Evaluation of mean transit time of aerosols from the area of origin to the Arctic with 210Pb/210Po daily monitoring data

Four years 210Pb and 212Pb monitoring results and meteorological conditions at the Yellowknife station indicate that the 212Pb activity is mostly of local origin, and that 210Pb aerosol in wintertime are mainly from outside of the Arctic regions in common with other pollutants and sources contributing to the Arctic. The activity concentration ratios of 210Pb and 212Pb have a relatively constant value in summer with a significant peak observed in winter, centered in the month of February. Comparison of the 210Pb/212Pb activity ratios and the estimated mean 210Pb transit time, the mean aerosol transit times were real reflection of the atmosphere transport characteristics, which can be used as a radio-chronometer for the transport of air masses to the Arctic region.