On the diffusivity of trace gases under stratospheric conditions

Transport of trace gases within the gas phase to a cloud or a sulphate aerosol droplet proceeds by molecular diffusion at the gas-liquid interface. An accurate determination of the molecular diffusion coefficient has a direct bearing on estimates of trace gas uptake and scavenging. A literature search revealed that this parameter is often chosen rather arbitrarily and the choice of a particular value is constrained by the availability of experimental data which are usually available at one atmospheric pressure under laboratory conditions. Since the process of trace gas transport to droplets occur at heights much above the ground level, it is important to determine an accurate value of the diffusion coefficient at varying levels in the atmosphere. This was achieved theoretically by estimating diffusivities for some important trace gases under stratospheric conditions by a Lennard-Jones method. Molecular diffusivity of 22 trace gases (including ClONO₂, HNO₃, SO₂ and H₂O₂ which may lead to heterogeneous reactions on various surfaces) have been estimated which can be used by modellers for improved scavenging estimates.