The Trace Composition of the Atmosphere and the Global Atmospheric Ozone Content

Since Sydney Chapman first introduced the theory of photochemical production of O₃ in the stratosphere in 1930 there have been continuing efforts to reconcile theoretical models with the observational facts about atmospheric O₃. Recently this effort has intensified due to concern that humanity may inadvertently modify the ozone layer through various activities. In this paper we discuss the uncertain basis of current models of atmospheric ozone and then present some southern hemisphere measurements of trace gases that are involved in stratospheric chemistry.