In:
Science Advances, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Vol. 7, No. 19 ( 2021-05-07)
Abstract:
After the 1980s, atmospheric sulfate reduction is slower than the dramatic reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions. However, a lack of observational evidence has hindered the identification of causal feedback mechanisms. Here, we report an increase in the oxygen isotopic composition of sulfate ( Δ 17 O SO 4 2 − ) in a Greenland ice core, implying an enhanced role of acidity-dependent in-cloud oxidation by ozone (up to 17 to 27%) in sulfate production since the 1960s. A global chemical transport model reproduces the magnitude of the increase in observed Δ 17 O SO 4 2 − with a 10 to 15% enhancement in the conversion efficiency from SO 2 to sulfate in Eastern North America and Western Europe. With an expected continued decrease in atmospheric acidity, this feedback will continue in the future and partially hinder air quality improvements.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2375-2548
DOI:
10.1126/sciadv.abd4610
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2810933-8