A growing threat to the ozone layer from short-lived anthropogenic chlorocarbons

摘要: Abstract. Large and effective reductions in emissions of long-lived ozone-depleting substance (ODS) are being achieved through the Montreal Protocol, effectiveness which can be seen declining atmospheric abundances many ODSs. An important remaining uncertainty concerns role very short-lived substances (VSLSs) which, owing to their relatively short lifetimes (less than 6 months), not regulated under Protocol. Recent studies have found an unexplained increase global tropospheric abundance one VSLS, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), has increased by around 60 % over past decade. Here we report dramatic enhancements several chlorine-containing VSLSs (Cl-VSLSs), including CH2Cl2 CH2ClCH2Cl (1,2-dichloroethane), observed surface upper-tropospheric air East South Asia. Surface observations were, on occasion, order magnitude higher previously reported marine boundary layer, whilst data were up 3 times expected. In addition, provide further evidence transport mechanism whereby substantial amounts industrial pollution from Asia, these chlorinated VSLSs, rapidly, regularly, transported tropical regions western Pacific subsequently uplifted upper troposphere. This latter region is a major provider entering stratosphere, so this mechanism, conjunction with increasing Cl-VSLSs could potentially slow expected recovery stratospheric ozone.