New Data from Aura's Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) Hydrochloric Acid
The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measures the chemistry of the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere. Hydrogen Chloride, is a covalent bonded nonflammable gas and ionizes almost completely when dissolved in water. When dissolved in water, hydrogen chloride forms a strong acid, hydrochloric acid.
This animation shows varied concentrations of HCI near the Antarctic pole. In the stratosphere, Hydrogen Chloride (HCI), acts as a reservoir species temporarily removing chlorine radicals from a catalytic ozone destruction cycle.