CHBr3 (bromoform): Revised UV Absorption Spectrum and Atmospheric Photolysis Rates

CHBr3 (bromoform) is a short-lived atmospheric trace compound primarily of natural origin that is a source of reactive bromine in both the troposphere and stratosphere. Estimating the impact of CHBr3 on the environment and its transport to the stratosphere requires a thorough understanding of its atmospheric loss processes, which are primarily UV photolysis and reaction with the OH radical. In this presentation, new measurements of the UV absorption spectrum of CHBr3 will be presented. Spectra were measured at wavelengths between 300 and 345 nm at temperatures between 260 and 330 K using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. The present results will be compared with currently recommended values for use in atmospheric modeling taken from Moortgat et al. [The tropospheric chemistry of ozone in the polar regions, edited by H. Niki and K. H. Becker, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 1993]. The discrepancies and impact on CHBr3 photolysis lifetime will be discussed. A parameterization of the CHBr3 UV spectrum for use in atmospheric models will be presented and local photolysis rate calculations used to highlight the impact of the revised cross section data on local lifetimes and the relative importance of photolysis loss versus reaction with the OH radical. The results from the present study will contribute to a better understanding (and accuracy) of estimates of stratospheric ozone loss due to very short-lived brominated substances.