PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF DATA FOR TRACE-ELEMENTS AND MAIN COMPONENTS IN PRECIPITATION FALLING ON NORWAY

Trace elements and the main components in precipitation were measured at three background sites in Norway. The work is based on weekly sampl es from 1989 and 1990. Principal component analysis was used to detect the covariation of the chemical components in the data set. Dominant factors are long-range atmospheric transport of anthropogenic componen ts to Norway, crustal material, and marine sources. Different local so urces also exist. The interpretation of seasonal variations in the dat a set is eased by studying the changes in the factor scores throughout the year. Distinct seasonal patterns are shown for some of the factor s, in particular those representing soil dust and atmospheric transpor t from the marine environment.