Diterpenoids present in atmospheric particles produced by slash burns
were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This
suite of compounds, originating in the resinous higher plants which we
re combusted, was comprised of reaction intermediates in the thermal t
ransformation sequence of components such as abietic acid and dehydroa
bietin to retene. This sequence parallels the diagenetic alteration/de
composition processes noted in sedimentary records. Since global trans
port of combustion aerosols has been well documented, it is likely tha
t the thermally-altered diterpenoids elucidated in this study can be d
eposited directly to sedimentary sinks.