Ozone depletion in the late winter lower Arctic stratosphere: Observations and model results

Abstract

Ozone loss rates in the lowermost part of the Arctic stratosphere (at potential temperature levels ≤375 K) in the period January and February 1993 are calculated using a chemistry-trajectory model and 30-day back trajectories. The results were compared with observations carried out during the first Stratosphere Troposphere Experiment by Aircraft Measurements (STREAM) in February 1993 in the Arctic lower stratosphere. Relatively low N2O and low O3 concentrations were measured during STREAM, and O3 loss rates of 8.0 (±3.6) ppbv d-1 were calculated from O3-N2O STREAM data in the vortex area. The average O3 loss rate calculated by the model is 8.6 ppbv d-1 (1.3% d-1), in agreement with observations. However, the calculated O3 loss rate decreases to the lower value of the observed loss rates when taking into account N2O-Cly interrelations from different studies. Heterogeneous reactions on liquid sulfuric acid aerosols, in particular those involving the chlorine reservoir species ClONO2 and HCl, must be considered to explain the observed O3 loss rates. Complete conversion of ClONO2 and HCl to active chlorine by heterogeneous reactions in the model occurs at temperatures ≤205 K under conditions with enhanced aerosol loading, and at temperatures ≤200 K with background aerosol levels. Since the trajectory temperatures were frequently below 205 K and occasionally below 200 K, the model results are (1) sensitive to the Cly level but relatively insensitive to the initial chlorine partitioning within Cly and (2) show significant O3 loss at background aerosol levels, being only 1-2 ppbv d-1 less compared to conditions with enhanced aerosol loading. We conclude that future O3 loss in the Arctic lower stratosphere is quite sensitive to temperature changes, while it appears to be less sensitive to enhanced aerosol loading (e.g., by volcanic sulfate particles).