NATURAL SULFUR EMISSIONS INTO THE ATMOSPHERE

Natural atmospheric sulfur emission rates are reviewed for important components of the sulfur cycle. A summary of emission estimates is provided for vegetation, coastal and wetland ecosystems, inland soils, and oceanic environments. A brief discussion of sea salt sulfate, aeolian sources, volcanic activity, and biomass burning is also included. The emissions from plants and inland soils, may play a significant role in global sulfur cycling and very little work has been reported covering this subject. Large uncertainties continue to exist in the identity and the emission rates of the sulfur compounds and thus it is not reasonable to extrapolate these data in an attempt to balance the global sulfur cycle. Moreover interactions of enhanced anthropogenic activity with various components of the sulfur cycle need to be considered. © 1990 Air & Waste Management Association.