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Two-dimensional modelling of potential ozone perturbation by chlorofluorocarbons

Abstract

The possible adverse effect of man-made chlorine compounds, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), on the stratospheric ozone layer has been studied intensely in the past few years1,2, with assessments being based primarily on one-dimensional (1-D) mathematical models of atmospheric transport and chemistry. Two-dimensional (2-D) models now permit a more realistic comparison of model predictions with observational data over the full range of latitudinal and seasonal variations in many of the important atmospheric trace species3–8. We report here 2-D model calculations of the hypothetical steady state arising from constant CFC releases continuing indefinitely into the future. Latitudinal and seasonal variations in the calculated reduction of stratospheric ozone are discussed and contrasted with the calculated perturbation up to 1980. The global average is compared with the corresponding 1-D model. Several changes in the vertical structure of the ozone perturbation are found to result from recent revisions in chemical reaction rates.

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Steed, J., Owens, A., Miller, C. et al. Two-dimensional modelling of potential ozone perturbation by chlorofluorocarbons. Nature 295, 308–311 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/295308a0

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