The stratosphere and mesosphere: Dynamics, physics and chemistry. Volume 1: Principal lectures and seminars

A nine week colloquium was held at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in an attempt to assess the status of research on the stratosphere and mesosphere and foresee future trends. Roughly four categories of stratospheric and mesospheric research were discussed: dynamics, chemistry, radiative transfer, and social impacts. A few highlights were: (1) an exposition of the coupling between the upper atmosphere and the biosphere by the nitrification and denitrification cycles of the biosphere which result in the production of nitrous oxide - an important ingredient in the chemical cycle of ozone; (2) the revelation of new satellite hardware and software developments that will permit observations of the upper atmosphere to a level heretofor considered unachievable; (3) realization of the fact that several possibly severe environmental problems affecting the ozone layer still require the dedication of considerable effort to determine their severity.