AAAR 35th Annual Conference October 17 - October 21, 2016 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Arctic Ocean and Prudhoe Bay Influences on Arctic Aerosol Chemistry
Matthew Gunsch, Rachel Kirpes, Tate Barrett, Claire Moffett, Rebecca Sheesley, KERRI PRATT, University of Michigan
Abstract Number: 607 Working Group: Remote and Regional Atmospheric Aerosols
Abstract Unprecedented summertime Arctic sea ice loss is opening the region to increased oil and gas extraction activities and ship traffic. Arctic aerosol emissions are expected to increase with increasing anthropogenic activities and production of sea spray aerosol. These particles have significant climate effects, including interacting with radiation, forming cloud droplets and ice crystals, and depositing onto surfaces. Given the complexity and evolving nature of atmospheric particles, as well as the challenges associated with Arctic measurements, significant uncertainties remain in our understanding of particle sources, evolution, and impacts in the Arctic. Atmospheric measurements and sampling were conducted in Barrow, Alaska during August-September 2015 and Oliktok Point, Alaska during August-September 2016 to characterize the chemical composition and mixing states of atmospheric particles. Real-time aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) and computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CCSEM-EDX) were utilized to measure the size and chemical composition of individual particles. Additionally, organic carbon, elemental carbon, and inorganic ion concentrations, as well as size-resolved particle number concentrations, were measured to provide a full suite of atmospheric aerosol chemical composition data. Aerosol particle mixing state was observed to vary between Arctic Ocean and Prudhoe Bay influence, with significant secondary processing observed for the particles with air masses traveling to Barrow from Prudhoe Bay, the largest oilfield in North America.