Snow-Pile and Chamber Experiments During the Polar Sunrise Experiment ?Alert 2000?: Exploration of Nitrogen Chemistry

Snow chamber and snow pile experiments performed during the ‘Alert 2000’ campaign show significant release of NO, NO2, and HONO in steady ratios under the influence of irradiation. Both light and a minimal degree of heating are required to produce this effect. We suggest diffusion and re-distribution of NO3- in the form of HNO3 as an important step in the mechanism of active nitrogen release from the snowpack.