First detection of ammonia in the upper troposphere
Monday, December 5, 2016 - 13:01
in Astronomy & Space
Population is growing, climate is warming -- hence, emission of ammonia (NH3) trace gas from e.g. agriculture will increase worldwide. Recently, scientists for the first time have detected NH3 in the upper troposphere. They analyzed satellite measurements by the MIPAS infrared spectrometer and found increased amounts of NH3 between 12 and 15 km height in the area of the Asian monsoon. This suggests that the gas is responsible for the formation of aerosols, smallest particles that might contribute to cloud formation.