On the variability of atmospheric 222Rn activity concentrations measured at Neumayer, coastal Antarctica

• Published in: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
• Main Authors: Weller, R., Levin, I., Schmithüsen, D., Nachbar, M., Asseng, J., Wagenbach, D.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Antarctic; Neumayer; Neumayer Station; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-3843-2014; https://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/14/3843/2014/

We report on continuously measured 222 Rn activity concentrations in near-surface air at Neumayer Station in the period 1995–2011. This 17-year record showed no long-term trend and has overall mean ± standard deviation of (0.019 ± 0.012) Bq m −3 . A distinct and persistent seasonality could be distinguished with maximum values of (0.028 ± 0.013) Bq m −3 from January to March and minimum values of (0.015 ± 0.009) Bq m −3 from May to October. Elevated 222 Rn activity concentrations were typically associated with air mass transport from the Antarctic Plateau. Our results do not support a relation between enhanced 222 Rn activity concentrations at Neumayer and cyclonic activity or long-range transport from South America. The impact of oceanic 222 Rn emissions could not be properly assessed but we tentatively identified regional sea ice extent (SIE) variability as a significant driver of the annual 222 Rn cycle.