Premium
Condensation of HNO 3 on falling ice particles: Mechanism for denitrification of the polar stratosphere
Author(s) -
Wofsy S. C.,
Salawitch R. J.,
Yatteau J. H.,
McElroy M. B.,
Gandrud B. W.,
Dye J. E.,
Baumgardner D.
Publication year - 1990
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/gl017i004p00449
Subject(s) - stratosphere , polar , condensation , evaporation , atmosphere (unit) , particle (ecology) , atmospheric sciences , nitric acid , denitrification , astrobiology , environmental science , materials science , chemical physics , chemical engineering , chemistry , meteorology , geology , inorganic chemistry , physics , nitrogen , organic chemistry , oceanography , astronomy , engineering
Ice particles created in polar stratospheric cooling events are predicted to descend into Type I PSCs and accrete a coating of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) that inhibits evaporation. Coated particles efficiently strip HNO 3 from the atmosphere, providing a mechanism for denitrification without significant dehydration. Coatings that disintegrate may release large particles of NAT that influence subsequent particle growth.