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Appendix A Letter from the National Climate Program Office Requesting a Symposium Pros
106 `~' °, Cq~ · 14~ . 7,; A,,,, of 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
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