Investigation of reactive halogen species in a smog chamber and in the field

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The objective of the proposed activities as part of the DFG research group HaloProc is the investigation of Reactive Halogen (RH) chemistry in the atmosphere by Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy. The importance of RH includes the destruction of ozone, change in the chemical balance, increased deposition of toxic compounds (like mercury) and potential indirect effects on global climate. In our laboratory experiments we observed events of “Bromine Explosion” (auto catalytic release of reactive bromine from salt surfaces – key to ozone destruction) that were strongly dependent on pH and humidity. Our measurements from field campaigns in Namibia/Botsuana, Southern Russia and Mauritania during HaloProc1 showed 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower BrO and IO levels than expected based on previous observations at salt flats. Environmental conditions might have strong influence, which would be consistent with the smog chamber studies. One of the main questions of the second phase is under which conditions does RH activation take place. It is of great interest whether reactions of chlorine and iodine compounds on salt surfaces are similar to those of bromine, and whether different RH compounds interact with each other. In addition, oxides of nitrogen might be important for their role in the reactivation of RH. Proposed field campaigns in Namibia and South Russia will allow us to investigate the sources, sinks and transformations of RH compounds. This work will be complemented by corresponding smog chamber experiments with measurements of different halogen oxides as well as photochemical model calculations.