Key challenges for tropospheric chemistry in the Southern Hemisphere
Clare Paton‐Walsh, Kathryn Emmerson, Rebecca M. Garland, Melita Keywood, Judith J. Hoelzemann, Nicolás Huneeus, Rebecca R. Buchholz, Ruhi S. Humphries, Katye E. Altieri, Julia Schmale, Stephen R. Wilson, Casper Labuschagne, Egide Kalisa, Jenny A. Fisher, Nicholas M. Deutscher, Pieter G. van Zyl, Johan P. Beukes, Warren Joubert, Lynwil Martin, Thumeka Mkololo, Cybelli G. G. Barbosa, María de Fátima Andrade, Robyn Schofield, Marc Mallet, Mike Harvey, Paola Formenti, Stuart Piketh, Gustavo Olivares
Abstract
This commentary paper from the recently formed International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Southern Hemisphere Working Group outlines key issues in atmospheric composition research that particularly impact the Southern Hemisphere. In this article, we present a broad overview of many of the challenges for understanding atmospheric chemistry in the Southern Hemisphere, before focusing in on the most significant factors that differentiate it from the Northern Hemisphere. We present sections on the importance of biogenic emissions and fires in the Southern Hemisphere, showing that these emissions often dominate over anthropogenic emissions in many regions. We then describe how these and other factors influence air quality in different parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Finally, we describe the key role of the Southern Ocean in influencing atmospheric chemistry and conclude with a description of the aims and scope of the newly formed IGAC Southern Hemisphere Working Group.