Atmospheric mercury depletion event study in Ny-Alesund (Svalbard) in spring 2005. Deposition and transformation of Hg in surface snow during springtime.

A field campaign was conducted in Ny-Alesund (78 degrees 54'N, 11 degrees 53'E), Svalbard (Norway) during April and May 2005. An Atmospheric Mercury (Hg) Depletion Event (AMDE) was observed from the morning of April 24 until the evening of April 27. Transport of already Hg and ozone (O3) depleted air masses could explain this observed depletion.

Atmospheric particle evolution during a nighttime atmospheric mercury depletion event in sub-Arctic at Kuujjuarapik/Whapmagoostui, Québec, Canada.

During a field experiment at Kuujjuarapik/Whapmagoostui (55.31 degrees N, 77.75 degrees W), Quebec, we observed increases of concentrations of particles with diameters larger than 0.

Diurnal cycles of gaseous mercury within the snowpack at Kuujjuarapik/Whapmagoostui, Québec, Canada.

Mercury is a globally dispersed and toxic pollutant that can be transported far from its emission sources. In polar and subpolar regions, recent research activities have demonstrated its ability to be converted and deposited rapidly onto snow surfaces during the so-known Mercury Depletion Events (MDEs). The fate of mercury once deposited onto snow surfaces is still unclear: a part could be re-emitted to the atmosphere, the other part could contaminate water systems at the snowmelt.