Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

Stratospheric sink for chlorofluoromethanes: chlorine atom-catalysed destruction of ozone

Creative Commons 'BY' version 4.0 license
Abstract

Chlorofluoromethanes are being added to the environment in steadily increasing amounts. These compounds are chemically inert and may remain in the atmosphere for 40–150 years, and concentrations can be expected to reach 10 to 30 times present levels. Photodissociation of the Chlorofluoromethanes in the stratosphere produces significant amounts of chlorine atoms, and leads to the destruction of atmospheric ozone.