Open AccessMeridional distribution of hydroperoxides and formaldehyde in the marine boundary layer of the Atlantic (48°N‐35°S) measured during the Albatross campaign
Author(s) -
Weller R.,
Schrems O.,
Boddenberg A.,
Gäb S.,
Gautrois M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/1999jd901145
Subject(s) - formaldehyde , mixing ratio , zonal and meridional , ozone , radical , photochemistry , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , atmospheric sciences , environmental chemistry , geology , organic chemistry
Gas phase H 2 O 2 , organic peroxides, and formaldehyde (HCHO) have been measured in situ during October/November 1996 on board RV Polarstern in surface air over the Atlantic from 48°N‐35°S with different analytical methods. The results indicate that recombination and self‐reactions of peroxy radicals largely dominate over scavenging by NO. The peroxy radical chemistry was governed by the photooxidation of CH 4 and CO, as could be deduced from our failure to detect organic hydroperoxides other than CH 3 OOH (methyl hydroperoxide (MHP)). Hydroperoxide and formaldehyde mixing ratios were highest within the tropics with peak values of around 2000 parts per trillion by volume (pptv) (H 2 O 2 ), 1500 pptv (MHP), and 1000 pptv (HCHO). In the case of H 2 O 2 and MHP we observed diurnal variations of the mixing ratios in the tropical North Atlantic and derived deposition rates of around (1.8±0.6)×10 −5 s −1 for H 2 O 2 and (1.2±0.4)×10 −5 s −1 for MHP. The measured MHP/(H 2 O 2 +MHP) and MHP/HCHO ratios corresponded to 0.32±0.12 and 0.87±0.4, respectively. HCHO mixing ratios observed during the expedition were significantly higher than predicted by current photochemical theory based on the photooxidation of CH 4 and CO.