Aerological studies on the atmospheric sulfur budget

Air-craft ascents for measurements of trace substances in the atmosphere permit surveillance of air pollution as well as soundings in relatively pure air when special sampling and analysing techniques are used. The concentrations of the components SO₂, NH₃, SO₄⁼, H₂S, and heavy metals were studied under different meteorological situations and air masses. From this the influence of clouds, sun radiation e.g. on the atmospheric SO₂ concentration may be estimated. SO₂ residence time in the atmosphere ranges from about one hour to several days as it is calculated from the concentration distribution of several trace substances (SO₂, CO₂) in the troposphere. SO₂ and its reaction products are omnipresent air pollutants in the troposphere over Europe as is seen from air-craft measurements and combined trajectory studies.