Integration of Satellite Monitoring and Mathematical Modeling in the Analysis of the Nature of Elevated Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations in the Surface Air of the Northern Part of Finland

Abstract

The article is devoted to the investigation of the nature of the increment in surface concentration of toxic gas sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Northern Finland. The study is carried out for June 2011 when the increased near-surface SO2 concentration was registered at Finnish observation station Inari Raja-Jooseppi together with the surface wind blowing from the territory of the Kola Peninsula. The hypothesis of natural increment of near-surface SO2 concentration as a result of Grímsvötn volcano eruption (Iceland) is verified using satellite SO2 observations by OMI, numerical weather prediction and atmospheric chemistry model Enviro-HIRLAM and particle dispersion model HYSPLIT. The results show that not only local man-made sources, but also the remote transfer of pollutants from volcanic eruptions can cause an increased near-surface SO2 concentration. To verify this hypothesis, a large set of statistics is required in Northern Finland during periods of volcanic activity in Iceland.