A Study of Atmospheric Reactions of Neutral Sodium Species and Other Metals of Meteoric Origin
Abstract
The reactions of metallic species introduced into the atmosphere by meteor ablation may play a significant role in the chemistry of the lower thermosphere and upper stratosphere. The work described in this report summarizes a series of experimental rate constant measurements for reactions pertinent to these atmospheric regions. Prior to this work, virtually no direct kinetic parameters had been measured for the reactions of alkalis, and in particular sodium, which are believed to occur between 30 and 100 km in altitude. Model predictions of excited sodium emissions, expected concentration levels of the various alkali species, and the potential impact of alkali chemistry on the ozone balance all depended on theoretical estimates of reaction rate constants and product branching rations. Using a high temperature fast flow reactor and a variety of atomic and molecular species source and detection techniques, we have measured rate constants for over a dozen reactions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 10, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166561
Entities
People
- C. E. Kolb
- J. A. Silver
Organizations
- Aerodyne Research