Background NO/sub x/ mixing ratios in air masses over the North Atlantic ocean

Journal Article · Thu Aug 20 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC086iC08p07283· OSTI ID:5545974

Helas, G; Warneck, P

A chemiluminescence analyzer was used to measure NO/sub x/ mixing ratios at the west coast of Ireland. Two measurement modes allowed the determination of NO and NO/sub x/ = NO+NO/sub 2/. In a third mode using a molybdenum converter, higher signals were observed than was in the second mode indicating that nitrogen compounds other than NO+NO/sub 2/ are registered. They are denoted 'excess NO/sub x/'. The average NO/sub 2/ mixing ratio for a week period was 101 +- 87 pptv. In pure marine air masses identified by means of trajectory calculations, the NO/sub 2/ mixing ratios were lower and exhibited in addition a diurnal variation with nighttime values of 37 +- 6 pptv and average values of 87 +- 47 pptv. Possible origins of the diurnal variation are discussed. For such conditions, the NO mixing ratio generally was unmeasurably small, certainly less than 10 pptv. The excess NO/sub x/ is also higher during the day compared with nighttime values of about 70 pptv. Further studies are required to identify the compounds involved.

• Research Organization: Max-Planck-Institut fuer Chemie (Otto Hahn Institut), Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany
• OSTI ID: 5545974
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Vol. 86:C8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATLANTIC OCEAN
AIR QUALITY
NITROGEN OXIDES
MIXING RATIO
CHEMILUMINESCENCE
DAILY VARIATIONS
IRELAND
TROPOSPHERE
CHALCOGENIDES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
EUROPE
LUMINESCENCE
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
VARIATIONS
WESTERN EUROPE
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)