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Photodissociation rates in the atmosphere below 100km

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Abstract

In this survey we consider the atmospheric photodissociation rates of the molecules, O2, O3, NO, NO2, N2O, N2O5, HNO3, HO2, H2O, H2O2, CO2, CH4, CH2O, SO2, and H2S. Data for the absorption cross sections and quantum yields of these molecules are assembled here along with other information pertinent to the determination of photodissociation rates. The most recent techniques for computing atmospheric photodissociation rates are discussed. Photodissociation rates for all of the molecules are given at several solar zenith angles for altitudes up to 100 kilometres.

A knowledge of the photodissociation rates of atmospheric molecules is essential to the resolution of many important atmospheric problems. Pollution of the stratosphere by high-flying aircraft, and of the troposphere by other anthropogenic activities, can only be described in terms of complex photochemical-dynamical models in which photolytic processes have a dominant role. A great deal of scientific effort is presently being spent in determining the mechanisms which control ozone, nitric oxide, and excited molecular oxygen concentrations in the mesosphere. Photolytic processes are already known to be important to all of these species. The photodissociation rates presented here can be applied directly to atmospheric problems such as these, or the methodology and data contained in this work can be used to compute photorates as needed.

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  1. R. & D. Associates, P.O. Box 3580, 90403, Santa Monica, Calif., USA

    R. P. Turco

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Turco, R.P. Photodissociation rates in the atmosphere below 100km. Geophysical Surveys 2, 153–192 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01447907

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