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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

Fossil fuel contribution to Black Carbon deposition on Svalbard Glaciers

Tildelt: kr 0,50 mill.

In this project, we aim at improving our understanding of the black carbon (BC) sources and concentration loading in Svalbard snow with an observational-based source apportionment study. BC has been identified as a strong climate forcing factor but still the origin of its sources in the Arctic, and particularly in Svalbard, are difficult to assess, therefore its climate impact. The main novelty of the project is the use of carbon isotope (14C, 13C) signatures coupled with total carbon content (EC/OC/TC), chemical standard snow parameters (Trace Elements and specific chemical tracers like mannitol and levoglucosan) together with the physical characterization of the snowpack. Thanks to the combination analytical techniques we will be able to distinguish coal, liquid fossil fuel combustion, and non-fossil derived aerosol particle emissions, providing a completely novel and unparalleled source apportionment of BC in the Arctic. In addition, by coupling these measurements to the microbial community structure, function and abundance using DNA analyses, we will develop a more holistic view on the transfer, sources and fate of aerosols in Svalbard. Based on our long standing experience in Svalbard snow study we selected target locations on the main Svalbard glaciers over a North - South transect from Ny-Ålesund area to Hornsund. The anthropogenic impacted area of Longyearbyen (Barentsburg) will also be included in the study as a reference for local emission sources.

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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum