What controls photochemical NO and NO₂ production from Antarctic snow? Laboratory investigation assessing the wavelength and temperature dependence

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the wavelength and temperature dependence of NO and NO 2 release from Antarctic snow. This photochemically driven process has been observed during recent field measurements in polar regions. In this work the photochemical production of NO and NO 2 was reproduced under laboratory conditions with NO 2 dominating the production. The wavelength of incident light was varied over the range 295–385 nm. We observed a λ dependence where NO and NO 2 release ceases when the snow was illuminated with λ > 345 nm. Comparing these data with the aqueous absorption cross section of the nitrate ion (NO 3 − ) indicates that NO 3 − is the precursor N‐oxide species, which is photolyzed in snow. The temperature of the experimental system was varied over the range 253–243 K with no effect on NO and NO 2 production. The occurrence of these photochemical processes followed by release to the atmosphere will impact the chemistry of the boundary layer over any snow‐covered region. In addition, understanding these processes is essential for accurate ice core interpretation.