The Stratospheric Aerosol Layer

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XI

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • R. C. Whitten, P. Hamill

   Pages 1-14

3. Observations

   • E. C. Y. Inn, N. H. Farlow, P. B. Russell, M. P. McCormick, W. P. Chu

   Pages 15-68

4. The Chemical Kinetics of Aerosol Formation

   • R. G. Keesee, A. W. Castleman Jr.

   Pages 69-92

5. Models of Stratospheric Aerosols and Dust

   • R. P. Turco

   Pages 93-119

6. Stratospheric Aerosols and Climate

   • O. B. Toon, J. B. Pollack

   Pages 121-147

7. Back Matter

   Pages 149-154

   PDF

It is now a quarter of a century since Junge and his coworkers recovered the first sample from the sulfate aerosol layer in the stratosphere. Since that time vast strides have been made in determining its physical properties and morphology. These investigations have been performed with instruments on board aircraft and balloon platforms as in the early days, with ground-based lidar (optical radar), and most recently with satellite-borne optical instruments. It will become evident in Chapter 2 that in situ measurements by aircI'aft and ,balloon sensors complement rather than duplicate the remote techniques (lidar and satellite). Hence future programs will probably continue to utilize direct as well as indirect experimental techniques. Concurrently, with the observations of the gross properties of the aerosol layer, la~oratory and theoretical studies have sought to elucidate the chemical and micro­ physical processes which influence the formation and growth of the aerosol par­ ticles. The laboratory investigations have included studies of gas phase chemistry, and particle nucleation and growth mechanisms. Theoretical studies have revolved mainly around a series of models developed by atmospheric scientists. The earliest of these models was constructed by Junge and his colleagues. With the advent of third- and fourth-generation computers, the capacity to solve the quite complex continuity equations whi~h govern particle formation, growth, and removal has ad­ vanced to the point where most of the particle properties can be simulated with reasonable confidence.

• Aerosol
• Messung
• Stratosphäre
• Sulfat
• satellite

• Space Science Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, USA

  Robert C. Whitten

Policies and ethics