Measurements of total reactive nitrogen during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL017i004p00485· OSTI ID:5397258

Kawa, S R; Anderson, L C ^[1]; Fahey, D W ^[2]; Loewenstein, M; Chan, K R ^[3]

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1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA) Univ. of Colorado, Boulder (USA)
2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA)
3. NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (USA)

Composite distributions of measured total reactive nitrogen (NO{sub y}) from the NASA ER-2 during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE) are presented. The observed features of these distributions are discussed in terms of the controlling dynamical, chemical, and microphysical processes. In the latitudinal profile from 58{degree}N to within about 4{degree} poleward of the polar vortex boundary, NO{sub y} conforms closely to predictions of NO{sub y} based on N{sub 2}O measurements. The features of the distribution are apparently dynamically controlled. Poleward of 5{degree} of latitude within the boundary, the average NO{sub y} decreases sharply and is significantly lower than that predicted from N{sub 2}O. This feature is consistent with loss of NO{sub y} through sedimentation of particles containing NO{sub y} in polar stratospheric clouds. The observed loss is not as systematic as in the Antarctic, consistent with the observed differences in season and meteorological conditions between the two campaigns.

• OSTI ID: 5397258
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 17:4; ISSN 0094-8276; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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AIRCRAFT
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
ANTARCTICA
ARCTIC REGIONS
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LOSSES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
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OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLAR REGIONS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
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