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Physical properties of the stratospheric aerosolsA comparison of the equilibrium vapor pressure over nitric acid solutions with observed water and nitric acid partial pressures in the stratosphere implies that nitric acid cannot be present as an aerosol particle in the lower stratosphere. A similar comparison for sulfuric acid solutions indicates that sulfuric acid aerosol particles are 75% H2SO4 by weight in water, in good agreement with direct observations. The freezing curve of H2SO4 solutions requires that the H2SO4 aerosol particles be solid or supercooled. The equilibrium vapor pressure of H2SO4 in the stratosphere is of the order of 20 picotorr. At stratospheric temperatures, ammonium sulfate is in a ferroelectric phase. As a result, polar molecules may form a surface coating on these aerosols, which may be a fertile ground for further chemical reaction.
Document ID
19740028410
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Toon, O. B.
(Cornell University Ithaca, N.Y., United States)
Pollack, J. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Theoretical Studies Branch, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 20, 1973
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 78
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
74A11160
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-33-010-082
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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