Title: Large-Scale Distribution of Gaseous and Particulate Sulfur Compounds and Its Impact on Climate
Abstract: ABSTRACT The paper deals with the distribution of the concentration of SO 2 and of sulfate-aerosols. The distribution of H 2 S is only discussed as far as necessary for the understanding of H 2 S as a natural precursor of SO 2 . With respect to SO 2 all measurements show a decrease of the concentration from the continents to the oceans. Aircraft ascents demonstrate that even above industrial areas the dispersion and scavenging of SO 2 prevents an accumulation in the middle and upper troposphere. Over the Atlantic ocean the SO 2 -concentration is nearly constant with altitude with an indication that the ocean is a sink for SO 2 . The final product of SO 2 -oxidation is a sulfate-aerosol existing mainly in the size range between 0.01 μ and 1 μ radius. The mass concentration of sulfates over the Atlantic exceeds the SO 2 -concentration in these regions. There is always an excess-concentration of sulfates over the ocean compared with the sulfate-content of ocean water. The atmospheric residence time of sulfate-aerosols is about 3 to 8 days and exceeds that of SO 2 . While the climatic effect of SO 2 is negligible, sulfate particles change the radiative climate in parts of the world by scattering and absorption. The correlation between sulfate-concentration of the troposphere and light-scattering is well established and will be discussed in the paper.
Publication Year: 1979
Publication Date: 1979-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 4
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