Relating inferred HNO3 flux values to the denitrification of the 1999-2000 Arctic vortex

Extensive populations of large HNO3‐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 HNO3 are between 1·108 and 5·1010 molec cm−3 km day−1 and are the larg...

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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, T. Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Extensive populations of large HNO3‐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 HNO3 are between 1·108 and 5·1010 molec cm−3 km day−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