Some aspects of the transfer of atmospheric trace constituents past the air-sea interface

Abstract

This review addresses known and unknown aspects of wet and dry fluxes of atmospheric trace constituents past the air-sea interface. First, various methods for parameterizing these fluxes are developed from coupled continuity equations; also, the need for parameterizing various meteorological phenomena is illustrated. Next, different theoretical analyses of precipitation scavenging are outlined and data for collection efficiencies and washout ratios summarized. A resistance model for dry deposition illustrates that the rate-limiting stage of dry removal can occur in different layers depending on atmospheric and oceanic conditions and on properties of the pollutants; recent results for the dry fluxes of both particles and gases are summarized. After this review of known aspects of wet and dry removal processes, an interluding section uses the reviewed material to illustrate, with a number of worked examples, present capabilities to predict air pollution fluxes past the air-sea interface. Atmospheric residence times are also estimated. The second half of the paper emphasizes future research required to improve predictions of atmospheric removal processes and residence times.