On the source of gaseous chlorine in the marine atmosphere

Abstract

The chemical species and source of gaseous chlorine in the marine atmosphere have been the subject of controversy for many years. Cauer [1951] suggested that the gaseous chlorine is Cl2 released from sea-salt particles in the atmosphere by the reaction of chloride ion with ozone. Eriksson [1960] pointed out that the rate of this reaction was too slow to account for the observed amounts of gaseous chlorine in the atmosphere. Robbins et al. [1959] suggested that atmospheric NO2 may be hydrolyzed in the vapor phase to form HNO3, the latter subsequently dissolving in the sea-salt particles, which are liquid droplets at relative humidities above 70%.