Sources and distribution of NO(x) in the upper troposphere at northern midlatitudes

Rohrer, Franz; Ehhalt, Dieter H.; Wahner, Andreas

A simple quasi 2-D model is used to study the zonal distribution of NO(x). The model includes vertical transport in form of eddy diffusion and deep convection, zonal transport by a vertically uniform wind, and a simplified chemistry of NO, NO2 and HNO3. The NO(x) sources considered are surface emissions (mostly from the combustion of fossil fuel), lightning, aircraft emissions, and downward transport from the stratosphere. The model is applied to the latitude band of 40 deg N to 50 deg N during the month of June; the contributions to the zonal NO(x) distribution from the individual sources and transport processes are investigated. The model predicted NO(x) concentration in the upper troposphere is dominated by air lofted from the polluted planetary boundary layer over the large industrial areas of Eastern North America and Europe. Aircraft emissions are also important and contribute on average 30 percent. Stratospheric input is minor about 10 percent, less even than that by lightning. The model provides a clear indication of intercontinental transport of NO(x) and HNO3 in the upper troposphere. Comparison of the modelled NO profiles over the Western Atlantic with those measured during STRATOZ 3 in 1984 shows good agreement at all altitudes.

Document ID

19950004195

Acquisition Source

Legacy CDMS

Document Type

Conference Paper

Authors

Date Acquired

September 6, 2013

Publication Date

April 1, 1994

Publication Information

Publication: NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center, Ozone in the Troposphere and Stratosphere, Part 1

Subject Category

Accession Number

95N10607

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Public

Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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