Chlorofluorocarbons

CFCs are very stable chemical compounds, used in refrigerants, solvent, and
(in the past in the U.S.) aerosols, which release chlorine (important) and
fluorine (less important) into the upper atmosphere. In the stratosphere,
CFCs are photolyzed (by incoming solar UV) to form carbon dioxide, CO2,
hydrogen fluoride, HF, and ultimately (after multiple UV absorption
events) chlorine radicals. These chlorine species are crucial in the
destruction of the ozone layer over Antarctica and probably elsewhere (see
chlorine). [Environmental Science and Technology; v 28; pages 1619-1622;
1994.]

Chlorofluorocarbons News

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Dr. Qing Liang

NASA’s wide range of atmospheric datasets help scientists like Dr. Qing Liang monitor and simulate concentrations of trace gases that impact ozone in the atmosphere.

Data User Story

Jun 24, 2021

Polar stratospheric clouds form when extremely cold conditions in the high Arctic and Antarctic atmospheres cause nitric acid and water to freeze into tiny crystals.

A New Pole Hole

In winter 2011, an ozone hole appeared over the Arctic for the first time.

Feature Article

Mar 1, 2021

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