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OCR for page 105
Appendix A
Letter from the National Climate
Program Office
Requesting a Symposium
Pros
OCR for page 106
106
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Dr. John Perry
Executive Secretary
Board of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
National Academy of Sciences
2101 Constitution Avenue
Washington, DC 20418
Dear John:
APPENDIX A
JAN1 91988
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Rockville. Md 20852
NATIONAL CLIMATE PROGRAM OFFICE
January 12, 1988
As you know, the most recent observations of the Antarctic
"Ozone Hole" indicate that it not only is larger in magnitude in
1987 than any previous year, but also lasting longer- presumably
because of the persistence of the polar vortex which did not
break up until late November (rather than late October). This
situation is apparently caused by anomalous low temperatures
which contribute to the formation of the polar stratospheric
clouds - a necessary condition for the heterogeneous chemistry
that causes the rapid ozone depletion. The ozone depletion, in
turn, contributes to the persistence of the low temperatures - a
positive feedback effect.
There is also the distinct possibility that the increase of
methane in the atmosphere and its subsequent oxidation in the
stratosphere (CH4 + OH-~-CH3 + H2O) is significantly contributing
to the growth of these polar stratospheric clouds. If this is
indeed the case, then ~
_ the prospect of an increase in the rate of
methane outgassing from Arctic tundra and permafrost due to
projected greenhouse ~ ~ ~ ~
certainly exacerbate
stratospheric ozone
In view of this
feedbacks, I suggest
warming (enhanced in higher latitudes) will
both the greenhouse warming and the
depletion.
most serious combination of positive
_ __ that you consider a joint planning meeting
of the Climate Research and Atmospheric Chemistry Committees for
the purpose of (1) assessing our current understanding of the
linkages between greenhouse warming and stratospheric ozone
depletion, and (2) identifying possible gaps or needs in our
research programs. Now, more than ever, the need exists to
provide sound scientific input to policy-makers on these
issues. In this connection, the terms of the recent Montreal
Agreement to limit the world wide production of CFC's provide for
revising the schedule of reductions based on a re-assessment of
the environmental situation.
- =,
I=
~c, cams
OCR for page 107
APPENDIX A
In view of the possibility that the greenhouse effect may be
accelerating the depletion of stratospheric ozone, and the
probability that both are contributing to the unprecedented ( see
attached) decrease in Southern Hemisphere stratospheric
temperature, I am requesting that this matter be given the
highest priority in the BASC plan for 1988.
S i ncerely,
Alan D. Hecht
D i rec tor,
Nat tonal C1 imate Program
Of f ice
107
Representative terms from entire chapter:
climate program
