Stratospheric Aerosol Measurements IV: Global Time Variations of the Aerosol Burden and Source Considerations

Abstract

Balloon-borne measurements of the stratospheric sulfate aerosol from late 1971 to mid-1974, a quiescent period in terms of large volcanic eruptions at stations ranging from 85°N to 90°S, are utilized in a study of the global spatial and temporal variations and for sulfur budget and aerosol source considerations. Similarities in the aerosol loading in the two hemispheres, both spatial and temporal, are evident. An apparent long-term decay in total aerosol appears to have occurred globally during the period suggesting a transient source. SO2 budgetary considerations and model calculations favor a larger injection of SO2 than would be expected from a quasi-static natural exchange of tropospheric air.