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Clean Air Slots Amid Atmospheric PollutionLayering in the Earth's atmosphere is most commonly seen where parts of the atmosphere resist the incursion of air parcels from above and below - for example, when there is an increase in temperature with height over a particular altitude range. Pollutants tend to accumulate underneath the resulting stable layers. which is why visibility often increases markedly above certain altitudes. Here we describe the occurrence of an opposite effect, in which stable layers generate a layer of remarkably clean air (we refer to these layers as clean-air 'slots') sandwiched between layers of polluted air. We have observed clean-air slots in various locations around the world, but they are particularly well defined and prevalent in southern Africa during the dry season August-September). This is because at this time in this region, stable layers are common and pollution from biomass burning is widespread.
Document ID
20050177234
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hobbs, Peter V.
(Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
February 21, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Publisher: Macmillan Magazines Ltd.
Volume: 415
Subject Category
Environment Pollution
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-9022
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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