Evidence for strong, widespread chlorine radical chemistry associated with pollution outflow from continental Asia.

ABSTRACT: The chlorine radical is a potent atmospheric oxidant, capable of perturbing tropospheric oxidative cycles normally controlled by the hydroxyl radical. Significantly faster reaction rates allow chlorine radicals to expedite oxidation of hydrocarbons, including methane, and in polluted environments, to enhance ozone production. Here we present evidence, from the CARIBIC airborne dataset, for extensive chlorine radical chemistry associated with Asian pollution outflow, from airborne observations made over the Malaysian Peninsula in winter. This region is known for persistent convection that regularly delivers surface air to higher altitudes and serves as a major transport pathway into the stratosphere. Oxidant ratios inferred from hydrocarbon relationships show that chlorine radicals were reg

SUBMITTER: Baker AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5109052 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature