Chemistry And Physics Of Stratospheric Ozone

Chemistry and Physics of Stratospheric Ozone will provide an in-depth account of chemical and physical properties of stratospheric ozone, which will be valuable to a wide audience. The research of the last decade has produced as many arguments as answers, and the author provides a good account of both the accepted and provocative resolutions. Focuses on the important aspects of stratospheric ozone that are needed to understand most of the literature Provides extensive discussion of the natural and human-induced changes to the "ozone layer" Includes homework problems at the end of each chapter

"The Chemistry and Physics of Stratospheric Ozone is a reference and textbook focusing on chemical and physical processes that determine the abundance of stratospheric ozone. The presentations assume knowledge of the atmosphere at the level of an advanced undergraduate in atmospheric sciences, but no specialized knowledge of chemistry or the stratosphere is required." --Résumé de l'éditeur.

"[...] an interesting and well-written overview of the current status of our knowledge of the composition of the middle atmosphere and the basic radiative, dynamical and photochemical processes which maintain it." (Bulletin American Meteorological Society)

The reader may be surprised to learn that the word "aeronomy" is not found in many of the standard dictionaries of the English language (for exam ple. Webster's International dictionary). Yet the term would appear to exist, as evidenced by the affiliations of the two authors of this volume (Institut d'Aeronomie, Brussels, Belgium; Aeronomy Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, CO, USA). Perhaps part of this obscu rity arises because aeronomy is a relatively new and evolving field of endeavor, with a history dating back no farther than about 1940. The Chambers dic tionary of science and technology provides the following definition: "aeronomy (Meteor. ). The branch of science dealing with the atmosphere of the Earth and the other planets with reference to their chemical com position, physical properties, relative motion,

Recent studies have demonstrated a link between ozone changes caused by human activities and changing UV levels at the Earth's surface, as well as a link to climate through changes in radiative forcing and links to changes in chemical composition. This book draws together key scientists who provide state of the art contributions on the variable ozone layer and the interplay of longwave and shortwave radiative interactions which link ozone, the climate and UV issues.

The reader may be surprised to learn that the word "aeronomy" is not found in many of the standard dictionaries of the English language (for exam ple, Webster's International dictionary). Yet the term would appear to exist, as evidenced by the affiliations of the two authors of this volume (Institut d' Aeronomie Spatiale, Brussels, Belgium; Aeronomy Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, CO, USA). Perhaps part of this obscurity arises because aeronomy is a relatively new and evolving field of endeavor, with a history dating back no farther than about 1940. The Chambers dictionary of science and technology provides the following defini tion: "aeronomy (Meteor. ). The branch of science dealing with the atmo sphere of the Earth and the other planets with reference to their chemi cal composition, physical properties, relative motion, and reactions to radiation from outer space" This seems to us an appropriate description, and it is reflected throughout the content of this volume. The study of the aeronomy of the middle atmosphere experienced rapid growth and development during the 1970's and 1980's, particularly due to con cern over the possibility of anthropogenic perturbations to the state of the middle atmosphere and its protective ozone layer. As a result, much has been learned regarding both the natural behavior of the atmosphere and the impact of man's activities upon it. In this book we shall attempt to describe the current state of the art as we see it.

In recent years, several new concepts have emerged in the field of stratospheric ozone depletion, creating a need for a concise in-depth publication covering the ozone-climate issue. This monograph fills that void in the literature and gives detailed treatment of recent advances in the field of stratospheric ozone depletion. It puts particular emphasis on the coupling between changes in the ozone layer and atmospheric change caused by a changing climate. The book, written by leading experts in the field, brings the reader the most recent research in this area and fills the gap between advanced textbooks and assessments.