Measurements of δ13C in CH4 and using particle dispersion modeling to characterize sources of Arctic methane within an air mass.

A stratified air mass enriched in methane (CH4) was sampled at ~600 m to ~2000 m altitude, between the north coast of Norway and Svalbard as part of the Methane in the Arctic: Measurements and Modelling campaign on board the UK's BAe-146-301 Atmospheric Research Aircraft. The approach used here, which combines interpretation of multiple tracers with transport modeling, enables better understanding of the emission sources that contribute to the background mixing ratios of CH4 in the Arctic. Importantly, it allows constraints to be placed on the location and isotopic bulk signature of the emission source(s). Measurements of δ13C in CH4 in whole air samples taken while traversing the air mass identified that the source(s) had a strongly depleted bulk δ13C CH4 isotopic signature of -70 (±2.1)‰. Combined Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modeling Environment and inventory analysis indicates that the air mass was recently in the planetary boundary layer over northwest Russia and the Barents Sea, with the likely dominant source of methane being from wetlands in that region.

CFCS and the ozone layer.

Ozone is an important constituent of the atmosphere. Ozone forms a distinct layer in the lower stratosphere known as the ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as a fragile shield because it protects man and other life forms from exposure to harmful short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The agents, particularly chemical, which affect the amount of ozone present in the atmosphere have been a source of concern for more than 20 years. This has been reinforced by the dramatic decline of stratospheric ozone levels first measured in Antarctica and now apparent worldwide. The combination of routine measurements of ozone depletion, careful laboratory studies and mathematical modelling of ozone in the atmosphere, has demonstrated that the reactive fragments produced when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and other halogenated compounds break down in the stratosphere are responsible for the ozone loss. As CFCs have widespread and sometimes apparently essential uses in modern society, there has been an intense effort to develop safe, effective replacements which have a negligible or much smaller impact on the environment. The Montreal Protocol, signed by over 140 nations, has been implemented to control and phase out the chemical compounds responsible for ozone loss.