Reactive Trace Species in the Boundary Layer from a Micrometeorological Perspective

Abstract

Mean and turbulence variables of reactive trace species in the atmospheric boundary layer can be modified by chemical reactions. These effects are illustrated with results obtained from an aircraft instrumented with a fast-response ozone sensor. The ozone variance budget was estimated for one case in which production of variance by chemical reactions seems probable. Another example shows thin laminae of ozone concentration considerably different from adjacent layers in the turbulent inversion layer at the top of the boundary layer. Again, chemical reactions seem the most plausible explanation. Vertical profiles of reactive species may also be modified in the surface layer if their reaction time is of the order of a hundred seconds. These effects of chemical reactions may be useful in studying sources and sinks of trace species in the boundary layer.