Diversity and strength of ice-related dimethyl sulfide sources in the Arctic

Biogenic sources of sulfur are important precursors of aerosols in the Arctic during the summer months. Recent studies show that peaks in ultrafine particle formation events often coincide with hotspots of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) emissions from the marginal ice zone. During the last 10 years, we explored the diversity of DMS sources associated with the ice and at the marginal ice zone in the Canadian Arctic, and assessed how the projected changes in sea ice extent, thickness, and other properties could strengthen or weaken these emissions. Results from four Arctic expeditions presenting DMS concentrations and dynamics in snow, sea ice, melt ponds, under-ice water, and at the ice edge will be shown and discussed in the context of ongoing and future changes in the cryosphere. The analysis of the pooled dataset points toward an increase in DMS emissions in a warmer Arctic with a potential cooling feedback on climate.