Modelling and mapping heavy metal and nitrogen concentrations in moss in 2010 throughout Europe by applying Random Forests models

•Comprehensive analysis of relations between atmospheric deposition and accumulation.•Random Forests (RF) allows for multiple regression analysis.•Atmospheric deposition, land use and distance to emission sources are relevant factors.•Measured elements, countries and ecological land classes determine the models accuracy.•RF enables predictive mapping of element concentrations in moss.