The sources of atmospheric black carbon at a European gateway to the Arctic
- Author(s)
- P. Winiger, A. Andersson, S. Eckhardt, A. Stohl, O. Gustafsson
- Abstract
Black carbon (BC) aerosols from incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuel contribute to Arctic climate warming. Models-seeking to advise mitigation policy-are challenged in reproducing observations of seasonally varying BC concentrations in the Arctic air. Here we compare year-round observations of BC and its γ13C/δ14C-diagnosed sources in Arctic Scandinavia, with tailored simulations from an atmospheric transport model. The model predictions for this European gateway to the Arctic are greatly improved when the emission inventory of anthropogenic sources is amended by satellite-derived estimates of BC emissions from fires. Both BC concentrations (R2=0.89, P<0.05) and source contributions (R2=0.77, P<0.05) are accurately mimicked and linked to predominantly European emissions. This improved model skill allows for more accurate assessment of sources and effects of BC in the Arctic, and a more credible scientific underpinning of policy efforts aimed at efficiently reducing BC emissions reaching the European Arctic.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Meteorology and Geophysics
- External organisation(s)
- Stockholm University, Norwegian Institute for Air Research
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Volume
- 7
- ISSN
- 2041-1723
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12776
- Publication date
- 09-2016
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 105206 Meteorology
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry, General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology, General Physics and Astronomy
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 13 - Climate Action
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/3657184b-4f76-4e5a-82f6-0413eecd0542