The study of the mercury cycle in polar regions: An international study in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.

The article focuses on a study which examined the chemistry of mercury (Hg) in the atmosphere and the formation of oxidized species, as well as the fate of mercury inside a sunlight-irradiated snow pack. Ny-Âlesund, Svalbard, Norway was the site chosen for this study. A Tekran 2537A analyzer was used to measure Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) concentrations, while the chamber technique was used to measure Hg emission fluxes from the snow pack to the atmosphere. Results of the study showed that there were low Particulate Mercury (PM) and Reactive Gaseous Mercury (RGM) during the first Atmospheric Mercury Depletition Events (AMDEs). According to the study, apparent destruction rates can be attributed to advection of air masses already depleted in ozone.