Ship based observations of the spatial and temporal variability of gas-phase hydrochloric acid in the marine boundary layer

Ambient observations and laboratory measurements indicate that inorganic halogen chemistry can impact both the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere and the lifetime of greenhouse gases. In the marine boundary layer (MBL), hydrochloric acid (HCl) is the most abundant gas-phase inorganic chlorine reservoir. We report in situ observations of HCl, made using a novel, fast-response chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer in the coastal MBL during the CalNex 2010 field study. We will present the spatial and temporal distribution of HCl in coastal California, calculate emission factors for HCl from a series of point sources, and discuss the impact of elevated HCl abundances on the chlorine radical budget.