Relating inferred HNO sub(3) flux values to the denitrification of the 1999-2000 Arctic vortex

Extensive populations of large HNO sub(3)-containing particles were observed in situ in the 1999-2000 Arctic winter vortex. Assuming nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) composition, the associated values of instantaneous gravitational flux of HNO sub(3) are between 1.10 super(8) and 5.10 super(10) molec cm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2002-08, Vol.29 (16), p.63-1-63-4
Main Authors: Northway, Megan J, Popp, Peter J, Gao, Ru-Shan, Fahey, David W, Toon, Geoff C, Bui, TPaul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Fluid flow
Flux
In situ measurement
Nitric acid
Populations
Sedimentation
Vortices
Winter
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Summary:Extensive populations of large HNO sub(3)-containing particles were observed in situ in the 1999-2000 Arctic winter vortex. Assuming nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) composition, the associated values of instantaneous gravitational flux of HNO sub(3) are between 1.10 super(8) and 5.10 super(10) molec cm super(-3) km day super(-1) and are the largest ever derived from in situ measurements. The relationship between these observed populations and observed denitrification in the 1999-2000 Arctic vortex is developed using constraints of NAT formation and sedimentation. This analysis of the 1999-2000 winter provides a useful guide to interpreting future observations of polar stratospheric clouds and denitrification in the polar regions.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2002GL015000