The distribution and biogeochemical importance of high-latitude dust in the Arctic and Southern Ocean-Antarctic regions

Recent studies suggest that around 5% of global dust emissions come from sources in the high latitudes (>= 50 degrees N and >= 40 degrees S). A substantial proportion of this dust remains within the high latitudes and is deposited in marine and terrestrial environments. Stable air masses and limited atmospheric convection associated with cold climates reduce vertical mixing of dust plumes and can restrict the altitudes at which the deposition of dust originating from high latitudes can take place. Within local high-latitude systems, dust transport pathways facilitate links between different landscape components contributing nutrients and sediments. Dust deposition to the polar areas may also be a critical source of sediments and nutrients that trigger and maintain phytoplankton blooms.