ISSN:
1573-0662
Keywords:
Aerosols
;
stratosphere
;
polar stratospheric clouds
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract We present a theory for the formation of frozen aerosol particles in the Antarctic stratosphere, the coldest region of the Earth's stratosphere. The theory is applied specifically to the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. We suggest that the condensed ices are composed primarily of nitric acid and water with small admixtures of other compounds such as H2SO4 and HCl in solid solution. Our assumed particle formation mechanism is in agreement with the magnitude and seasonal behavior of the optical extinctions observed in the winter polar stratosphere. Physical chemistry and thermodynamic considerations suggest that at temperatures between about 200 and 185 K, stratospheric particulates are composed primarily of frozen nitric acid solutions with a composition near that of the trihydrate. Available data suggest the particles are amorphous solid solutions and not in the crystalline hydrate form. At lower temperatures (i.e., below the forst point of pure water) cirrus-like ice clouds can form.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00130934
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