Deposition of dinitrogen pentoxide, N2O5, to the snowpack at high latitudes

• Published in: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
• Main Authors: Huff, D. M., Joyce, P. L., Fochesatto, G. J., Simpson, W. R.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Arctic; Fairbanks; Alaska
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-4929-2011; https://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/11/4929/2011/

Dinitrogen pentoxide, N 2 O 5 , is an important nighttime intermediate in the oxidation of NO x that is hydrolysed on surfaces. We conducted a field campaign in Fairbanks, Alaska during November 2009 to measure the gradient and derive a flux (and deposition velocity) of N 2 O 5 depositing to snowpack using the aerodynamic gradient method. The deposition velocity of N 2 O 5 under Arctic winter conditions was found to be 0.59 ± 0.47 cm s −1 , which is the first measurement of this parameter to our knowledge. Based on the measured deposition velocity, we compared the chemical loss rate of N 2 O 5 via snowpack deposition to the total steady state loss rate and found that deposition to snowpack is at least 1/8th of the total chemical removal of N 2 O 5 that is located within the first few meters above the ground surface.