US EPA

1719137 

Journal Article 

Summertime surface N2O concentration observed on Fildes Peninsula Antarctica: Correlation with total atmospheric O-3 and solar activity 

Zhu, RB; Sun, LG; Yin, XB; Liu, XD; Xing, GX 

2004 

Yes 

Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
ISSN: 0256-1530
EISSN: 1861-9533 

21 

2 

204-210 

WOS:000220792700006 

Three-year summertime surface atmospheric N2O concentrations were observed for the first time on the Fildes Peninsula, maritime Antarctica, and the relationships among the N2O concentration, total atmospheric O-3 amount, and sunspot number were analyzed. Solar activity had an important effect on surface N2O concentration and total O-3 amount, and increases of sunspot number were followed by decreases in the N2O concentration and total O-3 amount. A corresponding relationship exists between the N2O concentration and total atmospheric O-3, and ozone destruction was preceded by N2O reduction. We propose that the extended solar activity in the Antarctic summer reduces the stratospheric N2O by converting it into NOx, increases the diffusion of N2O from the troposphere to the stratosphere, decreases the surface atmospheric N2O, and depletes O-3 via the chemical reaction between O-3 and NOx. Our observation results are consistent with the theory of solar activity regarding the formation of the Antarctic O-3 hole. 

Fildes Peninsula; Antarctica; nitrous oxide; ozone; sunspot