Colloquia

Since 1987, almost all countries have signed the Montreal Protocol to control substances that cause depletion of the ozone layer. One of the successes of the Protocol has been the dramatic decrease in emissions of methyl chloroform, a metal degreaser that has been responsible for the decline of total equivalent chlorine in the atmosphere. However, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC-12), a common refrigerant, and the halons, fast-acting fire extinguishing agents, are still increasing in the atmosphere even though production ceased for the developed countries in 1996. This research talk will discuss ground-based and airborne measurements and their implication for the future ozone depletion. Preliminary results from a recent field campaign operated on the Trans-Siberian Railway will also be presented.