Concentration, Distribution and Transport of Alkyl Nitrates in the Troposphere

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Nitrogen compounds are among the most important chemical species involved in the complex chemical and photochemical processes in the global troposphere. Interactions of odd- nitrogen compounds with non-methane hydrocarbons and a variety of radical species have been shown to have a potential impact on atmospheric chemistry on local, regional, and global scales. Because of their central role in atmospheric chemistry, a complete study of the cycle of odd-nitrogen compounds has been recommended as part of an overall Global Tropospheric Chemistry Program. Alkyl nitrates are photochemical products of atmospheric hydrocarbon oxidation in the presence of reactive oxides of nitrogen. Recent measurements of alkyl nitrates that these compounds may constitute a significant fraction of the total reactive nitrogen in the "clean" troposphere. Because of their potential contribution in the nitrogen budget and their significance to oxidant chemistry, detailed information is required to understand the sources, composition, concentration and variability of alkyl nitrate in the global troposphere. The objectives of this research are to accurately measure relevant alkyl nitrate compounds in the troposphere, to estimate the contribution of alkyl nitrates to the budget of reactive nitrogen species in the troposphere, and to investigate the long-range transport of alkyl nitrates to remote marine areas.