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The Contribution of Reactive Halogen species to the Oxidation Capacity of the Troposphere-Reactive Halogen species: cycles - mechanisms - and field observations

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Tropospheric ozone is responsible for approximately 15% of the antropogenically caused greenhouse effect. It is also the precursor of the hydroxyl-radical, the most important atmospheric oxidant, and thus also responsible for the self-cleaning capacity of the atmosphere. Field measurements, in the framework of the HALOTROP project, showed much higher tropospheric concentrations of reactive halogen species than predicted. Two sources for reactive halogens, photolysis of organo-halogens and heterogeneous release from salt surfaces, have been identified in field and laboratory studies. Modelling efforts revealed that reactive halogens species (eg halogen monoxide radicals) can have a stronger influence on tropospheric ozone levels that hitherto assumed. HALOTROP provided new insights into the chemistry of halogens. The implementation of these results in climate models can lead to a re-evaluation of the importance and the future development of tropospheric ozone as a greenhouse gas. A better description of the oxidation capacity of the troposphere is important to understand the response of the atmosphere on antropogenic air pollution. HALOTROP also revealed potentially serious gaps in our understanding of tropospheric ozone chemistry which have to be further studied.

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