Summary
A unique long-term (1983-2013) dataset of sulfur and nitrogen deposition has been compiled for Sweden as well as the Baltic Sea and surrounding countries, based on quality controlled measurements and modelled fields, fused though advanced methods capturing spatial and temporal variations. The data set can be used for describing trends in deposition to various relevant surface types.
Our reanalysis compares well to observations, but we have identified differences in dry deposition to coniferous forest. This calls for more in-depth studies of the dry deposition and improvements to the respective methods.
We recommend more advanced methods of describing spatial variation than averaging or spatial interpolation of observed deposition.
We estimate a significant decrease from the 1980s until today for both sulfur and nitrogen deposition (by ca. 80% and 30% respectively).
Critical loads for coniferous and deciduous forests, mountain vegetation and wetlands have been surpassed mainly in the southwest Sweden, but also in southeast Sweden and the southern parts of Scandes Mountains. The situation is improving, but exceedances do still occur also in larger regions.