Elemental and organic carbon in atmospheric aerosols over the northwestern coast of Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea

This report presents data on the distribution of elemental and organic carbon in the surface layer of the atmosphere on the northwestern coast of Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea for the years 2010–2012. Elemental carbon (EC) is the primary component of black carbon, which has made a considerable contribution to climate change in the Arctic region. The concentrations of EC are at the background level for the Arctic and are characterized by minor seasonal and annual variability. A significant source of EC is the western transfer from the direction of industrial regions of Northern Europe, including the gas flares of the oil fields in the North Sea. Forest fires during summer months are additional sources of EC.