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701-1233-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-USYS , D-CHAB

Stratospheric Chemistry

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Thomas Peter, Dr. Gabriel Chiodo, Dr. Marcel Müller
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:16

Abstract

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.

Objective

The students will understand the gas phase reactions in the stratosphere as well as reactions and processes in aerosol droplets and polar stratospheric clouds. The students will understand the most important aspects of stratospheric dynamics and the greenhouse gas effect in troposphere and stratosphere. The students will also aquire a good understanding of the coupling between stratospheric ozone and climate change. Furthermore, they will practise to explain fundamental concepts in stratospheric chemistry by means of scientific paper presentations.

Content

Short presentation of thermodynamical and kinetic basics of chemical reactions: bi- and termolecular reactions, photo-dissociation. Introduction to the chemical family concept: active species, their source gases and reservoir gases. Detailed treatment of the pure oxygen family (odd oxygen) according to the Chapman chemistry. Radical reactions of the oxygen species with nitric oxide, active halogens (chlorine and bromine) and odd hydrogen. Ozone depletion cycles. Methane depletion and ozone production in the lower stratosphere (photo-smog reactions). Heterogeneous chemistry on the background aerosol and its significance for heavy air traffic. Chemistry and dynamics of the ozone hole: Formation of polar stratospheric clouds and chloride activation.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Documents are provided in the contact hours.

Literature

- Basseur, G. und S. Solomon, Aeronomy of the Middle Atmosphere, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 3rd Rev edition (December 30, 2005). - John H. Seinfeld and Spyros N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, New York, 1998. - WMO, Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014, Report No. 55, Geneva, 2015.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Mid-term test: duration 45-50 minutes, in mid-November. The exact date and time will be communicated in the first lecture. No auxiliary material allowed.Final exam: 30 minutes oral, at the end of the semester.Grading: choose 50 % mid-term test, 50 % final exam (default)or 33 % mid-term test, 67 % final examMündliche Prüfung auch auf Deutsch möglich

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Stratospheric Chemistry
  • Thu 13:15-15:00 (CHN F 42)
  • 03.10 Date 12:15-14:00 (CHN F 42)
2 h weekly
exercise Stratospheric Chemistry
  • Thu 15:15-16:00 (CHN F 42)
1 h weekly

Offered In