Effect of Particles of the Junge Layer on the Length of Ozone Depletion Chains in the Atmosphere

Abstract

This paper presents the results of calculations of the length of ozone destruction chains in the lower stratosphere in HO_x-, NO_x-, and ClO_x-catalytic cycles, taking into account heterogeneous chemical reactions (HCRs) involving particles of the Junge layer. Taking into account these reactions leads to a change in the type of high-altitude profiles of the length of the chains in these cycles, calculated in the approximation of the absence of HCRs. At the lower boundary of the Junge layer, a degeneration of the chain destruction of ozone in the NO_x cycle is observed, caused by a sharp decline in the concentrations of components of this family due to the capture of N₂O₅ gas molecules. At the same time, there is an increase in the chain length in the HO_x cycle by more than an order of magnitude due to the decrease in the concentrations of OH and HO₂ radicals and, as a result, a decrease in the rate of chain breakage with their participation. At high altitudes, the length of the ozone destruction chains, taking into account HCRs, on the contrary, are higher; this is due to the acceleration of the destruction of O₃ by chain carriers in HO_x- and ClO_x-cycles. The increase in their concentrations is due to the reduced content of NO and NO₂ in the air. The considered effect of HCR practically disappears at the upper boundary of the Young layer due to the evaporation of particles.