Ozone perturbations by enhanced levels of CFCs, N2O, and CH4 A two-dimensional diabatic circulation study including uncertainty estimates

Observations made over the last few years suggest that the tropospheric concentrations of N2O, CH4, and O3 are increasing. Increases in the concentration of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been observed for some time. The present study is concerned with combined scenarios of future releases of N2O, CH4, and CFCs, which can affect the height profiles of ozone, while changes in latitudinal gradients of ozone may also be expected. Ozone perturbation calculations performed in the two-dimensional transport-chemistry model described by Stordal et al. (1985) are also presented, and the effects of increased levels of CFCs, N2O, and CH4 are examined. It is found that CH4 may be the most important ozone-perturbing trace species in connection with future tropospheric climatic impacts. A substantial increase in the tropospheric abundancy of CH4 could lead to large future ozone enhancements throughout the troposphere and lower stratosphere at middle and low latitudes.