Nitric acid, tropospheric hydroxyl radical

NO2 in the troposphere reacts with hydroxyl radicals (from reaction 8.10, via reactions 8.2, 8.6, and 8.10) to form nitric acid ... 

Paul continued to make major contributions to stratospheric chemistry. For example, he explained how nitric acid clouds cause the Antarctic ozone hole. At the same time, he also turned his attention to the troposphere, which is the air layer that connects with the biosphere and where weather and climate take place. The troposphere is also prone to air pollution, while it is cleaned by oxidation reactions. The self-cleaning capacity relies on the presence of reactive hydroxyl radicals that convert pollutant gases into more soluble compounds that are removed by rain. The primary formation of hydroxyl radicals in turn is from ozone. While most ozone is located in the stratosphere, protecting life on Earth against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, a small amount is needed in the troposphere to support the self-cleaning capacity. While previous theories had assumed that tropospheric ozone originates in the stratosphere, Paul discovered that much of it is actually chemically formed within the troposphere. The formation mechanism is similar to the creation of ozone pollution in photochemical smog . 

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