THE ACTION OF SST EMISSIONS ON THE OZONE LAYER
Mass transfer mechanisms in the stratosphere are described together with periodic changes in the global distribution of stratospheric ozone. Mechanisms proposed for the production and destruction of ozone are reviewed, with particular emphasis placed on the role of nitrogen oxides at different altitudes. It is estimated that the sum of the volume molar fractions of NO, NO2 and HNO3 between 20 and 35 km is practically constant, with a value of about 12.10 times ten to the minus ninth power. A large portion of these nitrogen compounds originated in the natural processes of denitrification of organic materials. It is further estimated that a yearly 0.39 per cent reduction in the ozone layer could occur as a result of the flight of a fleet of 100 Concorde-type supersonce transports at altitudes of 16-17 km in the Northern Hemisphere; the corresponding figure for SST-type transports, flying at 20 km altitude, is about 4 percent. A 0.39 per cent yearly reduction of the ozone layer may be expected to result in one additional fatality per annum due to skin malignancies in France.
- Tran-Transl. Into English from la Meteorologie (France), Mar. 1976 p 71-80.
Kanner (Leo) AssociatesRedwood City, CA United States
- Brun, E A
- Publication Date: 1977-1
- Pagination: 19 p.
- TRT Terms: Air pollution; Altitude; Atmospheric chemistry; Atmospheric turbulence; Human factors; Motion; Nitric oxide; Nitrogen oxides; Ozone; Skin; Speed; Stratosphere; Supersonic transport planes
- Old TRIS Terms: Hydrogen nitrate
- Subject Areas: Aviation; Environment; Safety and Human Factors;
- Accession Number: 00155043
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
- Report/Paper Numbers: NASA-TT-F-17312
- Contract Numbers: NASW-2790
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Aug 31 1978 12:00AM