Measurements of atmospheric BrOx radicals in the tropical and mid-latitude atmosphere

Abstract

The possible impact of bromine-bearing components on the Earth's ozone layer has been causing concern1-5. Catalytic decomposition of ozone by bromine radicals (BrOx) is more efficient than by chlorine radicals (ClOx) and could be enhanced by synergistic effects of BrOx and ClOx (refs 6, 7). First vertical profiles of CBrClF2 and CBrF3, two important source gases of atmospheric BrOx, were measured respectively during 1982-84 and 1980 at 44°N (refs 4, 8). We report profiles measured in 1987 almost simultaneously in the tropics (Hyderabad, 17 °N) and at mid-latitudes (Gap, 44 °N). Comparison with the earlier data shows that the atmospheric abundances of CBrClF2 and CBrF3, at present ̃2 p.p.t.v. and 1.3 p.p.t.v., are growing by 12% per year and 5% per year respectively. © 1988 Nature Publishing Group.