Abstract
An inadequate understanding of wet and dry deposition processes over marine areas complicates quantitative determination of atmospheric deposition to the North Sea. A literature review examines the mechanisms involved in marine deposition and identifies gaps in the knowledge. Metal input estimates based on field measurements are critiqued with respect to methods used and assumptions made. Estimates of atmospheric input fluxes have declined in recent years, a trend that may reflect both improved methodology in the estimation of or decrease in anthropogenic emissions in Western Europe. Future research should include attempts to map rainfall fields in the North Sea, improve understanding of scavenging efficiency in relation to particle size and speciation, and update emission inventories.