistence and dispersal.

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