EESA09H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Arctic Haze, Acid Rain
Document Summary
Part 1 long range transport of pollutants in the arctic. We are examining two aspects of arctic pollutants, arctic haze and persistent organic pollutants (pops). Arctic haze was first noted in the 1950s by aircraft pilots. Since the arctic was considered a pristine environment, this was surprising. They noted seasonal variation with the haze peaking in spring. Glen shaw suggested that long range transport was the likely mechanism for the appearance of pollutants in the arctic. Removal of the haze in the arctic environment is likely via the arctic ocean and surrounding waters. Arctic haze consists mainly of sulfate (90%) and the remainder is largely soot (carbon) and dust. The sulfate levels are 10 to 20 times greater than normal and vanadium has been detected. The sulfates are mixed with uncombusted carbon to form aerosols which block light and appear greyish or brownish in colour. Trace metals such as vanadium and manganese indicate origin of the pollutants.