An anomalous atmospheric dust deposition event over Central Europe, 24 March 2007, and fingerprinting of the SE Ukrainian source

Abstract

An anomalous event of Ukrainian quartz-dominated dust deposited in the Czech Republic and adjacent countries on 24 March 2007 was studied with special emphasis on sedimentology, mineralogy and geochemistry. The dust deposition combined a typical eolian depositional mode with one mediated by dirty rain or drizzle. The main stage of sediment deposition was short (several tens of minutes) and synchronous with rapidly increased concentration of particles smaller than 10 μm in the atmosphere above ground. The polydisperse and multimodal sediment consisted predominantly of angular to subrounded quartz particles, of which 80-90 wt.% were silt sized (4-63 μm). A small amount of sand grains up to 0.5 mm in size was regularly observed (≤ 10 wt.%) and was higher than that of particles smaller than 4 μm. This relatively coarse material was transported by atmospheric flows over distances of 1400 to 2000 km. The deposited silt film was fenestrally arranged and showed various reticulate and patchy patterns of several sizes. The intensity of deposition in the main deposition areas corresponded to 2.3 g/m 2 of particulate solids on average. The interpreted depositional processes are based on direct observation and dust microphysics. Besides the preferentially entrained and delivered quartz, the sediment contains also perthitic feldspar, chlorite and chloritoids, and notably low amounts of mica, clay minerals and carbonate. The element content does not contradict the supposed source based on meteorological observations, i.e., from surface argillaceous and sandy soils east of Kherson, Ukraine. Particularly minor and trace element distributions are almost identical and show a nearly perfect match, closely similar to those of standards for the upper crust (not sediments). Total Fe concentrations in the sediment are about 2-3 wt.%, i.e., slightly less than those for the upper continental crust on average, yet with a large proportion of iron still bound in mineral inclusions in quartz and silicates. Smooth REE patterns correspond to the most common multi-cycle eolian material and are typical for the assumed source area. Lead isotope signatures combine a natural lithic imprint and anthropogenic contamination by petrol combustion, thereby giving a somewhat different trend compared to African sources. Palynological analysis enabled tracking of the trajectory of the dust-flow but also identified typical markers, such as ragweed pollen, from the source area.•

Mineral Nutrients Sourced in Deep Regolith Sustain Long‐Term Nutrition of Mountainous Temperate Forest Ecosystems

“…Minima and maxima of total dust deposition rates (Table S2) were taken from global dust deposition maps provided by Jickells et al (2005) and Zender et al (2003), both of which rely on modeled data. Concentration data of atmospheric dust were compiled from Avila et al (1998), Castillo et al (2008), Goudie and Middleton (2001), Hladil et al (2008), Lawrence and Neff (2009), and Vanderstraeten et al (2008). To provide a representative estimate of we used this comparison set of concentrations along with the composition of the upper continental crust (UCC, data from Taylor & McLennan, 1995).…”

Mercury Dynamics in the Sea of Azov: Insights from a Mass Balance Model

“…While these are point-source emissions, studies have documented the spatial dispersion of point-source-emitted gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) over adjacent areas, resulting in elevated atmospheric Hg concentrations comparable to this study [ 28 ]. The HERMES model used in this study focused on GEM as the main species in the atmospheric compartment; however, regional airborne particulate matter is known to carry significant Hg loadings (53 ng/g) [ 54 ].…”

“…While these are point-source emissions, studies have documented the spatial dispersion of point-source-emitted gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) over adjacent areas, resulting in elevated atmospheric Hg concentrations comparable to this study[28]. The HERMES model used in this study focused on GEM as the main species in the atmospheric compartment; however, regional airborne particulate matter is known to carry significant Hg loadings (53 ng/g)[54].Gas evasion is directly dependent on water temperature and the air/water mass transfer coefficient, which for GEM can range over two orders of magnitude depending on wind exposure and speed[55,56]. Recently, Zhang et al used a coupled atmosphereland-ocean model to update global Hg budgets[57].…”

Scatter-Free IR Absorption Spectra of Individual, 3–5 μm, Airborne Dust Particles Using Plasmonic Metal Microarrays: A Library of 63 Spectra

“…Skin cells, pollen, fabric fibers, hair, road dust, local soil, agricultural fertilizers, minerals from deserts halfway around the world, and just about any other material found in the local environment contribute to the dust in our homes and workplaces. Interest in the characterization of dust, or particulate matter, spans a wide range of fields including environmental science, , atmospheric , and geological studies, ,− health-related industries, , and astronomy. − While the majority of atmospheric particulate matter is natural in origin, the remaining source of particles is anthropogenic (estimates range from 6 to 23% percent) providing evidence of human environmental impact. Libraries of infrared (IR) spectra of single dust particles have the potential to address mankind’s impact on the environment.…”