SULPHUR Flashcards
(19 cards)
What can biogenic products like hydrogen sulphide and DMS be converted to?
SO2 (sulphur dioxide)
These conversions are initiated by OH or NO3 photochemistry.
What can DMS be converted to?
MSA, DMSO, or carbonyl sulphide (OCS)
DMS undergoes various transformations in the atmosphere.
What is the lifetime of carbonyl sulphide (OCS) in the atmosphere?
Around 5 years
This is significantly longer compared to other sulphur compounds.
What is the primary loss mechanism for atmospheric sulphur?
Production of sulphuric acid and subsequent deposition
This process involves reactions with OH radicals.
What is the typical lifetime of sulphur in the troposphere?
1-10 days
What happens to sulphuric acid in the atmosphere?
It condenses onto surfaces and dissolves into aqueous interfaces
This includes cloud droplets and sea surfaces.
What is the dominant loss mechanism for sulphur in the atmosphere?
Wet deposition
What do sulphate-based particles act as in the atmosphere?
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN)
Why are sulphate-based particles not readily lost through settling?
They are principally less than a micron in size
What ions are formed when sulphur dioxide dissolves into cloud droplets?
Bisulphite and sulphite ions
These ions are classified as S(IV) oxides.
What is the main reaction involving hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the atmosphere?
It reacts quickly and is not pH-limited
How does the presence of clouds affect the lifetime of SO2?
Reduces it from days to minutes
What happens to the sulphate produced in clouds?
It is either rained out or remains in residual aerosol particles
This occurs if the cloud droplet dries out.
What is the largest man-made source of sulphur emissions?
Burning fossil fuels, mainly coal
What type of coal is particularly noted as a significant source of sulphur emissions?
Low-quality brown coal
What is a significant source of sulphur emissions from mineral processing?
Smelting of sulphide-based minerals (copper)
What effect do larger atmospheric particles have on cloud droplets?
Increase the number of cloud droplets for a given cloud
How does climate cooling influence cloud brightness?
It increases particulate matter, enhancing cloud brightness
Fill in the blank: More acidic cloud water increases _______.
acid rain and fog
