Article Type:
Research Article

Nitric Acid–Sea Salt Reactions: Implications for Nitrogen Deposition to Water Surfaces

S. C. Pryor Atmospheric Science Program, Department of Geography, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

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L. L. Sørensen Department of Wind Energy and Atmospheric Physics, Risø National Laboratory, Roskilde, Denmark

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Print Publication:
01 May 2000
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450-39.5.725
Page(s):
725–731
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Abstract

Many previous studies have indicated the importance of nitric acid (HNO3) reactions on sea salt particles for flux divergence of HNO3 in the marine surface layer. The potential importance of this reaction in determining the spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen dry deposition to marine ecosystems is investigated using models of sea spray generation and particle- and gas-phase dry deposition. Under horizontally homogeneous conditions with near-neutral stability and for wind speeds between 3.5 and 10 m s−1, transfer of HNO3 to the particle phase to form sodium nitrate may decrease the deposition velocity of nitrogen by over 50%, leading to greater horizontal transport prior to deposition to the sea surface. Conversely, for wind speeds above 10 m s−1, transfer of nitrogen to the particle phase would increase the deposition rate and hence decrease horizontal transport prior to surface removal.

Corresponding author address: S. C. Pryor, Atmospheric Science Program, Dept. of Geography, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405.

Abstract

Many previous studies have indicated the importance of nitric acid (HNO3) reactions on sea salt particles for flux divergence of HNO3 in the marine surface layer. The potential importance of this reaction in determining the spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen dry deposition to marine ecosystems is investigated using models of sea spray generation and particle- and gas-phase dry deposition. Under horizontally homogeneous conditions with near-neutral stability and for wind speeds between 3.5 and 10 m s−1, transfer of HNO3 to the particle phase to form sodium nitrate may decrease the deposition velocity of nitrogen by over 50%, leading to greater horizontal transport prior to deposition to the sea surface. Conversely, for wind speeds above 10 m s−1, transfer of nitrogen to the particle phase would increase the deposition rate and hence decrease horizontal transport prior to surface removal.

Corresponding author address: S. C. Pryor, Atmospheric Science Program, Dept. of Geography, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405.

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