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Statistical analysis of trace gases in Arctic haze
Author(s) -
Khalil M. A. K.,
Rasmussen R. A.
Publication year - 1984
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/gl011i005p00437
Subject(s) - haze , trace gas , arctic , environmental science , environmental chemistry , the arctic , atmospheric sciences , combustion , latitude , chemistry , oceanography , geology , organic chemistry , geodesy
A large number of anthropogenic trace gases arising from combustion processes such as in power plants and automobiles are found to be more abundant in regions of arctic haze when compared to their concentrations in cleaner background air. The excess of concentrations of a trace gas observed in the haze is greatest for short‐lived gases and least for the longer‐lived species. Included among these gases are CO 2 , CO, C 2 ‐C 6 hydrocarbons, and N 2 O. High concentrations of anthropogenic chlorofluorocarbons and chlorocarbons are also found in arctic haze, including F‐11, F‐12, CCl 4 , CH 3 CCl 3 , perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, dichloromethane, and chloroform. The lack of excess CH 3 Cl in the haze suggests that low temperature combustion such as burning of wood does not contribute to arctic haze. The Soviet Union and Europe, because they are industrialized and have large populations at higher latitudes (>50°N), are potential source regions for both these groups of anthropogenic trace gases.