Episodes with Anomalously High Black Carbon Concentration in Surface Air in the Region of Tiksi Station, Yakutiya

Abstract

Measurements (2012–2014) of black carbon (BC) concentration in the surface air in the region of Tiksi International Hydrometeorological Observatory, located near the delta of the Lena River, are analyzed. Variations in the BC concentration with different magnitudes and durations are revealed. Anomalous (larger than 1000 ng/m³) peaks of BC concentration are shown to be rarely encountered, predominately in the warm season of the year (May–September), for no longer than two days. The longest episodes of high BC concentration are associated with long-range atmospheric transport of wildfire products. During such episodes, the air temperature and radiation budget significantly change in the surface atmosphere. The increases in the surface air temperature on days when smoke aerosol comes from nearby fires in July may reach 10°C (at the climatic norm 10–11°C).