CATALYTIC DESTRUCTION OF STRATOSPHERIC OZONE

This paper presents a review of the main ozone destroying catalytic cy cles operating in the stratosphere. Particular attention is paid to th e kinetic aspects of these cycles such as the rate limiting step and c hain length. Although it is an important kinetic parameter, the chain length of the various cycles is seldom considered when the various cat alytic cycles are discussed. This survey highlights that in the low st ratosphere the cycles involving HO2 and halogens (notably bromine) are particularly important. In approximate order of effectiveness the mos t important ozone loss cycles in the polar lower stratosphere are the BrO/ClO, HO2/BrO, and OH/HO2 cycles.