Unveiling single-particle composition, size, shape, and mixing state of freshly emitted Icelandic dust via electron microscopy analysis

Iceland is a significant high-latitude dust source area. Airborne Icelandic dust influences the climate system by interacting with radiation, clouds, and biogeochemical cycles; it also affects snow and ice albedo and air quality. These impacts are sensitive to the dust’s mineralogical, chemical, and...

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Published in:Atmospheric chemistry and physics Vol. 25; no. 18; pp. 10457 - 10478
Main Authors: Panta, Agnesh, Kandler, Konrad, Schepanski, Kerstin, Alastuey, Andres, Dagsson Waldhauserova, Pavla, Dupont, Sylvain, Eknayan, Melanie, González-Flórez, Cristina, González-Romero, Adolfo, Klose, Martina, Montag, Mara, Querol, Xavier, Yus-Díez, Jesús, Pérez García-Pando, Carlos
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Katlenburg-Lindau Copernicus GmbH 15.09.2025
Copernicus Publications
Subjects:
Aerosol sampling
Aerosols
Air quality
Air sampling
Albedo
Analysis
Aspect ratio
Atmospheric particulates
Biogeochemical cycle
Biogeochemical cycles
Climate change
Climate system
Composition
Deserts
Dust
Dust particles
Electron microscopy
Glaciers
Heterogeneity
Influence
Iron
Latitude
Microscopy
Mineralogy
Optical properties
Outdoor air quality
Particle composition
Particle size
Physical properties
Potassium
Precipitation
Radiation-cloud interactions
Saharan dust
Samples
Scanning electron microscopy
Sediments
Shape
Snow and ice
Sulfate particles
Titanium
X-ray spectroscopy
Iceland
Arctic region
ISSN:1680-7324, 1680-7316, 1680-7324
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Iceland is a significant high-latitude dust source area. Airborne Icelandic dust influences the climate system by interacting with radiation, clouds, and biogeochemical cycles; it also affects snow and ice albedo and air quality. These impacts are sensitive to the dust’s mineralogical, chemical, and physical properties. However, comprehensive measurements and analyses of Icelandic dust particles remain limited. This study examines dust samples collected during a field campaign in the Dyngjusandur desert (August–September 2021) using active and passive aerosol sampling. Over 190 000 individual particles, ranging from 0.1 to 120 µm, were analyzed for their chemical and physical properties using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (ccSEM/EDX). Results show heterogeneity in particle size, shape, and composition. The most abundant particle type was medium-Al mixed particles, likely glass-like, comprising 35 %–92 % of the aerosol volume. Sulfate particles, suggesting volcanic contributions, were detected in some samples. Iron (Fe)- and titanium (Ti)-rich particles made up 3.3 % and 6 % of the aerosol volume, respectively, mainly in the size fraction < 1 µm. The median aspect ratio ranged from 1.37 to 1.53, increasing with particle size. Our findings highlight key differences in Icelandic dust compared to Saharan dust, including higher iron and titanium content and a lack of potassium in Icelandic dust. Additionally, Icelandic dust shows a size-dependent increase in aspect ratio, unlike Saharan dust, which remains constant. These observations can improve model simulations that account for the effect of high-latitude dust in the Earth system.
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ISSN:1680-7324
1680-7316
1680-7324
DOI:10.5194/acp-25-10457-2025