Molecule of the Month February 2010 |
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Tracking HONO in Snow | ||
Nitrous acid (HONO) is an important atmospheric trace gas, as it photo-dissociates into nitrogen monoxide (NO) and hydroxyl radical (OH), which is the main driver of atmospheric oxidation cycles leading to ozone and aerosol formation. The exchange of HONO between air and snow affects the oxidation capacity of air masses in contact with snow and influences the way nitrogen oxides are trapped into ice archives, from which past climates are reconstructed.
This work has been performed in the group of Prof. Heinz W. Gäggeler / Prof. Andreas Türler. References:
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