The origin of the gaseous form of natural atmospheric chlorine

Abstract

From the evaluation of Junge's experimental data from Florida the conclusion has been drawn that the gaseous form of the natural atmospheric chlorine cannot originate from the particles of sea salt. According to the data by Podzimek and colleagues from the Hradec Králové area (Czechoslovakia) it seems especially improbable that hydrogen chloride would be released from sea salt by action of sulphuric acid; a more accurate re-computation of the original calculation on which the above-mentioned hypothesis was based leads to the same conclusion. Basic reasons supporting the idea that the gaseous form of the atmospheric chlorine results from volcanic action are given. If this new hypothesis is confirmed, the study of processes affecting deep-seated volcanic exhalations will also become significant from the points of view of meteorology, agriculture, transportation, etc.