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Minor constituents in the stratosphere and mesosphere
Author(s) -
Hudson R. D.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg017i004p00467
Subject(s) - stratosphere , mesosphere , atmospheric sciences , environmental science , ozone , ozone layer , meteorology , physics
This paper is a brief survey of the research on the role of the trace constituents in the stratosphere and mesosphere that was published between 1975 and 1979. During this period of time the emphasis shifted away from the role of the nitrogen oxides in the stratosphere to the role of the chlorine oxides and the hydrogen oxides. A great deal of progress was reported in the understanding of the natural stratosphere and its response to anthropogenic perturbations. This is but a brief review of that portion of the research carried out in the stratosphere and mesosphere which dealt with the role of the trace constituents. The years between 1971 and 1974 were reviewed by Cicerone (1975). This review is limited to the years 1975 to 1978. The increase in interest in research in the stratosphere noted by Cicerone has continued, spurred by the public concern on the effects of the chlorofluoromethanes on stratospheric ozone. Changes in reaction rates have tended to alleviate concerns over increases in the nitrogen oxides, but not, it should be noted, removed them completely.