DURHAM, N.H. (AP) – Scientists will be gathering at the University of New Hampshire next month for a workshop on how airborne pollutants cause changes in the Arctic.

The meeting is June 2 through June 5.

UNH says research shows large-scale agricultural burning in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, the U.S., Canada, and the Ukraine is having a much greater impact to the Arctic than previously thought.

A particular threat is posed by springtime burning to remove crop residues for new planting or clear brush for grazing because the black carbon or soot produced by the fires can lead to accelerated melting of snow and ice.

Estimates show soot may account for as much as 30 percent of Arctic warming to date.