Modeled methanesulfonic acid (MSA) deposition in Antarctica and its relationship to sea ice

Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) has previously been measured in ice cores in Antarctica as a proxy for sea ice extent and Southern Hemisphere circulation. In a series of chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) sensitivity experiments, we identify mechanisms that control the MSA concentrations recorded in ice cores. Sea ice is linked to MSA via dimethylsulfide (DMS), which is produced biologically in the surface ocean and known to be particularly concentrated in the sea ice zone. Given existing ocean surface DMS concentration data sets, the model does not demonstrate a strong relationship between sea ice and MSA deposition in Antarctica. The variability of DMS emissions associated with sea ice extent is small (11-30%) due to the small interannual variability of sea ice extent. Wind plays a role in the variability in DMS emissions, but its contribution relative to that of sea ice is strongly dependent on the assumed DMS concentrations in the sea ice zone. Atmospheric sulfur emitted as DMS from the sea ice undergoes net transport northward. Our model runs suggest that DMS emissions from the sea ice zone may account for 26-62% of MSA deposition at the Antarctic coast and 36-95% in inland Antarctica. Though our results are sensitive to model assumptions, it is clear that an improved understanding of both DMS concentrations and emissions from the sea ice zone are required to better assess the impact of sea ice variability on MSA deposition to Antarctica.