The transport of atmospheric pollutants across the North Sea and English Channel

Abstract

Daily mean concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide were monitored at six coastal sites in England, Germany and Denmark. Winter mean concentrations of ammonium, chloride, nitrate and sulphate were determined from smoke filters. The observations were grouped into wind octants for each site and a mean value calculated. The results give an upper figure for the background level in unpolluted maritime air and indicate that emissions in Great Britain give rise to mean ground level concentrations on the far side of the North Sea only marginally above those due to natural sources. Concentrations in airstreams from the Continent reaching eastern England are distinctly higher, however, sometimes equalling the levels observed in urban areas. Sources as far distant as eastern Europe seem to be responsible.