Temporal evolution of UV absorbing aerosol loading of the atmosphere

Abstract

Zonal mean aerosol index data from measurements by TOMS on Nimbus‐7 (1979–1993) and Earth Probe (1997–2002) are considered. A continuous accumulation of UV‐absorbing aerosol in the troposphere is observed. This gives rise to the question of how much of this aerosol is uplifted to the stratosphere and what are the implications of a possible continuous increase in stratospheric UV‐absorbing aerosol in the chemistry of the stratosphere.