Modeling Halogen Chemistry in Polar Spring

Since the 1970s, the concern of ozone related to halogen chemistry in pristine polar regions has puzzled scientists. In 1986, first observations of drastic depletions of tropospheric ozone were reported in the Arctic boundary layer. Such depletions are now recognized to be chemically-driven, involving salt aerosols and reactive halogen species from the gas phase. This book provides a detailed description of polar chemistry and its history. Additionally, key processes such as the formation of frost flowers and brine layer or the precipitation of calcium carbonate are presented. Model results from the one-dimensional model MISTRA were utilized to investigate the polar ozone/halogen chemistry as well as the potential sources of reactive halogen in the boundary layer. In particular, it is the first time that frost flower aerosols are considered as major source of halogens in a model. These model studies should help shed some light on the latest mechanisms thought to lead to strong polar tropospheric ozone depletions. This book is addressed to professionals in Atmospheric Sciences, or anyone else eager to get a deeper insight into the polar chemical environment.