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Chemical mechanisms of acid generation in the troposphere

Nature volume 317, pages 27–35 (1985)Cite this article

Abstract

Diverse chemical pathways in the troposphere convert sulphur and nitrogen oxides and organic compounds into acids, involving the gas phase, the liquid phase (cloud, fog and rain water) and, possibly, certain suspended aerosols. The rates of acid generation are critically affected by the extent of generation of the oxidizing species and the kinetics of the reactions. Precipitation in the eastern United States shows a strong seasonal variation in deposition of sulphates in contrast to nitrates. Computer simulations can now rationalize the observed seasonal trends. Recent tropospheric measurements of gaseous hydrogen peroxide show that this gas is a major oxidant leading to sulphuric acid generation in cloud water.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Atmospheric Chemistry Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Box 3000, Boulder, Colorado, 80307, USA

    Jack G. Calvert, Allan Lazrus, Gregory L. Kok, Brian G. Heikes, James G. Walega, John Lind & Christopher A. Cantrell

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  1. Jack G. Calvert
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Calvert, J., Lazrus, A., Kok, G. et al. Chemical mechanisms of acid generation in the troposphere. Nature 317, 27–35 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/317027a0

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