Role and fate of ozone in the atmosphere
Abstract
Rapid gas phase catalysis of ozone recombination to molecular oxygen by nitrogen oxides could alter stratospheric ozone concentrations. A mechanism for reducing the atmosphere's ability to screen solar ultraviolet radiation and the means for disturbing natural patterns of heating and cooling in the upper atmosphere were provided. The surface release of fluorocarbons was linked to the mid-stratospheric destruction of ozone by the catalytic reaction couplet. Photolytic decomposition of the fluorocarbon molecular augments the natural concentration of the Cl and ClO radicals, thereby accelerating the odd oxygen (ozone plus atomic oxygen) conversion to O2. The photochemical structure of the stratosphere is summarized by focussing on the free radicals which control the rate of transformation between classes of reactants within the atmosphere.
- Publication:
-
In its Meas. of Elements in the Stratosphere p 211-256 (SEE N85-27414 16-46
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985mes..rept..211A
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Composition;
- Free Radicals;
- Ozone;
- Recombination Reactions;
- Stratosphere;
- Toxicology;
- Aeronomy;
- Chlorine;
- Fluorocarbons;
- Photolysis;
- Reaction Kinetics;
- Time Series Analysis;
- Vapor Phases;
- Geophysics