Why is the pH of aquatic systems of interest? What factors determine the pH of aquatic systems? This practical course provides a theoretical and practical introduction to the fascinating field of carbonate chemistry in natural waters. The course combines field measurements with statistical analysis of independently collected data sets.

The lecture gives an overview on the manifold reactions which occur in the gas phase, in stratospheric aerosol droplets and in polar cloud particles. The focus is on the chemistry of stratospheric ozone and its influence through natural and anthropogenic effects, especially the ozone depletion caused by FCKW in mid-latitude and polar regions as well as the coupling with the greenhouse effect.