Author(s)

D.C. Dowdell & G.R Matthews

Abstract

Use of a computer model to investigate the sensitivity of the atmospheric chlorine loading D.C. Dowdell, G.R Matthews Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK ABSTRACT A spreadsheet based computer model has been developed which calculates the atmospheric chlorine loading from 1985 to 2100 using globally averaged mass balance equations. It models fourteen chlorine containing halocarbons, utilizing available data on production rates, growth, use and lifetimes. Delay coefficients are also employed which allow for the effect of halocarbons retained in equipment for a period of time before release. The model is used to investigate the sensitivity of the chlorine loading to current and future forcing factors. INTRODUCTION The 1991 Antarctic ozone hole reached a low of 125 Dobson Units (DU), making it comparable to those observed in 1987, 1989 and 1990 [1]. Despite large natural flu

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