Nitrogen chemistry in Antarctica: a brief review

Abstract

Measurements of reactive nitrogen species in Antarctica are briefly reviewed and their links to ozone depletion are summarized. Observations of NO, NO2, HNO3, particulate nitrate, and total NOy demonstrate that the composition of the Antarctic stratosphere is greatly perturbed by the presence of clouds. Further, measurements have shown that the clouds themselves are composed in part of HNO3, and that sedimentation of cloud particles apparently can remove reactive nitrogen from the gas phase altogether. These processes reduce the abundance of stratospheric NO2, a primary requirement for elevated ClO densities and attendant ozone loss. -Author