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Chlorine chemistry and the potential for ozone depletion in the Arctic stratosphere in the winter of 1991/92
Author(s) -
Müller R.,
Peter Th.,
Crutzen P. J.,
Oelhaf H.,
Adrian G. P.,
Clarmann Th.V.,
Wegner A.,
Schmidt U.,
Lary D.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/94gl00465
Subject(s) - stratosphere , ozone depletion , chlorine , ozone , polar vortex , arctic , chemistry , atmospheric sciences , ozone layer , atmospheric chemistry , box model , environmental chemistry , climatology , environmental science , geology , organic chemistry , oceanography
We present an analysis of chlorine chemistry in the Arctic stratosphere during the winter of 1991/92 and assess its potential implications for ozone depletion. In accordance with observations of total organic chlorine, ClONO 2 and HCl, box model results indicate the following: (1) An almost complete activation of chlorine during the cold winter period. (2) A possible contribution from the heterogeneous reaction HOCl + HCl and the gas‐phase reaction CH 3 O 2 + ClO to the complete conversion of HCl to active chlorine. (3) A strong buildup of ClONO 2 following PSC disappearance which remains the main chlorine reservoir for about a month, after which HCl becomes dominant. (4) Appreciable chemical ozone loss in the lower stratosphere inside the polar vortex is conceivable for the winter of 1991/92.
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