Arctic smoke – record high air pollution levels in the European Arctic due to agricultural fires in Eastern Europe in spring 2006

• DOI: 10.5194/acp-7-511-2007
• Publication Date: 2010-04-29T13:51:43Z
• Authors: A. Stohl; T. Berg; J. F. Burkhart; A. M. Fjǽraa; C. Forster; A. Herber; Ø. Hov; C. Lunder; W. W. McMillan; S. Oltmans; M. Shiobara; D. Simpson; S. Solberg; K. Stebel; J. Ström; K. Tørseth; R. Treffeisen; K. Virkkunen; K. E. Yttri
• Keywords: Haze; Levoglucosan; Trace gas

Abstract. In spring 2006, the European Arctic was abnormally warm, setting new historical temperature records. During this warm period, smoke from agricultural fires in Eastern Europe intruded into and caused most severe air pollution episodes ever recorded there. This paper confirms that biomass burning (BB) indeed source of observed pollution, studies transport Arctic, presents an overview observations taken during episode. Fire detections MODIS instruments aboard Aqua Terra satellites were used to estimate BB emissions. The FLEXPART particle dispersion model show transported Spitsbergen Iceland, which confirmed by retrievals aerosol optical depth (AOD) AIRS carbon monoxide (CO) total columns. Concentrations halocarbons, dioxide CO, as well levoglucosan potassium, measured at Zeppelin mountain near Ny Ålesund, further corroborate Spitsbergen. ozone (O3) CO concentrations highest station, gaseous elemental mercury also elevated. A O3 record set a station on Iceland. strongly absorbing – black perturbed radiation transmission atmosphere: depths Ålesund. We furthermore discuss chemical composition, obtained filter samples, size distribution event. Photographs snow glacier became discolored episode and, thus, albedo reduced. Samples polluted contained elevated levels sulphate, nitrate ammonium ions, thus relating discoloration deposition aerosols. shows that, date, has been underestimated for relative emissions fossil fuel combustion. Given its significant impact quality over large spatial scales radiative processes, practice waste should be banned future.