Redistribution of reactive odd nitrogen in the lower Arctic stratosphere

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL017i004p00453· OSTI ID:5456378

Huebler, G; Fahey, D W; Kelly, K K; Montzka, D D; Carroll, M A; Tuck, A F ^[1]; Heidt, L E; Pollock, W H ^[2]; Gregory, G L ^[3]; Vedder, J F ^[4]

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1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA)
2. NCAR, Boulder, CO (USA)
3. NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (USA)
4. NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (USA)

In-situ measurements of total reactive odd nitrogen (NO{sub y}) were made from the NASA DC-8 aircraft in the lower arctic stratosphere during the 1989 Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition. Throughout January and February, NO{sub y} mixing ratios were typically between 0.5 and 3 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at altitudes between 10 and 12.5 km. During several flights late in the mission, events of unusually high NO{sub y} occurred with mixing ratios up to 12 ppbv at these altitudes. Simultaneous measurements of N{sub 2}O, O{sub 3}, and H{sub 2}O during these events suggest that large changes in NO{sub y} are not expected. The elevated NO{sub y} values are interpreted as a vertical redistribution of NO{sub y} in the lower stratosphere resulting from gravitational sedimentation of aerosol particles containing HNO{sub 3}. No evidence of the redistribution of H{sub 2}O is noted consistent with observations of denitrification without dehydration higher in the stratosphere.

• OSTI ID: 5456378
• 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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