Halite particles injected into the stratosphere by the 1982 el chichon eruption

Area of Science:

• Stratospheric chemistry
• Volcanic aerosol science
• Atmospheric chemistry

Background:

• The 1982 El Chichón eruption injected significant material into the stratosphere.
• Understanding the composition and evolution of volcanic aerosols is crucial for atmospheric studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize halite particles from the El Chichón eruption cloud.
• To investigate the potential role of these particles in stratospheric chemical processes.

Main Methods:

• Collection of stratospheric particles using a quartz crystal microbalance cascade impactor.
• Analysis of particle size and composition.
• Correlation with lidar measurements of hydrogen chloride and optical depolarization.

Main Results:

• Identified halite particles approximately 2 micrometers in size.
• Observed enrichments in hydrogen chloride and increased optical depolarization, potentially linked to halite.
• Evidence suggests halite reacted with sulfuric acid, releasing hydrogen chloride.

Conclusions:

• Halite particles from the El Chichón eruption were present in the lower stratosphere.
• These particles may have influenced observed atmospheric phenomena, including hydrogen chloride concentrations.
• The release of hydrogen chloride from halite could contribute to catalytic ozone destruction in the stratosphere.