The Role of Sulfur Dioxide in Stratospheric Aerosol Formation Evaluated Using In-Situ Measurements in the Tropical Lower Stratosphere

Stratospheric aerosols (SAs) are a variable component of the Earth's albedo that may be intentionally enhanced in the future to offset greenhouse gases (geoengineering). The role of tropospheric-sourced sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in maintaining background SAs has been debated for decades without in-situ measurements of SO₂ at the tropical tropopause to inform this issue. Here we clarify the role of SO₂ in maintaining SAs by using new in-situ SO₂ measurements to evaluate climate models and satellite retrievals. We then use the observed tropical tropopause SO₂ mixing ratios to estimate the global flux of SO₂ across the tropical tropopause. These analyses show that the tropopause background SO₂ is about 5 times smaller than reported by the average satellite observations that have been used recently to test atmospheric models. This shifts the view of SO₂ as a dominant source of SAs to a near-negligible one, possibly revealing a significant gap in the SA budget.

Growth in stratospheric chlorine from short-lived chemicals not controlled by the Montreal Protocol

We have developed a chemical mechanism describing the tropospheric degradation of chlorine containing very short-lived substances (VSLS). The scheme was included in a global atmospheric model and used to quantify the stratospheric injection of chlorine from anthropogenic VSLS ( ClyVSLS) between 2005 and 2013. By constraining the model with surface measurements of chloroform (CHCl₃), dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), tetrachloroethene (C₂Cl₄), trichloroethene (C₂HCl₃), and 1,2-dichloroethane (CH₂ClCH₂Cl), we infer a 2013 ClyVSLS mixing ratio of 123 parts per trillion (ppt). Stratospheric injection of source gases dominates this supply, accounting for ∼83% of the total. The remainder comes from VSLS-derived organic products, phosgene (COCl₂, 7%) and formyl chloride (CHClO, 2%), and also hydrogen chloride (HCl, 8%). Stratospheric ClyVSLS increased by ∼52% between 2005 and 2013, with a mean growth rate of 3.7 ppt Cl/yr. This increase is due to recent and ongoing growth in anthropogenic CH₂Cl₂-the most abundant chlorinated VSLS not controlled by the Montreal Protocol.

Fourier transform emission spectroscopy of YH and YD: observation of new A1Δ and B1Π electronic states

The emission spectra of YH and YD molecules have been investigated in the 3600-12,000 cm(-1) region using a Fourier transform spectrometer. Molecules were formed in an yttrium hollow cathode lamp operated with a continuous flow of a mixture of Ne and Ar gases, and YH and YD were observed together in the same spectra. A group of bands observed near 1 μm have been identified as 0-0 and 1-1 bands of the A(1)Δ-X(1)Σ(+) and B(1)Π-X(1)Σ(+) transitions of YH and the 0-0 bands of the same two transitions for YD. The A(1)Δ and B(1)Π states of YH are separated by only about 12 cm(-1) and are involved in strong interactions. A perturbation analysis has been performed using the PGOPHER program to fit the two interacting electronic states and spectroscopic parameters for the A(1)Δ and B(1)Π states, including the interaction matrix elements, have been obtained for the first time.

High resolution laser excitation spectroscopy of the B̃E2-X̃A12 transitions of calcium and strontium monoborohydride

High resolution spectra of the B2E-X2A1 transitions of CaBH4 and SrBH4 have been recorded using laser excitation spectroscopy in a laser ablation/molecular jet source. Because of rotational cooling in the molecular jet and nuclear spin statistics, transitions arising from only the K'=1<--K"=0, K'=2<--K"=1, and K'=0<--K"=1 subbands have been observed. For each molecule, an analysis of the data using 2E and 2A1 symmetric top Hamiltonians yielded rotational, spin-orbit, and spin-rotation parameters for the observed states. For both molecules the rotational constants compare well with those calculated for a tridentate borohydride structure. A large reduction in the spin-orbit splitting and in the metal-ligand separation for each molecule indicates an increase in the amount of d atomic orbital character in the first excited 2E states of the monoborohydrides as compared to the monomethyl derivatives. For each molecule no evidence of internal rotation of the BH4- ligand was found. A change in the magnitude and sign of the spin-rotation constant epsilon1 confirms an energy reordering of the first excited 2E and 2A1 states in both CaBH4 and SrBH4 as compared to CaCH3 and SrCH3. The data also suggest that the B2E1/2 rotational energy levels of CaBH4 may be perturbed by a vibronic component of the A2A1 state.

High-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy of the ÃE2-X̃A12 transition of SrCH3

High-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy has been used to record the A (2)E-X (2)A(1) electronic transition of SrCH(3) in a laser ablation/molecular jet source. Transitions arising from the K(')=1<--K(")=0, K(')=0<--K(")=1, and K(')=2<--K(")=1 subbands have been observed and assigned. The data were modeled with (2)E and (2)A(1) symmetric top Hamiltonian matrices in a Hund's case (a) basis, using a least squares fitting program. Rotational and fine structure parameters for the A (2)E state were determined. A comparison of the spin-orbit energy separation in the A (2)E state to other strontium containing free radicals showed that the Jahn-Teller effect is negligible. The spin-rotation constants for the A (2)E state were calculated using the pure precession model and were found to be in good agreement with the experimentally determined parameters. These calculations suggest that the A (2)E state of SrCH(3) is not entirely of p orbital character. The rotational constants were used to estimate the structural parameters of SrCH(3) in the A (2)E state. The strontium-carbon bond length was found to decrease by approximately 0.006 A, and the hydrogen-carbon-hydrogen bond angle opened by approximately 0.8 degrees compared to the X (2)A(1) state, similar to the geometry changes observed for CaCH(3).

High-Resolution Spectroscopic Investigation of the B̃2A1−X̃2A1 Transitions of CaCH3 and SrCH3

High-resolution spectra of the ~B(2)A(1)-- ~X(2)A(1) transitions of CaCH(3) and SrCH(3) have been recorded in a molecular jet/laser ablation source using laser excitation spectroscopy. Transitions arising from the K = 0 and 1 sub-bands have been observed for both molecules. An analysis of the data using a (2)A(1) symmetric top Hamiltonian has determined rotational and spin-rotation constants for the ~B(2)A(1) state of each molecule. From the rotational constants, structures have been estimated for both CaCH(3) and SrCH(3). The spin-rotation constant, epsilon(bc) = (epsilon(bb) + epsilon(cc))/2, in the ~B(2)A(1) state for both molecules is in reasonable agreement with the value calculated using the pure precession approximation. For CaCH(3), the K' = 1 levels of the ~B(2)A(1) state exhibit a perturbation that interchanges the energy ordering of the spin-rotation components.

Fourier transform infrared emission spectra of MgH and MgD

High resolution Fourier transform infrared emission spectra of MgH and MgD have been recorded. The molecules were generated in an emission source that combines an electrical discharge with a high temperature furnace. Several vibration-rotation bands were observed for all six isotopomers in the X (2)Sigma(+) ground electronic state: v=1-->0 to 4-->3 for (24)MgH, v=1-->0 to 3-->2 for (25)MgH and (26)MgH, v=1-->0 to 5-->4 for (24)MgD, v=1-->0 to 4-->3 for (25)MgD and (26)MgD. The new data were combined with the previous ground state data, obtained from diode laser vibration-rotation measurements and pure rotation spectra, and spectroscopic constants were determined for the v=0 to 4 levels of (24)MgH and the v=0 to 5 levels of (24)MgD. In addition, Dunham constants and Born-Oppenheimer breakdown correction parameters were obtained in a combined fit of the six isotopomers. The equilibrium vibrational constants (omega(e)) for (24)MgH and (24)MgD were found to be 1492.776(7) cm(-1) and 1077.298(5) cm(-1), respectively, while the equilibrium rotational constants (B(e)) are 5.825 523(8) cm(-1) and 3.034 344(4) cm(-1). The associated equilibrium bond distances (r(e)) were determined to be 1.729 721(1) A for (24)MgH and 1.729 157(1) A for (24)MgD.

Fourier Transform Emission Spectroscopy of CuCl

The electronic spectra of CuCl were observed in the 18 000 cm(-1) to 25 000 cm(-1) spectral region using a Bruker IFS 120 HR Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and with the FTS associated with the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope at Kitt Peak. On the basis of ab initio calculations, the labels for the electronic states were revised, and the a(3)Sigma(+)(1)-X(1)Sigma(+) 0-0 band, the b(3)Pi(0)-X(1)Sigma(+) 0-0, 1-0, and 0-1 bands, the b(3)Pi(1)-X(1)Sigma(+) 0-0, 1-0, and 0-1 bands, the A(1)Pi-X(1)Sigma(+) 0-0, 1-0, and 0-2 bands, and the B(1)Sigma(+)-X(1)Sigma(+) 0-0 and 1-0 bands were measured. Improved spectroscopic constants were obtained for the excited and ground states. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Laser-Induced Fluorescence and Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of NiCl: Identification of a Low-Lying (2)Sigma(+) State (1768 cm(-1))

From a comparison with the spectrum of NiF, a low-lying (2)Sigma(+) state is expected to lie in the first 2000 cm(-1) above the ground X(2)Pi(3/2) state of NiCl. The identification of this (2)Sigma(+) (v = 0) state (at 1768 cm(-1)) has been carried out through the analysis of two electronic transitions (2)Pi(3/2)-(2)Sigma(+) (22 720 cm(-1)) and (2)Pi(1/2)-(2)Sigma(+) (23 210 cm(-1)) recorded by high-resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy. Dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy allowed these transitions to be located on an absolute energy-level diagram that includes the previously studied electronic states. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of the A'(1)Pi-X(1)Sigma(+) System of CaO

The A'(1)Pi-X(1)Sigma(+) near-infrared system of CaO was observed for the first time at high resolution using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The A'(1)Pi-X(1)Sigma(+) chemiluminescence was excited in a Ca + N(2)O flame produced in a Broida-type oven. More than 3000 rotational lines, classified into 19 bands involving the A'(1)Pi 0 </= v' </= 3 and the X(1)Sigma(+) 1 </= v" </= 7 vibrational levels were measured in the 4000-10 000 cm(-1) region with a precision of 0.005 cm(-1). The X(1)Sigma(+) (v = 0, 1) millimeter-wave and X(1)Sigma(+) (v = 0-3) infrared data available in the literature were merged with our new electronic data in order to obtain improved Dunham constants for the ground state of CaO. Very peculiar perturbations are observed in the higher vibrational levels of the A'(1)Pi state, so the upper levels of transitions with v' = 2 and 3 were represented by term values in our least-squares analysis. The interaction of the A'(1)Pi (v >/= 2) levels with the nearby b(3)Sigma(+) (v-2) levels has been detected. An extended set of A'(1)Pi (v = 0-3) data has been obtained which is suitable for use in a future multistate deperturbation analysis of the a(3)Pi approximately A'(1)Pi approximately b(3)Sigma(+) approximately A(1)Sigma(+) complex of excited states. The new near-infrared spectra of the A'(1)Pi-X(1)Sigma(+) transition of CaO also permits the first direct high-resolution linkage between the orange and green systems and the near-infrared bands. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of Chemiluminescence from the SrO A(1)Sigma(+)-X(1)Sigma(+) Transition

The A(1)Sigma(+)-X(1)Sigma(+) chemiluminescence spectrum of SrO was observed using a Fourier transform spectrometer. SrO was produced in a Broida-type oven from the Sr + N(2)O reaction. A total of 75 bands from (88)SrO, (87)SrO, and (86)SrO were measured in the range of 7600-13 600 cm(-1) at a resolution of 0.04 cm(-1). The vibrational levels of the ground state were observed up to v" = 12 and over 10 000 rovibrational lines with J as high as 153 were analyzed at a precision of about 0.005 cm(-1). Significantly improved spectral constants for the ground state were obtained by representing the perturbed excited state by term values and by adding the known microwave data and infrared data to our fit. Strong perturbations were observed in the upper A state. The vibrational levels of the A(1)Sigma(+) state were measured up to v' = 8 and some new perturbations are reported. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Fourier Transform Infrared Emission Spectroscopy of SeH

The infrared vibration-rotation bands of SeH have been measured in the X(2)Pi ground state using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The bands were observed in a microwave discharge of a mixture of H(2) and Se in the presence of He. The rotational structure of the 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 bands of the X(2)Pi(3/2) spin component and the 1-0 band of X(2)Pi(1/2) spin component has been observed in the 1800-2600 cm(-1) region. The principal ground state molecular constants obtained are omega(e) = 2421.7153(234) cm(-1), omega(e)x(e) = 44.6012(110) cm(-1), omega(e)y(e) = 0.20697(236) cm(-1), B(e) = 7.899187(696) cm(-1), alpha(e) = 0.220749(399) cm(-1), and r(e) = 1.464319(64) Å. This work is the first determination of the equilibrium molecular constants of the X(2)Pi state of SeH. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

The Rotational Analysis of the A(2)Pi(r)-X(2)Sigma(+) Band System of MgBr

The A(2)Pi(r)-X(2)Sigma(+) emission spectrum of the magnesium monobromide radical, MgBr, has been recorded with a Fourier transform spectrometer modified to record double-sided interferograms. The emission spectra of the Deltav = -2, -1, 0, +1 bands were generated in a microwave discharge of a mixture of argon and vaporized MgBr(2). The Deltav = 0 and -1 bands were rotationally resolved, but the F(2) spin component (A(2)Pi(3/2)) in the (1, 1), (1, 2) and vibrational bands with v' > 1 were missing in our spectra because of a strong predissociation in the A state. The molecular constants in both electronic states were determined for the two bromine isotopomers. The r(0) bond length in the A state is about 2.327 Å, which is about 0.02 Å shorter than in the ground state. Franck-Condon factors were calculated from the Rydberg-Klein-Rees potentials, and they reproduce the observed relative intensities of the bandheads. An upper limit for the dissociation energy (D(0)(0)) was obtained as 26 268.4 cm(-1), based on the absence of the energy level with v = 1, A(2)Pi(3/2), J = 1.5 in our spectrum. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.