Investigation of the influences of halogen chemistry on the oxidation capacity of the atmosphere in mid-latitudes and the ozone budget

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulrich Platt
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: from 2000 to 2007
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5264440

As observed at polar regions as well as at mid-latitudinal sites like the Dead Sea (DS)in Israel, Reactive Halogen Species ("RHS", e.g. bromine monoxide, BrO) can destroy ozone in the boundary layer and thus largely reduce the oxidation capacity of the troposphere. In a joint project between the University of Heidelberg and the Hebrew University Jerusalem release mechanisms and the influence of RHS on tropospheric chemistry and their consequences on the atmospheric composition at mid latitudes will be investigated. Field campaigns in the Dead Sea Valley in Israel are planned.Because of its geographical position and topography it can be regarded as a large scale natural "laboratory". Questions to be answered include the details of the mechanisms releasing RHS to the atmosphere, in particular the "Bromine Explosion" mechanism, a possible anthropogenic influence on RHS release, determination of the total amount of halogens released, and the involvement of halogen oxides (BrO, CIO,IO,OCIO,OBrO) in regional ozone destruction. From these data a better assessment of the influence of RHS on the chemistry of the troposphere and the global ozone budget can be attained. The main meassurement technique will be Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Menachem Luria