Dry Deposition of Trace Elements

Abstract

This chapter reviews current knowledge of dry deposition of trace elements from the atmosphere. The process of dry deposition is presented through descriptions of physical processes and mathematical relations. Semi-empirical models are discussed and compared. Dry deposition field sampling programs, representing a variety of locations and measurement techniques, are described. The results show wide variations in dry deposition velocities, with crustal elements having greater values than enriched elements. Only rough agreement between field data and model predictions is obtained, due to weaknesses in both models and measurement techniques.