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The role of NO and NO2 in the chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere

Journal Article · · Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.; (United States)

Oxides of nitrogen play an important role in the radical chemistry of the atmosphere and in the production and destruction of tropospheric and stratospheric ozone. Ozone is a principal agent in forming the OH radical which attacks inert gases in the troposphere. The acidity of precipitation is in part the result of HNO3 and H2SO4 formed by reactions involving the OH radical. Fast removal processes for oxides of nitrogen in the lower troposphere are described. Long-distance transport of oxides of nitrogen in peroxy-acetyl nitrate also receives attention. In the stratosphere, the participation of NO and NO2 in reactions that influence the equilibrium of photochemical systems may render the total ozone abundance insensitive to additions of oxides of nitrogen.

Research Organization:
National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO
OSTI ID:
6880453
Journal Information:
Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 7; ISSN AREPC
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English