Snow-pile and chamber experiments during the Polar Sunrise Experiment 'Alert 2000':: exploration of nitrogen chemistry

Snow chamber and snow-pile experiments performed during the 'Alert 2000' campaign show significant release of NO, NO2, and HONO in steady ratios under the influence of irradiation. Both light and a minimal degree of heating are required to produce this effect. We suggest diffusion and re-distribution of NO3 in the form of HNO3 as an important step in the mechanism of active nitrogen release from the snowpack. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.