Chemical Models of the Neutral Atmosphere

Abstract

The main purpose of chemical models of the stratosphere has been to describe the chemical processes which control the distribution of ozone. It is now generally accepted that catalytic reactions with nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂) as originally proposed by Crutzen (1970) are the dominant sinks of stratospheric ozone, and that we are able to increase the amounts of nitrogen oxides in the stratosphere through the action of high flying aircraft, to such an extent that the protecting ozone shield may be reduced. It is further recognized that an analogue effect on the ozone layer, from active chloride compounds (Cl, ClO) may be the result of the release of stable fluorochlorocarbons in the troposphere (Molina and Rowland, 1974).