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The Potential effects of increased methane on atmospheric ozone
Author(s) -
Owens A. J.,
Steed J. M.,
Filkin D. L.,
Miller C.,
Jesson J. P.
Publication year - 1982
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/gl009i009p01105
Subject(s) - methane , ozone , atmospheric methane , atmospheric sciences , environmental science , atmospheric chemistry , flux (metallurgy) , meteorology , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry
Using a one dimensional atmospheric model, we investigate the possible influence of an increase in atmospheric methane on ozone. The couplings between methane and the catalytic destruction of ozone by NO x , HO x , and ClX are discussed. Our model calculations suggest that doubling the ground‐level flux of methane, with fixed atmospheric temperatures and currently recommended chemical reaction rates, would increase the total ozone column by 3.5%. Calculations showing the very significant moderating effects of a methane increase on ozone perturbations due to N 2 O and chlorofluorocarbons are discussed.