Bulk sulfur (S) deposition in China

A systematic dataset of an observation network on a national scale has been organized to investigate the spatial distribution of bulk sulfur (S) deposition (Sdep) throughout China during 2000-2013, representing by far the most detailed data set to track the bulk sulfur deposition throughout China since 2000. Such a dataset is needed for ecosystem studies and for developing emission control policies. Bulk Sdep values showed great variations, ranging from 2.17 to 70.55 kg ha−1 y−1, with an average of 22.99 kg ha−1 y−1. The average rate of bulk Sdep located in East Coastal region (35.97 kg ha−1 y−1), Middle Yangtze region (57.90 kg ha−1 y−1), Middle Yellow River region (23.42 kg ha−1 y−1), North Coastal region (42.19 kg ha−1 y−1), Northeast region (34.28 kg ha−1 y−1), South Coastal region (36.97 kg S ha−1 y−1), Southwest region (33.85 kg ha−1 y−1) was 4.50, 7.24, 2.93, 5.28, 4.29, 4.63 and 4.24 times than that in Northwest region (7.99 kg ha−1 y−1). Bulk Sdep over China was mainly from fossil fuel combustion (76.96%), biomass burning (7.64%), crust (6.22%), aged sea salt (5.48%) and agriculture (3.68%). A systematic observation network on a national scale should be established to conduct a long-term monitoring atmospheric Sdep (including wet and dry deposition), based on exiting ecological stations administrated by different departments in China.