An isotopic view on the connection between photolytic emissions of NO x from the Arctic snowpack and its oxidation by reactive halogens

• Published in: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 2012-07, Vol.117 (D14)
• Main Authors: Morin, S., Erbland, J., Savarino, J., Domine, F., Bock, J., Friess, U., Jacobi, H.‐W., Sihler, H., Martins, J. M. F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Sciences of the Universe
• ISSN: 0148-0227; 2169-897X; 2169-8996
• DOI: 10.1029/2011JD016618

We report on dual isotopic analyses ( δ 15 N and Δ 17 O) of atmospheric nitrate at daily time‐resolution during the OASIS intensive field campaign at Barrow, Alaska, in March–April 2009. Such measurements allow for the examination of the coupling between snowpack emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x = NO + NO 2 ) and their involvement in reactive halogen‐mediated chemical reactions in the Arctic atmosphere. The measurements reveal that during the spring, low δ 15 N values in atmospheric nitrate, indicative of snowpack emissions of NO x , are almost systematically associated with local oxidation of NO x by reactive halogens such as BrO, as indicated by 17 O‐excess measurements (Δ 17 O). The high time‐resolution data from the intensive field campaign were complemented by weekly aerosol sampling between April 2009 and February 2010. The dual isotopic composition of nitrate ( δ 15 N and Δ 17 O) obtained throughout this nearly full seasonal cycle is presented and compared to other seasonal‐scale measurements carried out in the Arctic and in non‐polar locations. In particular, the data allow for the investigation of the seasonal variations of reactive halogen chemistry and photochemical snowpack NO x emissions in the Arctic. In addition to the well characterized peak of snowpack NO x emissions during springtime in the Arctic (April to May), the data reveal that photochemical NO x emissions from the snowpack may also occur in other seasons as long as snow is present and there is sufficient UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Comprehensive (N and O) isotopic composition of nitrate over one year at Barrow NOx emissions by the snowpack strongly interact with reactive halogens No significant correlation is found between daily averaged ozone, BrO and D17O