The Role of Chlorine in Stratospheric Chemistry

Abstract

The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are industrialchemicals used as solvents, refrigerants, plastic foam blowing agents,etc. These compounds are eventually released to the environment; theyslowly drift into the stratosphere, where they decompose, initiatinga catalytic process involving chlorine free radicals and leading toozone destruction. The stratospheric ozone layer is important for theearth's energy budget, and it shields the surface of the earth fromultraviolet radiation from the sun. Very significant depletion of theozone layer has been observed in the spring months over Antarctica duringthe last 10-15 years. Laboratory experiments, model calculations andfield measurements, which include several aircraft expeditions, haveyielded a wealth of information which clearly points to the CFCs asthe main cause of this depletion.