Atmospheric chemistry articles from across Nature Portfolio

Atmospheric chemistry is the study of the components of planetary atmospheres, particularly that of the Earth. It specifically looks at the composition of planetary atmospheres and the reactions and interactions that drive these dynamic and diverse systems. The topic encompasses lab-based studies, field measurements and also their modelling.

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  • News & Views |

    The ozone layer is slowly recovering due to the Montreal Protocol. The only exception is the ozone in the tropical lower stratosphere, which keeps decreasing. Now, a modelling study demonstrates that the tropical ozone loss is partly driven by ozone-depleting very short-lived substances that are not regulated by the Montreal Protocol.

    • Seok-Woo Son
    Nature Climate Change, 1-2

  • News & Views |

    Lightning can produce bioavailable nitrogen oxides, but it is unknown whether this was a substantial nutrient source for Earth’s earliest biosphere. Comparison of nitrogen isotope measurements from spark discharge experiments to those from the rock record suggests that lightning was likely not the main source of bioavailable nitrogen for the biosphere throughout most of Earth’s history.

    Nature Geoscience, 1-2

  • News & Views |

    The Montreal Protocol has successfully guided the world’s transition from chlorofluorcarbons that deplete ozone to hydrofluorocarbons that pose no direct threat to the ozone layer. A study suggests that a recent rise in atmospheric chlorofluorcarbons is linked to the inadvertent release of these gases during the production of hydrofluorocarbons.

    • Ross J. Salawitch
    Nature Geoscience 16, 278-279

  • News & Views |

    Strong positive wetland methane climate feedbacks from global warming may occur but have not been accounted for in Earth system models. Now, model simulations show a substantial increase in methane emissions due to the stronger impact of warming over tropical wetlands.

    • Euan G. Nisbet
    Nature Climate Change 13, 421-422
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