The input of atmospheric n‐C10 to n‐C30 alkanes to the ocean

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
There are few data on organic compounds in the marine atmosphere. The only class for which any significant data base exists is the n‐alkanes. Using available data on n‐C10 to n‐C30 alkanes in aerosols, rain, and in the gas phase from Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions, crude estimates of the deposition of n‐alkanes to the world ocean are made. Deposition of gaseous and particulate n‐alkanes by rain scavenging, of particulate n‐alkanes by dry deposition, and of gaseous n‐alkanes by direct vapor exchange with the ocean are evaluated. Rain scavenging of particulate n‐alkanes appears to be the primary transport path to the ocean from the atmosphere. The total input of n‐alkanes to the ocean from the atmosphere is estimated to be from 0.04 to 0.4 Tg/yr. The accuracy of these estimates could be evaluated by the analysis of carefully collected rain samples over several oceanic regions. More precise estimates of the atmospheric input of organic material to the ocean will have to await more information on the inputs of the various organic compound classes to the sea surface and further understanding of the reaction products, pathways, and rates of transformation of these compounds in the atmosphere.