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Stratospheric chemistry
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:55
Abstract
Thermodynamical and kinetic basics: bi- and terrmolecular reactions, photo-dissociation. Chemical family concept. Chapman chemistry. Radical reactions of oxygen species with nitric oxide, active halogens and odd hydrogen. Ozone depletion cycles. Methane depletion and ozone production in the lower stratosphere. Heterogeneous chemistry on background aerosol. Chemistry and dynamics of the ozone hole.
Objective
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 intercontinental air traffic and the ozone depletion caused by FCKW CFC in the mid-latitude and the polar regions as well as coupling with the greenhouse effect.
Content
Short presentation of thermodynamical and kinetic basics of chemical reactions: bi- and terthermo rmolecular 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: 2002, Report No.47, Geneva, 2003.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Stratospheric chemistry |
|
2 h weekly |