Simulated Increases of Future Arctic Dimethylsulfide Ocean Concentrations, Emissions and High-flux Events

 

Using a regional model of the Arctic Ocean with sulfur biogeochemistry, we investigated how climate change may alter production and emissions of dimethylsulfide (DMS), a gaseous precursor to sulfate aerosols produced by phytoplankton and ice algae. Throughout the Arctic Ocean during the 21st century simulated DMS concentrations increase, driven by greater primary production and the reduction of sea ice cover. Beyond the projected increase in Arctic DMS emissions, our simulations reveal that bursts of high DMS emissions lasting a few days occur in all regions of the Arctic, indicating an episodic impact of DMS on climate even in areas of low mean DMS emissions. With ongoing reductions in anthropogenic sulfur emissions, these results suggest a future amplification of the role of DMS in aerosol and cloud formation in the Arctic.

Reference: Haddon, A., Monahan, A.H., Sou, T., Steiner, N. (2025). Simulated increases of future Arctic dimethylsulfide ocean concentrations, emissions and high-flux events. Elem. Sci. Anth; 13 (1): 00090. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2024.00090