Abstract
Simultaneous measurements of rain acidity and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) at the ocean surface and in the atmosphere were performed at Amsterdam Island over a 4 year period. During the last 2 years, measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere and of methane sulfonic acid (MSA) and non-sea-salt-sulfate (nss-SO4 2-) in rainwater were also performed. Covariations are observed between the oceanic and atmospheric DMS concentrations, atmospheric SO2 concentrations, wet deposition of MSA, nss-SO4 2-, and rain acidity. A comparable summer to winter ratio of DMS and SO2 in the atmosphere and MSA in precipitation were also observed. From the chemical composition of precipitation we estimate that DMS oxidation products contribute approximately 40% of the rain acidity. If we consider the acidity in excess, then DMS oxidation products contribute about 55%.
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Nguyen, B.C., Mihalopoulos, N., Putaud, J.P. et al. Covariations in oceanic dimethyl sulfide, its oxidation products and rain acidity at Amsterdam Island in the Southern Indian Ocean. J Atmos Chem 15, 39–53 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00053608
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00053608