ESS101C
Prof.
Jin-Yi Yu
Coupling Between Odd Nitrogen and Chlorine Cycles
qThroughout most of the lower stratosphere, the
nitrogen and chlorine cycles are coupled by the above chemical reaction.
qThe chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) formed in this
reaction does not react directly with either ozone or atomic oxygen.
Therefore, this coupling reaction keeps chlorine from being in its reactive
forms (Cl and ClO) (which can destroy ozone).
reactive
unreactive