Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), which contributes to the destruction of stratospheric ozone, may be formed directly in the upper atmosphere by solar protons1,2 and by the precipitation of relativistic electrons from the Earth's radiation belts3. We now describe an alternative means by which solar proton (SP) events and relativistic electron precipitation (REP) events may lead to the production of stratospheric NO—the production of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the mesosphere, its downward migration and conversion in the stratosphere to NO by the reaction N2O + O(1D) → 2 NO (1) This process could amplify the direct NO production by >10%, which is significant. Mesospheric nitrous oxide mixing ratios increase to values as high as 6×10−7. due to REP- and SP-related production. Lateral transport will reduce these high values. But even so, mesospheric mixing ratios of N2O in the high latitudes would approach 10−7, which is considerably greater than those expected on the basis of theories which neglect REP- and SP-related production of this species.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
