Variations and sources of the equivalent black carbon in the high Arctic revealed by long‐term observations at Alert and Barrow: 1989–2003

Abstract

Fifteen years of “equivalent” black carbon (EBC) measurements (derived from aethalometer measurements of light absorption) made at Alert in Nunavut, Canada, and Point Barrow in Alaska, United States, were compared for the long‐term trends and seasonal cycle. Over the 15‐year period from 1989 to 2003, the results revealed a downward trend in EBC concentrations by as much as 54% at Alert and 27% at Barrow for the all‐year data, by 49% at Alert and 33% at Barrow for the winter data, and by 53% at Alert for the summer. It was difficult to quantify if there was a decline during the summer for Barrow since there was no clear trend. The difference in trends might be related to changes in circulation in the Arctic, variable source contribution, and/or scavenging of particles. The results revealed that EBC concentrations were 40% higher during the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation than during the negative phase. The source contributions at the two sites were determined by using trajectory analysis techniques, which revealed that Alert came under the influence of Siberia/Europe transport while Barrow showed influence from Siberian and Pacific/Asian transport.