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Denitrification in the Antarctic stratosphere

Nature volume 339, pages 525–527 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

RAPID loss of ozone over Antarctica in spring requires that the abundance of gaseous nitric acid be very low. Nitric acid is removed from the gas phase in the lower stratosphere at temperatures below about 195 K through the formation of crystalline nitric acid trihydrate1–4, and below 188 K in association with ice crystals5–9. Precipitation of particulate nitric acid has been assumed to occur in association with large ice crystals, requiring significant removal of H2O and temperatures well below the frost point. However, stratospheric clouds exhibit a bimodal size distribution in the Antarctic atmosphere, with most of the nitrate concentrated in particles with radii ⩾1 µm (refs 10,11). Here we argue that the bimodal size distribution sets the stage for efficient denitrification, with nitrate particles either falling on their own or serving as nuclei for the condensation of ice. Denitrification can therefore occur without significant dehydration: it is unnecessary for temperatures to drop significantly below the frost point.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA

    R. J. Salawitch, G. P. Gobbi, S. C. Wofsy & M. B. McElroy

  2. Istituto di Fisica dell'Atmosfera CNR, CP 27-00044, Frascati, Italy

    G. P. Gobbi

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  1. R. J. Salawitch
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  2. G. P. Gobbi
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  3. S. C. Wofsy
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  4. M. B. McElroy
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Salawitch, R., Gobbi, G., Wofsy, S. et al. Denitrification in the Antarctic stratosphere. Nature 339, 525–527 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/339525a0

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