{sup 18}O/{sup 16}O and {sup 17}O/{sup 16}O ratios in atmospheric nitrous oxide: A mass-independent anomaly

Journal Article · Fri Dec 05 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.278.5344.1774· OSTI ID:569482

Cliff, S S; Thiemens, M H ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA (United States)

Measurements of the oxygen isotope ratios ({sup 18}O/{sup 16}O and {sup 17}O/{sup 16}O) in atmospheric nitrous oxide (N{sub 2}O) from La Jolla, Pasadena, and the White Mountain Research Station (elevation, 3801 meters) in California and the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico show that N{sub 2}O has a mass-independent composition. These data suggest the presence of a previously undefined atmospheric process. The La Jolla samples can be explained by a mixing between an atmospherically derived source of mass-independent N{sub 2}O and biologically derived mass-dependent N{sub 2}O. Possible origins of the mass-independent anomally in N{sub 2}O are discussed. 32 refs., 2 figs.

• OSTI ID: 569482
• Journal Information: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 5344 Vol. 278; ISSN SCIEAS; ISSN 0036-8075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
NITROUS OXIDE