In spring 1995 intense field measurements were conducted in association with the ARCTOC campaign over a time period of two months at Ny-Alesund (Spitsbergen) in order to study the distribution of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and its particulate oxidation products in the arctic boundary layer. The DMS measurements were made daily at two levels (40 m and 474 m asl) by using a pre-concentration method and subsequent analyses by gaschromatography. The obtained results indicate periods with low mixing ratios (17.9 pptv) and high (61.5 pptv) DMS mixing ratios (mean values at 40 m asl). A high day to day variability is observed. Simultaneously to the DMS measurements aerosol samples have been collected on cellulose filters. The aerosol particles have been analyzed with an ion chromatograph for their content of methanesulfonate (MSA-), sulfate (SO4=) and seasalt. The dynamics of the DMS and MSA distribution combined with back trajectory analyses are interpreted and compared with a dataset obtained during a measurement campaign at Ny-Alesund in spring 1994. A comparison between estimated atmospheric lifetimes of DMS under arctic and clean air antarctic conditions will be made.