Abstract
This paper deals with the origin of sulphates (SO=4) in the stratosphere during periods of volcanic quiescence. Based on measurements taken during the 1971-1981 Airstream Project, we determined that the oxidation of carbonyl sulphide molecules (COS) is sufficient to explain the distribution of SO=4 in the stratosphere. Oxidation by OH attack appears negligible, photodissociation is significant. The stratospheric life time of COS molecules is estimated at approximately 4 years. The mean oxidation rate of COS in the stratosphere is 1.0 x 107 molecules cm-2 s-1. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1986.tb00090.x