New Data from Aura's Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) Nitric Acid
The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measures the chemistry of the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere. Nitric Acid is a corrosive, non-volatile, and inorganic acid. In the atmosphere it is formed by the conversion of nitrogen monoxide into nitrogen dioxide, and ultimately into nitric acid.
This animation shows varied concentrations of nitric acid near the Antarctic pole. Nitric Acid can Nitric acid has a relatively low concentration in the atmosphere but provides an important role in the production of sulfuric acid.